Fred Stays With Me!

Name: Fred Stays With Me!
ISBN: 9780316023818

by Nancy Coffelt

For the child adapting to shared custody, this story gently explores the comfort and companionship a beloved pet provides amidst changing family dynamics.

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About This Book

A parent might reach for this book when their child is adjusting to living in two separate homes. It directly addresses the emotional and logistical challenges of shared custody through a gentle, child-centered lens. The story follows a young girl who travels between her mom's city apartment and her dad's country house. Her one constant is her beloved dog, Fred, who stays with her no matter where she is. This book beautifully illustrates how a pet can provide stability, comfort, and a sense of belonging when a family structure changes. For children ages 5 to 8, it normalizes the two-home experience and provides a reassuring model of resilience and love.

Love & Family Parents Divorcing Dogs Loneliness & Belonging Family & Siblings Resilience & Perseverance Animals Sadness & Grief

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesMild

Directly addresses parental separation and living in two homes, which can be a sensitive topic.

Sensitive Topics

The book deals directly with parental separation and a shared custody arrangement. The approach is secular and matter-of-fact, focusing on the child's present reality rather than the conflict or sadness of the divorce itself. The resolution is realistic and hopeful: the two-home situation is the norm, but the child is secure and has a strong emotional anchor in her pet. The co-parenting relationship appears functional and amicable.