Category: book review

My Body’s Mine helps children learn they have the rights to their body.

About My Body’s Mine

My Body’s Mine helps children learn they have the rights to their body. Told through rhyme from a child’s point of view this book on boundaries empowers each child to say no when others approach them in ways that make them uncomfortable. It also gives clear instructions on what to do if they are approached in an unwanted manner. The questions at the end of the book provides an easy transition for counselors and parents to open a discussion to prevent abuse or to further explore if abuse has occurred.

My Thoughts

One of the most difficult but important conversations we can have with our children is about their body. They need to understand that their body is theirs, respect and what is normal/not normal and to empower them to say no and go for help.

A lot of the old practices of forcing children to give hugs and kisses to adults are now being re-examined as you are teaching your child that they have to do this and that they don’t have control over their bodies and the ability to say no when they feel uncomfortable. It is so incredibly important for children to be confident in their ability to say no and who they can go to for help if they need to. If you force them to do things like hugging people they don’t want to, it contradicts what you are teaching them about their body and confuses them. It doesn’t mean they have to be mean to family members and you as the parent can speak to family about what you are teaching your child so that they understand the reasoning behind your teachings. They also need to understand who is a safe adult and what is inappropriate touching. If we don’t take their concerns seriously, it may teach them that their emotions and feelings don’t matter.

My Body’s Mine teaches children that their body is theirs and no one else’s in a catchy rhyme that is repeated throughout the book. In an appropriate manner it teaches children what is bad touching, when something feels wrong that they need to talk to an adult and that if someone says ‘don’t tell anyone’ that this is wrong. This is an excellent starter resource for parents and children to get the conversation rolling.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

About the Author

A native Texan, Kayla lives with her husband and three cats in Austin. Her two married daughters, along with her faith, have been an inspiration in many of her writings. She has been a guest speaker at elementary schools, women’s retreats, writer’s groups, and University of Texas. At the request of teachers and counselors, she has provided stories to broach difficult situations. Her passion is to empower and validate children, helping them know they are not alone in their feelings or circumstance, and ways to deal with it. When she is not writing she loves spending time with family and friends, read, scrapbook, and watch old movies. You can find her on her website.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I Can Do That! helps children learn self-regulating techniques.

About I Can Do That!

I Can Do That! helps children learn self-regulating techniques. Told through rhyme from a child’s point of view, strategies are shared empowering the child to effectively learn and practice ways they can control their emotions and actions when they feel themselves becoming dysregulated. The discussion questions at the end of the book provide an easy transition for counselors and parents to open a discussion, assisting the child in exploring ways they can learn to manage themselves.

My Thoughts

As adults we have learned tools that help us control our emotions, maybe you crack knuckles, maybe you do slow breathing or meditate or maybe you need to take a walk. Whatever you do, it is so important to have a tool to help control the emotions that we experience throughout the day.

For children, these emotions are present and can be difficult for them to understand, explain and talk about. It is important for us as parents and caregivers to understand and watch for signs of these emotions and help them understand what they are feeling. Even more important is giving them tools and techniques to help them control these emotions.

In beautiful rhyme and illustration, I Can Do That! helps children by acknowledging their feelings of being mad or bored from sitting still and how they can help themselves with these feelings. It also lets them know how these useful tools make their body feel better. I think it is important to validate their feelings but to also empower them to take charge of their feelings and actions. I love that Kayla also includes  helpful discussion about regulation that forces parents and caregivers to think about actions and their child as well as activities and questions to do with your child. This is a fantastic resource for parents and children.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

About the Author

A native Texan, Kayla lives with her husband and three cats in Austin. Her two married daughters, along with her faith, have been an inspiration in many of her writings. She has been a guest speaker at elementary schools, women’s retreats, writer’s groups, and University of Texas. At the request of teachers and counselors, she has provided stories to broach difficult situations. Her passion is to empower and validate children, helping them know they are not alone in their feelings or circumstance, and ways to deal with it. When she is not writing she loves spending time with family and friends, read, scrapbook, and watch old movies. You can connect with her on her website.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

My Actions Matter helps children learn life value skills, creating a foundation on how they can connect with others.

About My Actions Matter

My Actions Matter helps children learn life value skills, creating a foundation on how they can connect with others. Told through rhyme from a child’s point of view this book provides strategies for the child to learn how their actions influence others. The questions at the end of the book provide an easy transition for counselors and parents to open a discussion assisting the child in exploring ways they can effectively correct their behavior and connect with others. In my professional counseling, I encourage caregivers to use My Actions Matter as a part of their everyday interaction. Kayla has written an easy to use tool that is foundational in implementing life value strategies for children and their ability to connect with others. With the sing-song rhythm and diverse characters, children can relate to and understand that their actions do matter. The Behaviors Display a Need and Explorations and Activities sections add a dimension making My Actions Matter a complete tool for caregivers to use easily, effectively, and with confidence.

My Thoughts

It can be quite difficult for children at times to control their actions – they may shout out answers, be a little too rough, may talk back or not want to listen. None of this is done because they are a bad child but they sometimes tend to forget or not understand how to control their behaviours. They need a positive adult who can help guide them in this time about why we behave in certain ways, respecting feelings and listening to others.

My Actions Matter is a soft cover book shows children and adults how to respond to negative behaviours that are typical in children. These behaviours can be not wanting to share, wanting to be the boss, being a bit too aggressive or rough and even talking back. The book then shows them the proper behaviours in a positive light. I loved the way the book is written as it makes it easier to read with your child out loud and engages them in the story. Especially with the repetition of positive behaviours and actions. The illustrations are beautiful and show children of all backgrounds.

I really liked that Kayla includes two sections in the back of the book for parents – one about behaviours displaying a need and another that encourages discussion with questions for your child. I loved that she points out that your child’s behaviour is not them, it is a need that we as parents need to understand and figure out. The questions are great for opening up dialogue between parent and child about actions, both good and bad, and how they can  make others feel.

This is an excellent resource for both parents and young children.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

About the Author

A native Texan, Kayla lives with her husband and three cats in Austin. Her two married daughters, along with her faith, have been an inspiration in many of her writings. She has been a guest speaker at elementary schools, women’s retreats, writer’s groups, and the University of Texas. At the request of teachers and counselors, she has provided stories to broach difficult situations. Her passion is to empower and validate children, helping them know they are not alone in their feelings or circumstance, and ways to deal with it. When she is not writing she loves spending time with family and friends, read, scrapbook, and watch old movies.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.