Are you being hard on yourself today?
Have you made a mistake?
Or maybe you’re feeling worried, sad, or angry?
When things go wrong, most of us are less compassionate with ourselves than we are with others.
This sweet book teaches children (ages 3-7) healthy ways to manage hard emotions, through the practice of self-compassion.
The book provides examples of children feeling hurt, angry, sad, disappointed, and not good enough. Each child first recognizes their feelings, and then responds with kindness using self-talk, comforting touch, and a powerful affirmation.
“It’s OK—I love you. I’m with you today.”
The story is followed by exercises focused on ways to develop self-compassion, such as using King Touch, Kind Talk, Kind Voice, Kind Body, Relaxation, and Hugging Breath.
The key phrases in the book “I feel”, “I remember that everyone feels,” and “I put my hand on my heart.” capture the three ingredients of self-compassion (formulated by Kristin Neff) which are mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness.
The afterword of the book is written by Christopher Germer, one of the leading experts in the field of self-compassion. He shares that while we all want to protect our children from emotional distress, hardship is part of the human condition, and eventually everyone needs to be able to love and support themselves.
We all deserve kindness, understanding, and acceptance. Especially from ourselves!
“This book will help you plant seeds of self-compassion in the hearts of your children that will nourish them for a lifetime.” – Christopher Germer
Helps with: anxiety, anger, hurt, sadness, disappointment, making mistakes, feeling not good enough, recognizing and dealing with emotions, self-compassion, self-soothing techniques, using inner resources, emotional resilience, self-love, breathing, relaxation, mindfulness, self-kindness, and including ourselves in the circle of compassion.
Author: Wendy O’Leary
Publisher: Bala Kids, 2023