Children’s Book Helps Explain a Touchy Subject

Last night at dinner, the kindergartener asked my husband how his half-brother got out of my tummy.

“How about a cookie?”

These moments happen in life and sometimes we’re prepared to discuss and other times…it’s time for a cookie, or some other distraction.

In a children’s book written by Miami-based plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Salzhauer called “My Beautiful Mommy” (Big Tent Books, $19.95, 978-1601310323, May 1, 2008), he presents a wonderful way to address a subject many parents have no idea how to discuss – plastic surgery.

Salzhauer wrote the book after his four-year-old daughter was relentless in asking about his own nose job. He also noticed in his practice that many of the moms arrived for their appointments with young children in tow.

“I know how scary and intimidating a doctor’s office can be for most children,” says Salzhauer. “Kids tend to fill in the blanks in their imagination when they see mommy in bandages and they often feel sad, hurt and confused as to what happened.  This book is meant to be a guide for parents who have already decided to undergo plastic surgery; and help explain to their children why mommy looks different.”  

This book helps parents explain why mom has to go to the hospital or why she looks a little funny for a while with bruising or bandages. It helps a child feel better because they assume the worst when they hear someone has to go to the doctor or be in the hospital.

Salzhauer also points out that the book is not meant to promote plastic surgery; it is for helping explain after that decision has been made. He says, “As I have taught my own children, beauty has many definitions – it is not only a physical entity.

“Plastic surgery among women, especially mothers post-pregnancy, is very popular and becoming a common reality. Cosmetic surgery can be a difficult topic to understand for adults; and even more so for young children. I wanted to provide my patients and other parents with a tool that speaks to kids in a kid-friendly way.”  

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that in 2007, 33% of the 348,000 breast augmentations and the 148,000 tummy tucks performed in the country were done on moms who needs some work after childbearing or weight gain.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of “My Beautiful Mommy,” be the first to email editor@familyfirst.com with your name and full mailing address and we will send the first responder a free copy. For more information about Salzhauer and the book, please visit www.mybeautifulmommy.com.