When My Parent Goes to Sea: A Story for Kids with Parents at Sea A Heartfelt Book for Children of Mariners in the Commercial Maritime Industry Separation can be hard—especially for kids. When My Parent Goes to Sea is a heartfelt children’s book created for families in the maritime industry, designed to help little ones understand why a parent leaves, and to remind them that love stays close, even when oceans apart. Written by a licensed therapist and former mariner, this story supports emotional connection through tender language, vivid imagery, and reassuring rituals. Whether a parent works on tugboats, containerships, research vessels, or cruise ships, this book gives voice to the everyday moments of goodbye, longing, and love. This book helps children: Understand where their parent goes and why - Feel connected and supported during times apart - Build emotional resilience through story, imagination, and ritual - Explore simple tools like "notes in a bottle" and shared phrases This book is ideal for: Mariners, captains, engineers, and shoreside support staff - Tug, cargo, offshore, cruise, and commercial shipping families - Therapists, school counselors, and care teams supporting children with deployed or traveling caregivers Mariners are the invisible force behind our global economy—sacrificing birthdays, holidays, and daily routines to keep the world moving. But behind every mariner is a family adjusting, waiting, and finding ways to stay connected. This book is a tool for those families, offering comfort, emotional support, and a reminder that love doesn’t end when a parent goes to sea—it just changes shape. -Designed for children ages 3–10 -Created for families in the commercial maritime industry -Supports emotional resilience, connection, and understanding during separation -Perfect for deployment gifts, bedtime reading, or pre-departure preparation Whether you’re packing for the next hitch or counting down the days till reunion, When My Parent Goes to Sea honors the strength, sacrifice, and love of maritime families everywhere.