Starting school, trying a new activity, or spending time away from a caregiver can bring a whole forecast of feelings. A child might feel excited and worried at the same time. Reading together can offer a place to begin the conversation.
In The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, illustrated by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak, Chester Raccoon is reluctant to leave home for school. His mother offers a loving ritual to help him remember their connection while they are apart. Read more about the book and its history.
This is a reading-activity suggestion, not a report of using the book with a particular child. You can borrow a library copy or use one you already own.
Keep the questions optional. A child can point to a picture, answer one question, or enjoy the story without discussing their own experiences. Do not ask for a personal story just because the book brings up a familiar situation.
Ask, ‘If your feelings about this goodbye were weather, what would they look like?’ Invite sunshine, clouds, rain, or a mixture. Then ask, ‘What might help you through that weather?’
Choose one small support together: a familiar goodbye phrase, a picture in a backpack, or knowing which trusted adult they can approach.
Talk about what will happen next and who will be available. Avoid promising that nothing will feel hard. Try ‘You can miss me and still have good moments today. Both feelings can belong.’ Afterward, ask what helped and whether anything should change next time.
For more prompts, visit Two Feelings Can Belong at the Same Time.
Read together
A picture book about a young raccoon preparing for school and staying connected to his caregiver.
Try together: Read together, name Chester's possible feelings, and choose one small support for an upcoming goodbye.
Consider before buying: A conversation starter rather than a guarantee that goodbyes will be easy. A library copy works for the activity too.