When My Parent Works Away

When a parent works away, big feelings can be hard for little hearts to understand.

When My Parent Works Away is a gentle picture book created to help children aged 2–5 recognise, understand, and talk about the emotions that can come with a parent leaving for work. Whether they feel sad, worried, angry, confused, or even excited, this story reassures children that their feelings are normal and that they are deeply loved, even when a parent is far away.

Inspired by real FIFO family life, this book encourages connection, emotional awareness, and meaningful conversations between children and their caregivers.

What surprised me most was sharing the printed copy with my 9-year-old son. Although the book is written for much younger children, he still related to the emotions throughout the story and became emotional while reading it. That reminded me just how deeply children can feel the impact of having a parent work away, regardless of their age.

Perfect for:

• FIFO families

• Mining families

• Defence and military families

• Parents who travel for work

• Childcare centres and educators

• Counsellors and family support services

A comforting story that reminds children they are never alone and that love stays close, even when a parent is far away.

🎁 Includes FREE Bonus!

Your purchase also includes the FIFO Kids Activity Pack—a 10-page printable pack filled with FIFO-themed educational activities, tracing, counting, matching, mazes, emotions, and more to continue the learning and fun after reading the story.