Sunday Suitcases

Sunday Suitcases: Helping Little Hearts Cope With Change
A Gentle Children’s Book About Separation and Two Homes for Ages 6–9

When parents separate, a child’s world doesn’t just change… it stretches.

Sunday Suitcases is a compassionate children’s book designed to support young readers navigating life between two homes — often one of the most confusing and emotional transitions a child can experience.

Told through the eyes of Noah, an eight-year-old boy who now lives between his mum’s city flat and his dad’s quiet house, this gentle story explores the “in-between” feeling that comes with packing up, moving on, and missing one home while being in another.

With his suitcase always by his side, Noah begins to understand that his feelings don’t have to be chosen or separated — they can exist together.

Sunday Suitcases gently explores:

• The emotional impact of moving between two homes
• The “In-Between” feeling — when everything feels stretched or uncertain
• Missing one parent while being with the other
• Guilt, confusion, and mixed emotions
• Finding comfort in routines, memories, and connection

Includes Noah’s “Sunday Suitcase Toolkit” for Children

At the heart of the book is Noah’s toolkit — a thoughtful collection of simple, practical strategies designed to help children understand and manage their feelings during transitions.

Children will also learn:

• The “Both-True Map” — understanding how two feelings can exist at once
• The “Brave Breath” — calming big emotions in the moment
• The “Sunday Anchor” — creating steady routines between homes
• That it’s okay to feel happy and sad at the same time
• That love is not divided — it grows and stretches

This book is ideal for:

• Parents supporting children through separation or divorce
• Families adjusting to two-home living
• Primary schools and teachers
• School counsellors and therapists
• Family support and wellbeing organisations

Sunday Suitcases offers comfort, language, and reassurance for children learning to live across two homes.

Because even when life feels split in two…
your heart is strong enough to hold it all.

Written by Wayne Hutchinson & Nadeen Swaby of Handle My Affairs
Helping families navigate life’s most difficult moments with clarity, compassion and practical support.