When Lauren Liss Bogart lost her husband, Paul, in 2004, to a brain tumor, her kids were only 2, 5, and 8. She remembers encouraging them to journal as a therapeutic way to process the profound loss. She shares, “During that challenging time, I had them draw and write to process and document their feelings. It also gave me a window into their thoughts and fears. Years later we still look back and cherish their writings.”
Recently, Bogart, an attorney who is involved with several nonprofits, and Maryland mom, was inspired to put this same approach to work and published Memories of a Weird Year! to inspire children to remember this unique time period of the COVID-19 pandemic. In easy-to-read, engaging pages, this book encourages children to share their experiences and feelings related to canceled events, new activities, and altered holiday celebrations. It’s a great activity for families to create a treasured keepsake.
One of the first kids to “test drive” this book is Maryland 8-year-old Maya Zussman:
The book is for sale on Amazon. Memories of a Weird Year! would make a great gift for any kids on your holiday shopping list!
I can't wait to work through it with my own kids!
Please share your kids' completed pictures on the book's new Instagram page - @KidsWeirdYear
 | Lauren was previously published in Washingtonian magazine. Her article, “Heaven Sent,” details the incredible story of launching balloons and messages on Paul’s birthday, and where one of those messages landed… |
