The Magic Box

By: Marty Sederman and Seymour Epstein

This is a book for when a parent can’t be there to do the things they would normally do like tucking your child in, playing hide and seek, or riding a bike together.  Casey is given a magic box from his Dad to hold on to until he returns.  Inside is a picture of their family, a hug and a kiss for when it is needed and some markers.  Casey then makes a magic box for his Dad to have when he gets back and to use when he goes away again.  This book identifies how challenging even a couple of days absence can be for a child and parents.  My children liked being able to relate to Casey and his feelings as their own Dad comes and goes quite a bit.  This book helps kids to recognize that they are not the only ones that have a parent that leaves and that other kids are upset about it too.

Some Additional Suggestions:

* Use any type of box – shoe, cereal, etc. and decorate it

* Have your kids put pictures, ticket stubs, lucky penny, etc. to all talk about when their family member returns

* Put the box away when you are all home so that it will be considered special when someone is going to be absent

* Add a new decoration to the box each time it is used

For more information about our tips, resources and books go to: http://www.whileyouwereaway.org

To submit a book recommendation of your own, write to: Megan@whileyouwereaway.org

Filed under: Military Family Support - Tips from the 101 Tips books, Re-integration Tips, Tips for Educators and Deployment Support Workers | Tagged: absence, deployment, Marty Sederman, military families, Seymour Epstein, The Magic Box |