In this heartfelt episode of Raising Joy, Kristen Pyrc, M.D. welcomes Fort Worth author K. Jody Massey to discuss a universal and often difficult topic: parental separation.

Inspired by her own life experiences, Jody created her beautiful children's books, Daddy and Me When Daddy Is Away and Mommy and Me When Mommy's Away.

Jody shares how these books are designed to be a gentle guide and a crucial conversation starter for families navigating time apart—from daycare drop-offs and camp to more complex situations like military deployment, hospital stays, foster care, divorce, and incarceration.

Tune in to discover:

• The most important message Jody hopes to convey to every child: Even if a parent is out of sight, they are always in their kids' heart.
• How the book’s open-ended style and helpful questions in the back guide parents through these hard, emotional conversations that are often avoided.
• The secret messages of hope ("You're loved, you're chosen, you're forgiven") hidden in the illustrations to affirm and support parents and caregivers facing guilt.
• The powerful stories of how these books have helped foster families and parents at local prisons maintain a vital connection with their children.

This episode is a loving reminder that connection and open communication can help children—and parents—feel secure, loved, and whole, no matter the distance.

Find Jody's books: Available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and at https://www.kjodymassey.com/.