Mommy's Smile

Mommy’s Smile, winner of the 2009 Planetree Caregiver Award, was written to foster a positive learning experience for children and their families when struggling with the illness of a parent or family member. I have learned, while caring for children and their parents, that when a loved one is hospitalized, gentle support and education combined with time with the parents or guardian can prepare the child and their family and often lessen the anxiety, separation, and negative effects of hospitalization. The book is interactive, which allows children to express their feelings about illness with a family member. This in turn can help open dialogue and assist children in talking about feelings that are not easy to express. It is my hope that Mommy’s Smile can offer education as well as peace during a very difficult time in children’s lives.