As a parent of two young girls, I see them starting to become aware of how they look compared to their friends. I fear that they will develop the same self-esteem issues that have plagued me for as long as I can remember. I try to always tell them that I love them, they are special for their unique qualities and are beautiful inside and outside but, I know that there are other things I should also be doing and saying to help them feel good about themselves.

I recently was given the opportunity to review a book titled “More Than Saying I Love You, 4 Powerful Steps That Help Children Love Themselves” by Dr. Andrea (Andie) Weiner. Dr. Andie specializes in children’s social and emotional development.“More Than Saying I Love You” is a wonderful tool to help teach self-love for children AND adults. As I read this book (in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down), I learned a few techniques that I think will help my girls develop a love for themselves.

One of the first lessons I highlighted (most of my book is now the color of my blue highlighter) was about watching your child struggle with something and rushing in to “fix” it. By doing so, you might protect them from the feeling of failing but you are also robbing them from the experience of succeeding on their own and knowing that they did it with their own strengths.

 

Dr. Andie also teaches about empathetic acceptance, meaning that we accept ourselves completely, strengths and weaknesses. This part really took me back to when I was going through some rough times in school and really started feeling like I wasn’t good enough. More Than Saying I Love You taught me that I need to let go from a few things in my past and learn to love myself as well. If I can learn to love myself, my girls will see that and be stronger themselves because of it.

I really liked this book. I am going to take it on vacation with me in a few weeks and read it again. You can find More Than Saying I Love You on Dr. Andie’s website, Facebook, and twitter pages.

 

 

 

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