Why Did Daddy Have to Leave? Understanding His Special Job in the Military

Why Did Daddy Have to Leave? helps children understand why parents on active military duty, or serving as a Reserve or National Guard soldier called to active duty, must leave for an extended length of time, despite loving their children greatly. The story is told through the voice of young child watching her Daddy pack and mobilize for war and was inspired by the feelings of the author's two children when he was mobilized and deployed to Iraq. The story is a timeless way for parents and teachers to help young children understand and cope with the temporary, but long-term absence of a parent serving our country in war or peace time.