Why focus on Wholeself care for kids?
As a psychologist working with adults, I have found that most of my clients have come to therapy unaware of an additional challenge they are facing- the compounding distress stemming from not having been taught healthy self-care as children. These gaps in self-care range from the simpler ones, like not having a bed-time routine, to nuanced ones like insufficient personal boundary management. I am repeatedly struck by the toll on mental health not only from causes such as early trauma, developmental complications and recent life events, but from the impacts of not having been taught healthy self-care growing up, even if they had healthy upbringings.
Learning as a kid paves the way for developing wholeself care and bolsters reilience for a lifetime!
My work has also been shaped by what I have surmised about the caregivers my clients had when they were growing up; serious gaps in their self-care awareness. Some of my clients’ suffering as children may have resulted from their caregivers’ inability to care sufficiently for themselves.
My writing, presentations, and songs are guided by my reflections on my clients’ histories and trajectories, and what I wished they had been given as children. While hoping to reach the children and caregivers of today and tomorrow, I have dedicated this project to the children that my clients used to be.
What parents are saying:
“I recommend this book to any parent. I have 3 children and each one could use different lessons of this book right now as they learn to navigate social situations.”
“Wonderful Me steps beyond a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise to healthy friendships, learning to trust yourself when something doesn’t feel right, and establishing boundaries.“
“This was SO cute and so helpful. I read this to my 6 year old, he was so interested and loved it. I think everyone should read it child or not.”
“As an adult reading this book, I can honestly say that I learned a lot from this book. It is suited for kids but Adults can learn a lot and how to be patient and kind with their children. I liked all the illustrations and how everything was explained in detail with a child in mind as the reader. I recommend reading this with one's child as it can be a bonding experience. It could help to cope with emotions and understand one's child's behavior. It provides activities that help children learn as they read.”