Helping Children Navigate Big Changes: “Franklin’s World Takes a Turn”

I’m thrilled that we’ve released the fifth book in the ECSELent Adventures series, “Franklin’s World Takes a Turn.” Each book in the series addresses topical developmental issues by helping children explore their emotions, relationships, and the world around them. Each book is designed with support to scaffold learning around familiar topics children encounter while also providing parents and educators with the support to extend learning by connecting the content to their children’s individual needs and experiences.

“Franklin’s World Takes a Turn” explores Franklin’s excitement about becoming a big brother and then the subsequent prickly feelings of no longer being the only child upon the arrival of his new baby sister Zoe, and is struck with the reality of now having to share - the most difficult sharing of all - the time and attention of his parents!

The birth of a new sibling is a momentous change that can often evoke feelings of jealousy, confusion, anger, and disappointment about experienced disruption of one’s place in the family. Questions erupt in young children’s minds about new relationships, along with fear of being left out or less loved within the family system they’ve grown to depend upon.

Being ‘dethroned’ from one’s place among family and/or friends can create inner turmoil and result in aggressive, or regressive, behavior that needs to be empathically addressed. By responding with patience and understanding, you will help your child feel secure in knowing that in making room for a sibling, they may be getting less time but are not getting any less love from you. This will help them accept the baby and their own important role as big brother or sister.

As you read this story together with your child(ren), it’s helpful to remember that when a child is in the throes of confusion, worry, or a distressing emotion, they may act out or shut down. Both are valid reactions. Let the child know that all of their emotions are fine - it’s what we do with them that we need to learn to control and channel. The key adults in children’s lives are able to support children in learning that they are the boss of their big emotions.

In the ECSELent Adventures series, caregivers and children are able to explore an array of difficult topics and emotions with relatable, fun characters. Each book has a primary focus and recommended tips for parents and teachers to engage children in meaningful conversations about challenging topics. “Gilly and the Garden” addresses grief and loss; “Theo’s Deliciously Different Dumplings” addresses diversity, bullying and the need for inclusion; “Riley’s Really Big Worries” addresses anxiety and how children can learn to manage these big emotions so they don’t interfere with engaging in play, with friends and in learning; and “The Ottersons’ Eruption” addresses eruptions within the family and how to deal with big emotions of anger and disappointment.

So perhaps as you’re transitioning your children for a new school year, grab a cozy chair and a few books from the ECSELent Adventures series to address important school- and home-related topics, such as bullying, anxiety, and change.

Happy reading!