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When Mom Goes Out: A Story About Dealing With Sadness

When Mom Goes Out: A Story About Dealing With Sadness

When Mom goes out, the sad shows up at the door. Goodbyes are hard, especially for small people. This story stays right there with the child until the sad eases, which is also what you do. Missing someone and feeling a little bit excited can both be true at once. Written by Dr. Anna Huang, clinical psychologist (PhD).

Download the free coloring sheets and ebook edition → When Mom Goes Out Resources

$17.00 USD
$17.00 USD $17.00 USD
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10x10 inch Hardcover Book

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More books about big feelings

When your child is working on sadness, anger usually shows up on the same playground. I Want A Popsicle!: A Story About Dealing With Anger picks up where this one lets go, and The Big Slide: A Story About Dealing With Fear is there for the days the wobbly feeling needs a name. Read them together or keep one by the bed and one in the car. Either way, you're giving your child three named feelings and three calm ways through.

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A mother and young daughter read a picture book together on a couch in a sunlit living room, the girl turning a page, with a panda plush and a doll nearby.

Emotional Development

Created by a psychologist mom to help toddlers name and navigate their big feelings

frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What age is the book best for?

This story is designed for toddlers ages 2–5. It’s simple enough for young toddlers to follow, with emotional depth that grows with them.

Do I need to speak another language to use the bilingual version?

Not at all! Each book includes both English and the second language on every page. Whether you’re fluent, learning, or just introducing your child to cultural roots, it’s easy to follow along.

Can I buy just one book, or do I have to get the bundle?

You can absolutely buy one book — but bundling both saves you 10% and gives your child tools for handling anger, fear, and sadness

Is this really written by a psychologist?

Yes! I’m a licensed psychologist and a mom. I created these stories based on strategies I use in the therapy room and what I use with my children as well!

How long does shipping take?

Orders typically ship within 2–3 business days. You’ll receive tracking info as soon as your order goes out!

Do you accept returns or exchanges?

Find our Returns and Exchange policyhere

  • 5 stars: 18 (95%)
  • 4 stars: 1 (5%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
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Ann Henderson
Highly recommend

My 2.5 year old granddaughter and I go to this book every time mom or dad goes out. She has been struggling with either of them leaving the home and this book has helped immensely with stopping the tantrums and understanding that they will always come back. Highly recommend.

M
Melissa Marshall
My 3 and 5 year old love this book

My 3 and 5 year old love this book. I have been able to use this as a guide - I remind them of the story when I have to go out. This book puts words to their feelings and also gives them a story with a character they can relate to.

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Margaret DiLoretto
Wonderful book! I read it to my granddaughter who’s turning 5 in December

Wonderful book! I read it to my granddaughter who’s turning 5 in December. Love the illustrations too! Such vibrant colors!

A
Anonymous
Review for Cantonese Ver

Review for Cantonese Ver

We've had this book for about 3 months now and my daughter (20m+) loves it! She likes seeing the little details on each page, and we can engage with her. Even though she doesn't really understand the story right now, she still loves listening to it.

A little nitpick though, the title of the book uses Mama for Mom but the story continually uses Mami for mom and mommy, however dad is always baba. I get that colloquially many cantonese speakers use Mami/mommy but its weird that they use mami for both mom and mommy. Not my preference (we use mama in our house) but not the worse.

In the end, she enjoys the book as a young toddler and as she gets older, she will no doubt understand and enjoy the story as well.

M
Maria

My grandchild loves these books! I would definitely recommend.

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Anonymous
An Invaluable, Accessible, and Brilliantly Illustrated Resource!

Thank you for providing such a wonderful resource that really gives insight into behaviors that may not necessarily have been addressed in previous generations. The focus of each book and the intent to make it accessible through the various available languages also contributes to the cross cultural accessibility. As well, can't say enough about the spot-on illustrations and parents and uncles and aunties alike have all seen countless times in our little loved ones. Thank you, Dr. Anna and Nolen!

A
Anonymous
Love it! Please make a board book option

Love it! Please make a board book option available soon :)

O
Oralia Rubio
My son wants me to read this book every night without a miss since we got it

My son wants me to read this book every night without a miss since we got it.

J
Jennifer Lee
Great book!

Great book! One of our new favorites!!

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Nancy

First book l have found for seperation anxiety… well written !

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MAP
Such a great theme for kids to learn about and have good conversations

Such a great theme for kids to learn about and have good conversations.

K
Kim

Love the book. Thoughtful words and beautiful illustrations.

L
Laurie Cusick
Great book

Great book, BUT I wish I knew beforehand that a father was in the book. I had purchased the book as a gift for a single mom whose son has these issues

Hi Laurie.

Thanks for your feedback. We actually provide previews of the entire book in our product page. Just scroll down and you'll be able to read through the entire book in any of our languages!

Thanks
Dr. Anna

K
K.M.

Love everything about the books, I have ordered all three. My son asks me to read it more than once. Love the story line, the graphics. We enjoy reading it together!! Highly recommended!!!

M
Meagan
This book has helped my three year-old granddaughter with these transitions

This book has helped my three year-old granddaughter with these transitions. Her mom is so happy to have this book on her shelves!

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Gabriela R
Amazing!! thank you so much

Amazing!! thank you so much.

J
Jane Hall
Amazing addition to the collection

This book was so great about explaining sadness when mom leaves. It is an excellent addition to the series. My kids love finding what the cats are doing too. Love the suggestions at the end for parents too!

C
Chryston

So gorgeous and full of vibrant story telling.

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Anonymous
Incredibly thoughtful and fun!

This book came JUST in time, as my 2-year-old can use her words and is a Stage 5 Clinger to Mommy. It has helped her to process and express herself when she's sad. She loves looking at the book and making a little hand heart with me before I leave!