Teaching kids about emotions can be difficult. My daughter has always been very empathetic, so when she sees me cry, she immediately becomes concerned and wants to know why. So for those parenting moments when the tears are for pride, joy, or an emotionally manipulative commercial, we came up with the term “mommy tears”. Now when she does something particularly sweet that makes me tear up, or we read a sweet picture book that makes me choke up, she looks at me and says “Mommy, are you crying Mommy tears?”. This list of heartwarming children’s books about parental love are sure to cause some awwws, some emotion, and maybe some mommy tears of your own.

One More Hug

Written by Megan Alexander and illustrated by Hiroe Nakata

This heartwarming story follows a mother and her little boy as he grows up. Throughout the boy’s childhood, his mother is always there offering him hugs when he needs them for reassurance and comfort. When he is all grown and heading out to start life on his own, he returns to offer his mother the same love and comfort that she has always given to him.

I am not going to lie to you. I could barely even finish this one without choking up! My daughter heard it in my voice and snuggled closer to comfort me. The message was truly heartwarming, and it immediately became one of my new favorites.

Related Post: Children’s Books about Hugs

I Love You Because You’re You

Written by Liza Baker and illustrated by David McPhail

This adorable book has been one of my favorites to read with my daughter since she was born. The mother fox in the book tells her child that she loves him through all of his many moods and actions. Whether he is happy, sad, angry, or acting crazy, she loves him unconditionally. This is such an important message for kids, and so it is one of the books that we read most often before bedtime. It always makes me a little teary eyed, especially when my daughter has had a rough day. On those days, I always put a little more emphasis on the pages that remind the little fox that his mother’s love is there even on the tough days.

Wherever Your Are, My Love Will Find You

Written and illustrated by Nancy Tillman

This beautiful book is just one of many of Nancy Tillman’s books that make me cry Mommy tears. This moving story voices the parent’s reassurance that their love will follow their child everywhere they go. No matter how far apart they are, their love is there to bolster, reassure, and protect them. The beautiful illustrations show kids playing and interacting with animals, and trying new things that may seem scary. Whenever my daughter and I have to be apart, I like to remind her that I will be with her always. This book is a great way to put that reassurance into words.

Related Post: Children’s Books about Parental Love

Love You Forever

Written by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Sheila McGraw

This classic story has been making parents cry “Mommy tears” for years. In case you haven’t heard of it, the story follows a mother as she raises her young boy. Every night, she rocks him to sleep and sings a sweet song about how much she loves him. As he grows, she continues this routine every night, even once  he is grown and leaves home. When she is old and he is all grown, he turns the tables and does the same to her, rocking her,  holding her, and singing the same song. While many people have issues with the story and the relationship portrayed in it, the overall message of unconditional love stands the test of time.

The Invisible String

Written by Patrice Karst and illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

This heartwarming book follows a mother and her two children as they cuddle up during a scary rainstorm. The kids are afraid to be on their own, but their mom tells them that they have an invisible string that connects their hearts to every single person that they love. This visual representation of the love that connects us is a great way to teach kids that those they love are always with them. This book came into our lives while we were dealing with the loss of my uncle, which added to the tears, but the loving message is moving all on it’s own.

My Mom is There

Written by Martin Thomas and illustrated by Ag Jatkowska

This bright and colorful board book follows a mother elephant and her child as they go about their lives. The baby elephant shares all of the things that he will be able to do someday. But until he is ready, he recognizes that his mom is there to support him. The rhyming text is soothing and comforting, making it a perfect story to read at bedtime. My daughter loves to repeat the refrain “My mom is there”, and it makes me tear up that she feels that way about me.

What are your favorite heartwarming children’s books that make you cry? Share in the comments below so I can cry some more Mommy tears!

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