Best way to tell children about new baby!
Recommended by pediatricians, teachers, and mommas
When my husband’s daughter-in-law announced her second pregnancy, we were thrilled! Erica, his grand daughter was five years old at the time, so the conversation began. How do we portray to a toddler the stages and events that take place before having a baby?
Knowing the entertaining and sometimes awkward questions Erica would have, I wrote a story to help her parents give her the answers she searched for without going overboard on on the details.
WoW! What a Trip was born to help our family, and now, so many more! I never expected the book to win awards and be recommended by pediatricians. It’s been rewarding to hear the stories from families who enjoyed using the story to create memories with each other.
The secret to a happy “you’re going to be a big sister/brother” is timing, details children care to understand, and a space where you children feel appreciated and loved. They have big emotions when life is changing!
More and more questions might come from your young child as the pregnancy develops, so we put together a guide of talking points to help guide conversations in a helpful way.
Good talking point examples
“Mommy and Daddy love each other so much, and because we love you so much, we have decided to have a new baby. Right now, our new baby is growing in a special place in mommy’s tummy.”
“Our baby really likes hearing all different noises like us talking or laughing or listening to music. Sometimes the baby can even hear a dog barking or fireworks popping. You can tell the baby that you love him/her very much and can’t wait to see them. Would you like to say something to our baby?”
“Mommy has to go to the doctor for regular checkups. Sometimes the doctor uses a special camera so we can see our new baby growing. Sometimes the doctor even takes a picture of our baby. Would you like to see it?”
After seeing how engaged Erica was when we shared the story with her, we created a guide that goes page by page in the story. You can get the guide here to take a peak at the storyline.
From the perspective of new baby, we walk through the whimsical truths that the younger sibling experiences in mom’s belly. Here are a few pages. Our illustrations, by Susan Lavalley, have won award for the colorful accuracy to spark happiness as the family reads along.
“Developmentally appropriate and engaging for young children”
“Remarkable illustrations and a must for any expecting parent of an additional child”
It’s been so fulfilling to see how our family’s story has helped even more people. I’d love to send you a copy to enjoy or gift to someone you love. This month, I am shipping out orders in the US for free as a treat for the holidays! The offer will show up at checkout. Get your family copy here.
We are shipping books for FREE in the US as a holiday treat! Thank you for ordering.
Meet the Author!
SUSAN M. TARRANT
Susan M. Tarrant was educated at Eastern Michigan University in Special Education and taught special needs children for many years. She has also been a small business owner, a recruiter and a career counselor.
Her most important job, however, has been that of mother and grandmother. Family means everything to her! Her retirement and the love of family have brought her to this new career of authorship.
Susan’s passion for life and new experiences led to the completion of this wonderful project. It is from that love and devotion that WoW! What A Trip! has come to be.
Meet the Illustrator!
SUSAN LAVALLEY
WWW.SUSANLAVALLEY.COM
Susan’s love of illustration was developed at the Cleveland Institute of Art where she also refined talents in the traditional craft of Metalsmithing and Classic Enamelwork. Years later, Susan joined the SCBWI, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, where she then discovered a purity of communication with children through drawing.
