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
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