How Many Marbles Do You Have?

A mom uses a brilliant jar-and-marble analogy to teach her son about her limitations related to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia. The book uses marbles, a toy all children are familiar with, as a measure of the mother’s limited energy. Using a jar and some marbles, the author conveys difficult concepts in terms that children can understand. These concepts include taking preemptive rests to have more energy later, finding alternate ways to perform tasks that use less energy, and post exertional malaise. The concepts in the book are relevant to someone with one or both illnesses, and it can be applied to other physically limiting conditions as well. The book reminds the reader that although illness may limit a mothers activities, it never diminishes a mother’s love for her children. The book is fun and yet realistic and will capture your child’s heart.