Do you have young children and are struggling to connect the gap between submarine life and their creative minds? Well here are some books that other spouses suggested are great resources for children of a submariner:
Today Should Be Enjoyed
Written by Sena Nelson, “Today Should Be Enjoyed” follows one family and their military life. She focuses on finding happiness and pleasure in normal family celebrations, even when their special submariner are not there to experience them.
My Daddy The Submariner
“My Daddy the Submariner” was written by Allexis Wise and follows a little boy as he imagines a day-in-the-life of his submariner dad while on deployment. The story focuses on coping mechanisms children can use when missing their parent while they are gone. It even includes space at the back for the children to write notes or pictures for their submarine once they return.
Daddy’s Submarine: The Life of Submarine Children
“Daddy’s Submarine: The Life of Submarine Children” is written by Bethany Patterson and illustrated by Chelsea Conley. This children’s book focuses on the complexity of submarine children’s lifestyle but put into simple terms for children to understand!
Lil’ Navy Sailor
“Lil’ Navy Sailor” is written by RP Kids and focuses on the Navy basics, in kid form. While this book is not specific to only submarine life, the story offers additional information that could peak your little ones interest in learning more about what their Mommy or Daddy do!
Underneath It All: A Submarine Bedtime Story
Written by submarine spouse Brianne Humara, “Underneath it All: A Submarine Bedtime Story” discusses submarine life in a beautiful rhyming story, written in a way to help children understand deployments. She has two versions, one for daddy at sea or mommy at sea. Unfortunately at the time of publication we cannot find any active links, though the Dolphin Store in Pearl Harbor and 16 Fleet have previously sold it. Keep an eye out!
Look, There’s a Submarine
Written by Esther Aarts, “Look There’s a Submarine” is an adorable board book, perfect for babies and toddlers. The book uses gentle rhyming text to encourage children to ask questions and journey through the ocean.
And lastly, not a book idea but rather a sweet reading idea for deployments: have your sailor record themselves reading a book. Then you can replay the video every night for your child and include your spouse in their bedtime routine. They’re not always under the same roof, but always under the same stars. Also take advantage of the “United Through Reading” program!
For more resources for handling deployments with children, click here.