Three Squeezes

When your child is feeling anxious about being away from you, whether for the first day of school or a new social situation, this book provides a tangible coping mechanism. It tells the story of a young boy nervous about school, whose father teaches him a secret signal: three squeezes of the hand means "I love you." This simple, powerful gesture becomes an anchor for the boy throughout his day, reminding him of his father's love and giving him the courage to face his fears and even make a new friend. For ages 3 to 6, this book is a wonderful choice because it normalizes separation anxiety and offers a practical, comforting tool that families can easily adopt into their own lives.