DOUBLE TAP TO ZOOM WITH PHONE OR TABLET A Note to Readers Sometimes Esteban gets upset because he misses his mama after she drops him off at child care. It’s not unusual for young children to struggle when it’s time to say good-bye to a loved one, but that doesn’t make separating or being apart any easier. Adults often struggle too—parents, as they try to find just the right way to say good-bye, and caregivers, as they try to provide comfort. You can help children through this significant transition by establishing a consistent and upbeat drop-off routine— like the way Mama Lucia reads to Esteban and gives him two kisses and a hug before Walter comes over. You can acknowledge the emotions of a child who is upset and provide reassurance. Walter does this when he tells Esteban, “It can be hard to say good-bye to your mama. You know she always comes back at the end of the day.” And the child benefits when you—parents and caregivers—communicate about how the child is doing throughout the day. We hope Mama’s Gloves assures children that even when it’s hard to say good-bye to a loved one, another caring adult is always nearby, and a reunion with family at the end of the day is a sure thing. COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL