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by Anna Casamento Arrigo (Author)
When Daddy's Going Away is a tale about the 'love-after-divorce.' In the United States alone, about 35 to 40 percent of married couples divorce. This can be a daunting experience for children, particularly young ones who can't fully grasp what is happening. There are risks, but there can also be good outcomes, especially if the separation results in happier homes and happier parents who are better able to meet children's needs. After all, the most important thing is that children have a loving environment. And that's what Author Anna Casamento Arrigo emphasizes in her book "When Daddy's Going Away."
With the story lovingly illustrated, Arrigo conveys with gentle and soothing words the changes children can expect after their parents separate. Throughout the narrative, she emphasizes how both parents still love their child, that this love remains unchanged even if mommy and daddy aren't together anymore. Nonetheless, Anna remains realistic with how the kids will feel about the transition. In doing so, she allows the children a healthy expression and acknowledgment of these emotions, which in turn eventually enables acceptance and support.
After all, shying away from such subjects and avoiding the uncomfortable won't help prevent trauma, and promoting unrealistic expectations can also be harmful. Anna Arrigo is promoting what is best for the child, and in reading this bedtime story to their little ones, parents can be reminded of what's at stake as well.
Anna Casamento Arrigo is the author of several children's books. She is indeed an artist with many hats; a visual artist, a painter, and a teacher. After recovering from a stroke, Anna realized that she can no longer fulfill her role of being a teacher. Having taught inner-city students prior to her stroke, Anna Casamento Arrigo understands fully well what it means to need inspiration. When Anna Casamento Arrigo penned "When Daddy's Going Away," she started the writing journey with a reflection, a snippet of her dad. It differs, however, because Anna's dad passed away when she was only 12.
"I don't pretend to honestly know what a child, who's going through the upheaval and sadness may experience during but, especially, after that divorce is finalized.
All I have or, rather, am left with, is that sense of loss and the uncertainty that comes with not knowing."
I, suppose, in some aberrant way, it's best that I never had that sense of loss, conflict, pain, and separation or, even, alienation because parents' contention toward each other becomes, in some ways, greater than the love they have or should have for their child or children. "When Daddy's Going Away," is my thought, my soul, and heart seeking to explore and, hopefully, allow some to remember THE CHILD "--Anna Casamento Arrigo
