I Love You All Day Long
What’s inside...
In Francesca Rusackas and Priscilla Burris's picture book, Owen's mother reassures him as he heads off to his first day of preschool or kindergarten. She promises that her love will stay with him all day long, through every new experience and challenge, from making new friends to spilling his juice. The book provides comfort to nervous little ones by showing the enduring love of a parent, whether they are together or apart.
Age
2-4
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Owen
Owen'S Mother
Discussion points
Why do you think Owen's mom says 'I love you all day long'?
How do you think Owen felt when he went to school for the first time?
What are some of the ways you feel loved by us throughout the day?
Can you think of a time when you were worried or scared, but felt better remembering someone loves you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story of a time you felt loved and cared for during a challenging time, setting a receptive and open mood.
Encourage your child to express their feelings by asking how certain parts of the story made them feel, validating their emotions as they share.
Connect the story to your child's experiences by discussing similar situations they might have faced, like the first day in a new environment or missing home.
Use comforting words and a gentle tone to foster a safe space that allows your child to open up and discuss their thoughts freely.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Reassurance of Unconditional Love
Explanation: The story portrays a parent’s comforting reassurance to a child experiencing separation anxiety, affirming that their love persists regardless of physical distance.
Real-World Application: Children can be reminded of their caregivers' constant love, which can help them feel secure and confident even when away from home, such as at school or daycare.
Example Lesson: Handling Emotions
Explanation: The book illustrates various emotions the child character goes through when separating from the parent, teaching young readers that it's okay to feel anxious and that expressing emotions is healthy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to articulate their feelings in different situations, promoting emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
Example Lesson: Comfort in Routine
Explanation: The narrative includes routines that the parent and child share, highlighting how consistency provides comfort.
Real-World Application: Children can find solace in their daily routines, making transitions like starting school easier and stabilizing their emotional state.
Example Lesson: Support Through Affirmations
Explanation: Positive affirmations are used throughout the story to boost the child’s confidence and sense of security.
Real-World Application: Parents can integrate positive affirmations into their child's daily routine to promote self-esteem and emotional resilience.