For Parents & Teachers
Resources, tips, and guidance for meaningful conversations.
For Parents
5 Simple Ways to Talk to Children About Memory Changes
Starting conversations about dementia doesn't have to be overwhelming. Begin with simple, age-appropriate language: "Sometimes grandparents' brains get sick and they forget things, but they still love us very much." Use concrete examples they can understand, like comparing memory to a library where some books get misplaced. Always reassure children that memory changes aren't their fault and that showing love and patience helps everyone feel better. Let children ask questions naturally - don't force the conversation, but be ready when they're curious.
What to Say When Kids Ask 'Why Does Grandpa Forget My Name?'
This heartbreaking question requires gentle honesty. Explain that grandpa's brain is having trouble with its memory files, like a computer that can't find certain information. Emphasize that forgetting names doesn't mean forgetting love - the feelings are still there even when words get mixed up. Suggest ways children can help: speaking clearly, using simple sentences, and being patient. Remind them that they can still create happy moments together, even if grandpa seems different than before.
How to Read Our Books: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
Before reading, prepare yourself emotionally - these books may bring up your own feelings about family changes. Choose a quiet time when you won't be interrupted, and read the book yourself first. During reading, pause to check in with your child's reactions and answer questions as they come up. After reading, ask open-ended questions like "How do you think Benjamin felt?" Don't rush to fix their emotions - sometimes children need time to process. Keep the book accessible for re-reading, as children often want to revisit these stories multiple times.
Signs Your Child Is Ready for These Conversations (Ages 5-12)
Watch for natural openings: children asking questions about changes in grandparents, expressing confusion about family visits, or showing anxiety around older relatives. Younger children (5-7) might need simpler explanations and more reassurance, while older children (8-12) can handle more detailed discussions about brain changes. If your child is naturally curious and asks direct questions, they're likely ready. Don't wait for the "perfect" moment - children are often more resilient and understanding than we expect when given honest, age-appropriate information.
Understanding the Difference: Alzheimer's vs. Dementia (Parent Version)
When explaining to children, keep it simple: dementia is like an umbrella term for when brains have trouble remembering and thinking clearly. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia, affecting about 6 out of 10 people with memory problems. Other types include vascular dementia (from strokes) and Lewy body dementia. For children, the important message is that all types involve brain changes that aren't anyone's fault, and that families can still show love and create meaningful moments together regardless of the specific diagnosis.
When Grandparents Move to Memory Care: Helping Kids Adjust
Moving to memory care can be confusing and scary for children. Explain that memory care facilities are special places designed to keep grandparents safe and comfortable, with people trained to help with memory problems. Before visiting, prepare children for changes they might notice: different surroundings, possibly more confusion, or changes in grandparent's behavior. Focus on what stays the same - your love, your visits, and the importance of spending time together. Encourage children to bring familiar items like photos or drawings to share during visits.
For Teachers
Classroom Discussion Guide: Supporting Students with Dementia in the Family
Teachers often notice changes in students dealing with family dementia before parents do. Watch for decreased concentration, emotional outbursts, or withdrawal from social activities. Create safe spaces for students to share feelings without pressure. Use our books as starting points for broader classroom discussions about family changes, aging, and supporting each other. Partner with school counselors to provide additional resources, and maintain regular communication with parents about how the child is coping in the school environment.
Red Flags: When Students Need Extra Support at School
Some warning signs that students may need additional support include: significant changes in academic performance, increased absences, withdrawal from friendships, inappropriate emotional responses, or regression in previously mastered skills. Students might also show excessive worry about their own memory or health, or become overly responsible for family situations. When you notice these signs, reach out to parents compassionately and connect families with school counseling services. Sometimes a simple acknowledgment of what the family is going through can provide enormous relief to both student and parents.
How to Read Our Books: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
Before reading, prepare yourself emotionally - these books may bring up your own feelings about family changes. Choose a quiet time when you won't be interrupted, and read the book yourself first. During reading, pause to check in with your child's reactions and answer questions as they come up. After reading, ask open-ended questions like "How do you think Benjamin felt?" Don't rush to fix their emotions - sometimes children need time to process. Keep the book accessible for re-reading, as children often want to revisit these stories multiple times.
Signs Your Child Is Ready for These Conversations (Ages 5-12)
Watch for natural openings: children asking questions about changes in grandparents, expressing confusion about family visits, or showing anxiety around older relatives. Younger children (5-7) might need simpler explanations and more reassurance, while older children (8-12) can handle more detailed discussions about brain changes. If your child is naturally curious and asks direct questions, they're likely ready. Don't wait for the "perfect" moment - children are often more resilient and understanding than we expect when given honest, age-appropriate information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia?
A: Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms including memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with daily life. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for about 60–80% of cases. Not every dementia is Alzheimer's - there's also vascular dementia, Lewy body, frontotemporal, and others. Alzheimer's is progressive, starting with mild memory loss and worsening over time.
Q: How many people are affected by dementia?
A: About 1 in 9 people aged 65 and older (around 11%) have Alzheimer's disease in 2025. That's over 7.2 million Americans, with 74% of them aged 75 or older. When you look at dementia more broadly, about 10% of adults 65+ are affected, and another 22% have mild cognitive impairment.
Q: Where can families find additional support?
A: Alzheimer's Association offers a 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900), support groups, and education. Local senior centers or libraries often host caregiver workshops. Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) provide free local resources for caregivers. Online communities like AlzConnected (Alzheimer's Association forum) offer peer support. Healthcare providers including primary doctors and neurologists can connect families with social workers and specialists.
Q: Are these books appropriate for my child's age?
A: Our books are specifically designed for ages 5-12, with Benjamin's Special Memories targeting younger children (5-9) and The Enchanted Journey appropriate for older children (9-12). Children develop emotionally at different rates, so use your judgment about your individual child's readiness for these conversations.
Q: How do I know if my child needs professional support?
A: Consider professional support if your child shows prolonged changes in behavior, sleep disturbances, regression in development, excessive worry about their own health, or difficulty functioning at school or home. Child psychologists and family therapists can provide additional tools for navigating these family changes.
What Our Readers Are Saying
Power of Love
Reviewed by Anthony on May 16, 2024
This book is a helpful way to understand what Alzheimer's and Dementia is. Benjamin is a child who teaches the reader what to expect and experience when a loved who has the disease may experience episodes. Although there isn't a cure, Benjamin and his family makes adjustments to help bring back memories.
A Learning Experience
Reviewed by Anthony on May 16, 2024
This book teaches in a condensed and easily digestible read what the experience is like to have a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's/Dementia. The book explains the disease and discovers ways how the family may assist in bringing, the loved one suffering from the disease, memories back to life.
Excellent for children
Reviewed by VVV on May 26, 2024
Very well written and illustrated book to help children understand.
Heart warming.
Reviewed by B Smith on June 20, 2024
A must buy for anyone.