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Did you know that the Centre for Suicide Prevention reported that “suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among children between the ages of 10 and 14“? As we enter September and our nenes are going back to school we know they may encounter difficult situations that can bring about big feelings. Bullying is all too common these days and unfortunately, our schools aren’t always equipped for helping our children navigate. Sometimes, we as parents aren’t always aware either. Other times, we are not sure how to help. Too many of our young ones are taking drastic steps because they don’t know how to deal with the things they’re experiencing. I firmly believe that if we can build relationships with our children we will be better equipped. We should be regularly talking about managing and sharing our emotions. This practice will help them to be better equipped for dealing with them. They will feel safe enough that they can share these feelings with us. The following books are some helpful tools for guiding your nenes in their social-emotional development.
(Disclaimer: I am not a physician or counselor. If you or someone you know might be struggling with suicidal thoughts please seek help immediately.)
About Feelings
These books are written with the younger bebes in mind. This will be best suited to the baby, toddler and preschool-aged children.
First Time Feelings Collection: This collection of four board books is the perfect introduction to everyday emotions. They can be purchased as a set or individually. (Suggested Age: babies and toddlers.)
What If I know my feelings?: The Whatif monsters in this board book will help your peques identify feelings. I love it because each monster provides a possible solution for how to try to overcome that feeling. (Suggested ages: Baby, toddler, preschool, kindergarten)
All About Feelings (also available in Spanish): This book provides a fun way for your nenes to explore what they feel by using the illustrations to answer questions. (Suggested age: toddler, preschool, early elementary)
What Are Feelings?: This is the newest book in our popular Lift-the-Flap series. In this interactive reference book your peques can learn to identify their emotions and why they feel that way by lifting the flaps to uncover information. (Suggested Age: older toddler through early elementary)
Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster: Jonathan James is a little boy who gets anxious when he encounters new situations. He is followed around by the Whatif Monster whom he hears asking things about his possible failures. Finally, Jonathan James works up the courage to begin asking himself what would happen if instead of failing he was successful. The positive message of this book is one that all of our nenes need to hear. (Suggested Age: preschool+)
Bullying
Bully on the Bus:
This story is about a seven-year-old boy named, Leroy, who, unbeknownst to his family, is getting bullied on the bus. This book, written in verse, describes the feelings he feels as he faces his bully and how eventually he is able to seek the help he needs in order to stand up to her.
Review from our website: My 8-year-old and I LOVE this book!
“My daughter finished reading this book, ran into my room gave me a big hug and a kiss! Mom THANK YOU for this book now I know how to help my friends!
I love that this heart-wrenching story gives children real tools and tips on how to deal with bullies!! ❤️
This book is an excellent resource for parents, teachers, and students! Must have this in your home library.”
Stay Strong: This workbook type book includes writing and drawing activities geared at coping with bullying. They address coping with the feelings brought on by teasing and bullying while providing ideas for how to feel better. Most importantly it addresses ways to find the courage need to put a stop to it. (Suggested Age: 8+)
Navigating Feelings
Be Brave: The activities in this book are designed to help your jovencitos to feel brave as they begin to understand their emotions. It will help them as they learn how to talk about their worries with others and aims to help them to feel more confident. (Suggested Age: 8+)
Hello Happy: The activities and drawing exercises in this book are geared towards helping your nenes define and understand their emotions. As they work they will discover pathways to happiness, positivity, and peace. (Suggested Age: 8+)
No Worries: This is the fourth book in the Mindful Kids series. This book is designed to help nenes address stress and anxiety. The drawings and activities will walk them through how to work it out, talk to someone if needed and generally feel calmer. (Suggested Age: 8+)
The Unworry Book: Think of this as the older sibling of the No Worries book. The Unworry Book is designed to help nenes with stress and anxiety through a variety of activities. The book is more detailed and better suited to older children. (Suggested Age: 9+)
Teaching Kindness, Creating Change
Do Nice, Be Kind, Spread Happy: This book is jam-packed with different things to do to read a little kindness. From small task to big, your nene will be spreading happy in no time. (Suggested Age: 7+)
Be the Change Make It Happen: The activities in this book will help your nenes build their confidence by showing them how they can create change. The book is designed to help them realize that they can create large or small change in a variety of ways. (Suggested Age: 7+)
If you’d like practical tips for raising a reader head here. If you’re a hot mess mama with bookish tendencies be sure to visit us in our community Beauty and the Book’s Nook to connect with like-minded mamas.
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