Addressing Common Pediatric Concerns Through Children s Books

Abstract

1. Ellen C. Perrin, MD* 2. Susan Starr, MEd* 1. 2. *Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA. Books about common pediatric concerns read to or by children can serve several purposes: 1) provide accurate information, 2) normalize feelings and experiences, 3) facilitate conversations between parents and children about difficult topics, 4) help children develop strategies to cope with complex situations, and 5) develop understanding and empathy for children coping with a variety of circumstances. Our recommended list of books is based on how regularly we have received requests for book suggestions from parents, children, students, residents, and clinicians. There is a virtual explosion of books for children, and it is impossible to be inclusive either of all possible topics or of particular books within each topic. In some topic areas few books are available (eg, smoking); in others the vast array makes it very difficult and sometimes overwhelming to make a reasoned choice (eg, death or illness). An informal survey of community pediatricians yielded specific direction for the choice of topic areas. We have included books that address new babies, adoption, sibling rivalry/sibling love, puberty and sexuality, divorce, eating problems, learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, substance abuse, depression and mental illness, illness and disabilities, family violence, and death. Other topics deserve similar lists, such as descriptions of doctor and dentist visits and the process of physical examination, anatomy and physiology, child development, and specific parenting practices. We have not included videotapes or books in languages other than English. We have assembled a list of books that we think are among the best in each content area, although not necessarily the only excellent examples. We have included books appropriate for children of all ages and for the adults who care for them. Many of these books go out of print very quickly and may be accessed best through libraries. For the most current information, we suggest that …