After working with children as an early years educator for more than 15 years, Stacey Turner (pictured above) was inspired to create a book to help settle her eldest daughter into nursery during a difficult transitioning time. She told us more…
What inspired you to write the book?
I suffered anxiety as a child and also helped my sister through her years of anxiety. Molly, my eldest daughter, also showed signs of separation anxiety from a very young age and when I went to settle her in nursery, our whole world was turned upside down. I created I’m Going to Nursery to help Molly understand that it was OK to feel this way, but that it didn’t need to be like this. We could change the way she thought about being separated from me.
How do you think it could help mobile Army families and those who have their soldier away?
By offering families support and reassuring them that it’s OK to feel the way they do. There’s lots of help and support out there if you feel you need it. I moved around a lot as a child, with my father away for long periods of time for work, and I went to nine different schools. It can be unsettling for the whole family, but the book helps parents and carers nurture and guide this transition confidently.
How does the book work?
It introduces the concept that nursery really isn’t as scary as it may seem. The book helps break the fear/thought pattern established and when read by the parent or carer, it reinforces that there is no threat. By being able to personalise your very own copy, you can offer a creative approach to facing fears. The act of doing this is very soothing. It reinforces your relationship and makes your child feel backed up as you tackle this in a non-direct manner. Feedback has been amazing and I hope it will help as many children as possible. Even a child who doesn’t suffer from a form of anxiety can go through periods of the wobbles, so the book is for everyone.
What are your plans for the future?
My second book, I’m Going to School, is being released next year, which I am very excited about. I have also written a parents’ guide to be released alongside it. I know all too well how hard it can be!