
A parent would reach for this book when their child is struggling with the arrival of a new step-parent or step-siblings, particularly if the child seems worried that there is not enough love to go around. This gentle story follows Harriet as she navigates the confusing emotions that arise when her family structure begins to change. It beautifully addresses themes of jealousy, belonging, and the fear of being replaced. Written by a child psychologist, it provides a safe space for children aged 4 to 10 to process the 'stretching' of their family. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's complex feelings while offering a hopeful perspective on how a heart can grow to hold new people without losing the old ones.
The book deals with blended families and the introduction of step-relatives. The approach is direct and secular, focusing on emotional intelligence. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, acknowledging that while change is hard, the outcome can be beautiful.
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Sign in to write a reviewAn elementary-aged child (6-8) who is experiencing 'middle-child' syndrome within a new blended family or a child who has expressed vocal jealousy about a parent's new partner.
The book can be read cold, but parents should be ready to pause and ask their child if they ever feel the 'tightness' in their chest that Harriet feels. It is designed for bibliotherapy. A parent might see their child withdrawing, acting out, or asking questions like, 'Do you still love me as much as them?' This book is the perfect response to those moments of insecurity.
Younger children (4-6) will connect with the physical metaphors of a heart stretching. Older children (8-10) will appreciate the validation of their more complex social anxieties regarding family hierarchy.
Unlike many books that focus on the 'fun' of new siblings, this one, written by psychologist Rachel Brace, focuses intently on the difficult internal emotional labor the child is doing, making it an essential therapeutic tool.
Harriet's life is changing as her parent introduces a new partner and step-siblings into the home. The story focuses on Harriet's internal world: her physical and emotional reactions to these changes. She worries that her place in her parent's heart is shrinking as the family expands. Through the metaphor of an 'expanding heart,' she learns that love is an infinite resource.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.