Children's Book Soothes Kids While Parents Are Away

Ann M. Hughes' new children's book tackles the issues of parents who have to be away during pivotal moments in their children's lives, including school events and being sick in bed, and balancing work and parenting spheres. Long Distance Goodnight Kisses helps explain to children that moms and dads always put them first, even when they have to be far away.

Any working mother knows the challenge of raising healthy and happy children, while holding a job.  She feels guilty and conflicted, especially if she loves her work. Her children come first, but there are those times when she may have to miss a parent-teacher conference, a school play or the opportunity to hear about what kind of day her children had. Add to this the demands on a working mom, whose job entails traveling. Every time she prepares to leave, she experiences that heart tug that comes with saying good-bye to her child, yet again. Author Ann M. Hughes searched for a book she could read with her young daughter that explained how, in spite of a busy work schedule, she carried her daughter in her heart. Not finding such a book, Hughes wrote Long Distance Goodnight Kisses. The first in a series, this richly illustrated book tells the story of a girl named Katie, whose mother’s job requires long hours and frequent travel. Even when her grandmother is the one who takes her to the doctor or tucks her in at night, Katie knows she is the most important thing in the world to her mother. When Katie is sick while her mother’s away, she feels the deep love from a distance.

Hughes believes mothers should not have to choose between career and family. Women can succeed in their careers and be exceptional and caring mothers and role models. As a read-aloud book, Long Distance Goodnight Kisses reinforces this message and gives other working mothers a special way to remind their children, that no matter how many hours they work, or how far they travel, they love their children dearly and will always think of them by sending their own long distance goodnight kisses.