Ellie's mother did not come for their visit, and Ellie is stuck in a cloud of sadness and anger as she tries to understand why. Fortunately, Miss K. and Ellie's Uncle Finny are there to help her. Using the metaphor of a wave, they help Ellie talk about and understand her mother's ups and downs, recognise and hold on to loving memories, and know that she is not alone.
Millions of young children live in families with an adult who is struggling due to trauma, mental illness (PTSD, depression, bipolar), or substance abuse. Mama's Waves was written for any child who has a family member who struggles with emotional waves whether they live together or not.
The story was developed to open doors to conversations that young children need to have. When family members have challenges, young children worry about them and often have many difficult questions. The book helps children to have language for the challenges that their parents face, to better understand why their parent may not be around, and the keep good memories alive.
While the book was written specifically for children whose parents have struggled with addiction or mental illness, other children may benefit from having language and dialogue that helps them to empathically understand the challenges that too many families are facing.
Also available,
Daddy's Waves.
Author: Chandra Ghosh Ippen
Ages: 3yrs to 11yrs
