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This Book Offers Emotional Clarity Around Something Many Children Struggle To Understand - When Adults Are Sad, Frustrated, Or Overwhelmed - It’s Not The Child’s Fault
”As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I’m always looking for books that help parents talk to their children about emotions in a safe and developmentally appropriate way; I Love You When I’m Happy and I Love You When I’m Sad does exactly that. This book beautifully communicates a message that I believe every child needs to “You are loved no matter what.” But it goes a step further, offering emotional clarity around something many children struggle to understand; when adults are sad, frustrated, or overwhelmed, it’s not the child’s fault. That message alone has the potential to lift a huge emotional weight off a child’s shoulders. From a clinical lens, this story supports healthy emotional boundaries while also promoting emotional resilience, for both children and parents. It shows that feelings come and go, and that love stays constant through them all. The illustrations are calming and warm, and the language is gentle but impactful. I can absolutely see myself recommending this book to the families I work with. It’s a powerful tool for teaching emotional safety, and I believe it could be incredibly helpful in therapy, school settings, or at home.”
- Jenny Natalio, MSW LCSW Therapist
