Mama's Waves

Ellie's mom 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, recognize 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 (ACEs), mental illness (PTSD, depression, bipolar), substance abuse, or other addiction. This book was designed to support them and their families. We hope that Ellie's story opens doors to conversations that young children need to have. Ellie wonders why her mom isn't with her and whether she cares. When family members have challenges, young children worry about them and often have many difficult questions. They need the help of grown-ups within and outside their families to better understand why their parent may not be around, to have language for the challenges that their parents face, to know that they can talk about tough times and good times, and to keep alive good memories because these memories shape their view of themselves as worthy of love. Mama's Waves shows us that these conversations are possible, important, and support healing and connection. While the book was written specifically for children whose parents have struggled with addiction or mental illness, many children may benefit from having language and dialogue that helps them to empathically understand the challenges that too many families are facing.

Ellie's mom 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, recognize 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 (ACEs), mental illness (PTSD, depression, bipolar), substance abuse, or other addiction. 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. T