At Mindful Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, we believe in nurturing not just the physical health of our young patients but also their emotional well-being. This August, Dr. Priya Thomas is excited to share her book choice of the month: “Listening with My Heart” by Gabby Garcia.
Why This Book?
Self-compassion is a crucial skill that every child should learn. It helps them navigate life’s challenges with kindness and resilience. “Listening with My Heart” beautifully captures the essence of self-compassion through the story of Esperanza, a young girl who learns to be a friend to herself.
A Sneak Peek into the Story
In one poignant scene, Esperanza recalls a soccer game where she missed the ball and felt she had let her team down. The harsh words from a player on the opposing team made her feel even worse. However, during a curtain call for a play, she reminded herself that accidents happen to everyone and that she hadn’t ruined the play. This realization helped her understand that self-compassion isn’t just about being kind to others but also to oneself.
Key Takeaways for Parents and Children
Understanding Self-Compassion: The book teaches children that it’s okay to make mistakes and that they should treat themselves with the same kindness they would offer a friend.
Building Resilience: By learning to be compassionate towards themselves, children can build emotional resilience and better cope with setbacks.
Encouraging Open Conversations: Reading this book together can open up discussions about feelings, mistakes, and the importance of self-love.
How to Incorporate Self-Compassion into Daily Life
Model Self-Compassion: Show your children how you practice self-compassion in your own life.
Positive Affirmations: Encourage your children to use positive affirmations, especially when they feel down.
Mindful Moments: Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness and self-reflection with your children.
“Listening with My Heart” by Gabby Garcia is more than just a book; it’s a tool to help children develop a lifelong skill of self-compassion. We hope you and your children will enjoy reading it together and find it as inspiring as we do.
For more parenting tips and book recommendations, follow us on Instagram and stay tuned for our next book of the month!
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