Always much talk among us educators and parents about how to build (healthy) self-esteem in children. One awesome book we have discovered is "You are Special" by Max Lucado. This is a Christian content book but any one can benefit from it. We introduced it to our daughters as a Christmas gift when they were 7 and 2 years old. The secular world tells children that they are "special" if they have the brains, looks, talents, athletic ability, etc. BUT...God tells them they are special "just because." They are precious in His sight no matter what their abilities are, no matter what their physical attributes are, whether or not they are gifted academically, average, or below average. God created them in HIS image. The book basically tells the story of Eli the woodcarver and the village of Wemmicks, little wooden people. Each wooden person is different. All were made by the carver. Towards the end of the story the point is made that it doesn't matter what people think, it matters what God thinks. And that He thinks children are special because He made them! (the story is told in fairy tale fashion with Biblical truths of God's creation of mankind, His unconditional Love for us and that we are all unique). Check it out! Most appropriate for ages 3-8. Makes a great bedtime story.
3 comments:
Your blog has been a god-send, just happened upon it while surfing the net. I strugle with issues of self-esteem myself, beat myself up over mistakes. You seem to have it so together, do you ever struggle with issues of life? How do you balance the demands of your life? I have 2 kids and work 2 part-time jobs to keep my head above water, strugle to know God's will. Pray for me, Thanks, Kelly
Kelly: I am so NOT together!! It is a little easier (although kinda boring) for me right now (this school year I mean) as I am not teaching and am a stay at home mom full time this year. (it really is easy to be a stay at mom...don't let anyone tell you otherwise...it is the easiest job in the world although PARENTING is hard.). I will pray for you Kelly. I just do what needs to be done and keep a daytimer and a "write on wipe off" calendar on our fridge. I also only have 2 children both of whom are in public school so they are busy as both are involved with extracurricular activities and church events as well as the homework. BUT...i just try to do stuff each day that needs to be done and i also make sure I have some "me time". Last year I was teaching every day part time but it was an easy job as I was just an assistant. I still made sure I had "my time" in the early evenings.
GLad you like the blog....come back!
OH Yeah, Kelly: yes I do struggle with life issues. Right now with a spouse who has some issues that affect our relationship plus I struggle with how to effectively parent my 13 year old. Life is tough but I find that if I place it in God's hands it is a little easier day to day. Keep in touch!
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