Tough Topics Resources
Tough Topics
Resources to help you talk to your kids about tough topics.
The library has some backpacks designed to help you with this process but due to COVID-19, we cannot lend the backpacks out at this time. However, you can find most of the information contained within by clicking here.
Divorce and Separation
Alzheimer's/Dementia in a Loved One
Kids First Center
51 U.S. Route 1, Suite S
Scarborough, ME 04074
207-761-2709
kidsfirstcenter.org
Kids First Center offers a variety of educational programs about separation, divorce, and co-parenting for parents, children, and professionals.
Alzheimer’s Association
383 US Route One, Suite 2C
Scarborough, ME 04074
207-772-0115 or 800-272-3900
https://www.alz.org/maine
Alzheimer’s Association provides education and support to all those facing Alzheimer’s and other dementias throughout the community, including those living with the disease, caregivers, health care professionals, and families. They also advocate for the needs and rights of those facing the disease and for research toward methods of treatment, prevention, and a cure.
Death of a Loved One or Pet
The Center for Grieving Children
555 Forest Avenue
Portland, ME 04101
207-775-5216
https://www.cgcmaine.org/
The Center for Grieving Children, based in Portland, serves more than 4,000 grieving children, teens, families, and young adults annually through peer support, outreach, and education. Since its founding in 1987, the Center for Grieving Children has served more than 66,000 children, teens, and their families.
Pet Loss Support Group
Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland
217 Landing Road
Westbrook, ME 04092
207-854-9771
https://arlgp.org/supportgroup/
The support group meets the first Monday of the month from 5:30-6:30 pm in the ARLGP Humane Education Classroom. Participants are encouraged to register prior to each session, so in case of inclement weather or scheduling conflicts we can notify attendees of cancellation.
Racism
EmbraceRace is a great nonprofit that works on supporting parents who want to talk to their kids about race. They have resources, booklists, and more!
Fuse #8, a blog on the School Library Journal network, has a great list of books and films to start with, organized by age.
Pretty Good Design has excellent resources about finding age-appropriate ways to talk to your children about race.
Here’s another book list that’s organized by topic, rather than age.
Podcasts can be a great way to get information too. Here are a few we really like:
From NPR’s LifeKit (Podcast 1) (Podcast 2).
The Longest Shortest Time– How to not accidentally raise a racist.
Kojo for Kids with Jason Reynolds.