The Big Thing: Taking Charge of the Emotional Health of Children in this New World

Published on June 01, 2020 - Updated on June 01, 2020

A Lovely, Honest Tale that Shines an Important Light on the Effects of COVID-19

While we may not all see visible signs of stress developing in our children as a result of this pandemic, it is imperative that we take a proactive approach to long term anxiety prevention. Cue The Big Thing, a free children’s story addressing the effects of COVID-19 through the eyes of our youth.

The creative and philanthropic team that produced this amazing book considered every angle when crafting a clear and beautiful response to potential fears. A combined effort of individuals from all over the world, with a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds, the project stemmed from a desire for unity through a lens of healing, resilience, and the pursuit of a silver lining.

While the effects of the virus, both positive and negative, are the focus of the book, many current issues are touched on, including climate change, gender roles and fluidity, and showing gratitude for the bravery and dedication of all those keeping the world up and running. It is through a better understanding of the way our world has changed that triggers the main character, a little girl named Bea, to experience an enlightening shift in perspective.

The Big Thing is simultaneously honest and careful, realistic and hopeful. It is a must-read for children, and truthfully in this unprecedented time, a good reminder for adults too.

You can read the book for free or purchase to donate to UNICEF USA’s Covid Relief Fund all on their website at thebigthing.org.

Please check out the blog for more inspiration, such as Happyly Tools for Families At Home During COVID-19, or join us as we Cultivate Gratitude in Our Kids Through Daily Practice. If you are looking for family team-building at home, we recommend 100 Things: A Rewarding and Fun Family Activity.

Please download the free happyly app, the country’s only mobile-first family activity planning app, for fast access to all of our frequent blog content, favorite activities and expertly designed curated days, both locally and in many communities and travel destinations across the country.

As always, we welcome your family's highlights! Tag us on Instagram @gethappyly!

Thoughtfully captured by:

Randi Banks

Randi (Betts) Banks grew up in New York and graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. She moved to Washington, D.C. more than thirteen years ago with her husband, Eaghmon, and they love to explore the area and seek out adventure, now with their two young children along for the ride. Growing up right near the beach, they are happiest when on or near the water, so exploring the rivers, lakes, and streams in the greater DC area is a favorite pastime for their family. In addition to serving as one of the Washington, DC area ambassadors, Randi is also the Editor in Chief and Co-founder of happyly.