Sonja Lange Wendt is an award-winning author of the Cultivating Compassion in Children books series. Her books are intergenerational and address important and sometimes difficult topics with children on inclusion, acceptance, disabilities, bullying and aging. Serina and Seymour Seed kick off and end each story. Seymour and Serina are the seeds of compassion children have, but sometimes they need planting and nurturing to cultivate the best in them. Through increasing awareness, understanding and discussion, these books teach that using compassion in different situations shows kindness in the greatest way in this sometimes difficult to navigate world.
Sonja uses a variety of setting and characters from grandparents, little girl, little boy, and bugs to engage children in the stories. The settings all include nature and the outdoors. Each story ends with thought provoking questions to be asked by the adult and discussed with the child.
These books are generally fitting for children ages 4-8 but as C.S. Lewis states, “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” Her books are brilliantly illustrated with vivid colors and scenery.
The aging of a grandparent or friend can be confusing for a child, leading them to mistakenly believe they are no longer loved. As people age, they might become less physically active, more forgetful, or experience health issues that affect their ability to interact as they once did. They may even act strange. A grandparent who once played energetically might now tire easily, or a friend may not remember details as well as before.
To a child, these changes can seem like withdrawal or disinterest, causing feelings of rejection or confusion. It’s crucial to explain that these changes are a natural part of aging and not a reflection of diminished love or affection. Encouraging continued interaction, finding new ways to connect, and reassuring the child of the ongoing love can help bridge the gap. By fostering understanding and empathy, we can help children navigate these changes with compassion and reassurance.
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