School is starting soon – in whatever fashion that might look. That comes with big feelings even for the been-there-done-that-artwork-last-year students. The game didn’t go remotely how it was planned. Kiddos hurl nasty comments without thinking them through. And feelings get hurt.
Tears aren’t just for girls. Let’s all agree that might’ve been what people said or thought back in the day, but c’mon. In our house, everyone cries, anyone can wear pink or blue and our kiddos can find me or My Guy washing dishes.
Enter two books that absolutely dominate the message that guys deal with big feeling, too. And it’s a-ok to let the waterworks flow.
The illustrations in Big Boys Cry by Jonty Howley are adorable! Levi heads off to his first day of school and his dad tells him that big boys don’t cry. Watch as Levi sees that isn’t quite the case. And learns that tears are absolutely ok!
I geeked out on this author’s website and his store is dreamy. I found a fun activity to follow-up this read-aloud.
Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too) by Keith Negley was spot ON for my superhero-lovin’ dude in the house and the message was perfect for all four kiddos. (Well, Hope was busy trying to turn the pages, but I say she understands.) The illustrations feature a lot of stereotypical masculine men dealing with frustration and disappointment. Yes! Kiddos will feel these emotions and how fantastic to switch the narrative about what tough looks like. Tough is admitting what you feel and working with it! Love!
