The children's issues picture book Why Is Mom So Mad? is a story for children in military families whose mother battles with combat related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). After a decade fighting wars on two fronts, tens of thousands of service members are coming home having trouble adjusting to civilian life; this includes struggling as parents. Asymmetrical warfare has blurred the lines of women in combat roles, female veterans are impacted by this through current conflicts more than ever. Why Is Mom So Mad? is a narrative story told from a family's point of view (father and children) of a service member who struggles with PTSD and its symptoms. Many service members deal with anger, forgetfulness, sleepless nights, and nightmares.This book explains these and how they affect Mom. The moral of the story is that even though Mom gets angry and yells, she still loves her family more than anything.

Why We Love This Gift: Our editors believe that clear communication about difficult things is beneficial in the long run. Children invent narratives to explain what they do not understand. We think it's better if we work to scaffold their understanding. In so doing, we cultivate healthy coping mechanisms.

What To Express in Your Card: You mentioned things felt difficult. I won't dishonor your experience by saying that I understand - but I do care about you and about your family. I hope this helps a little.