The Baby-Sitters Club Series
Kristy and Mr. Mom
on Goodreads (959)
What’s inside...
Worrying about her stepfather after a heart attack forces him to quit his job for a less stressful lifestyle, Kristy wonders if Nanny's departure, an outbreak of the flu, and the arrival of Karen and Andrew will disturb the peace.
Age
9-12
Length
154 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Discussion points
How did Kristy feel about her mom working and her dad taking over at home? What feelings would you have in a similar situation?
What are some of the challenges Kristy and her family faced with this new change? Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge and how you handled it?
How did the roles in Kristy's family change when her mom went to work? Why do you think those changes happened?
What did Kristy learn about her dad and herself by the end of the book? What have you learned about your family members that surprised you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the family dynamics presented in the book, and relate them to your own family.
Discuss the characters’ emotions and decisions to foster empathy and understanding in your child.
Point out specific scenes where characters overcome obstacles or learn something new; ask your child how they might react in similar situations.
Use the book as an opportunity to discuss the importance of adapting to changes and working together as a family.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Kristy and Mr. Mom', Kristy takes on more responsibilities at home when her mother is away, managing some of the household duties.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking on small tasks at home, like setting the table or tidying up, fostering a sense of responsibility and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Adapting to Change
Explanation: The book showcases how Kristy and her family adapt when her mother leaves town and her father steps in, highlighting the importance of flexibility.
Real-World Application: Children learn to adjust to new situations, whether it’s a new classroom environment or changes within their family dynamics.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Kristy begins to understand the challenges of parenting through her experiences, promoting empathy towards her parents.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate their parents' efforts and to be empathetic towards others’ situations and feelings.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: The story emphasizes the significance of family support and working together during changes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of maintaining strong family relationships and being supportive of family members during times of change.