We
all want children to be happy and grow into productive, fulfilled
adults, and according to parenting expert Maureen Healy, the secret to
that success is in providing a foundation of inner confidence. Healy, a
popular columnist for Psychology Today and the PBS Series, This
Emotional Life, literally traveled the world in search of the best
practices in raising inwardly strong children, and the connection
between inner confidence and lasting happiness.
Her new book, Growing Happy Kids,
draws on her Buddhist training, her background in child psychology, and
the latest scientific research. Her book is packed with guidance and
ideas to help parents achieve success raising kids who are strong and
confident.
Here
she offers seven specific action plans parents can take to create inner
confidence and cultivate a sense of emotional strength that lays the
foundation for children's happiest lives.
1. Build Confidence Daily (even for 5 minutes!):
It is the everyday things we do with our children that help them feel
stronger, and happier no matter what. So you may say affirmations
together on the way to school (they are captive here!) or read a bedtime
story every night that teaches about your child’s power within --- the
point is that small things done over and over again really build your
child’s sense of strength.
2. Get Them Moving:
Children need to move their bodies and get their energy released in a
healthy way. Because physical activity, eating right, and a good night’s
rest are the biological basis of your child’s emerging sense of
self-confidence. Also, be sure they do something they love from making a
garden to becoming a soccer star. (Let them pick it!)
3. Sign Them Up for 1 Weekly Confidence Building Activity:
Your child’s weekly confidence building activity may be a sport like
soccer or something else like singing lessons. Most importantly, they
need to see themselves succeed (really important) and also have a
regular way to see themselves master a task thus building outer then
inner confidence.
4. See Success Together (visualize, affirm, meditate, pray, and sing):
Oprah always says that if you can believe it, you can achieve it. So
help your child believe more fully in him or herself. Perhaps it is
doing affirmations together like “I love me” and “I am amazing in every
way” or doing a guided meditation, singing a song that sparks them up or
drawing a vision board. Let your creativity loose so you both become
more self-assured. Have fun with this!!!
5. Get Inspired:
Do something inspiring together whether it is going to see magnificent
waterfalls, flying a new kite on the beach or learning hula-hooping. By
doing something that lights your child up, they learn how to build a new
skill and you’ll see their confidence soar.
6. Create an Uplifting Space:
Decorate your child’s space so they see happy photos of themselves,
their awards displayed, goals (or vision board) hung up and they have
their favorite things all around them. By making the space feel good to
your child they’ll realize this world is supporting them, their dreams
can come true and everyone wants to see them succeed. (Feng Shui can
help too!)
7. Play More:
Happier children know the importance of play whether they are outdoors
helping their parents’ garden or playing tag with their peers! So the
more you help your child build skills, see their power within and play
in their daily lives the happier they’ll be. I promise.
This book helps any adult nurture in themselves and their children a deeper sense of confidence and ultimately happiness. The Five Building Blocks of Confidence presented in this book has made countless children and parents feel more confident.
How to Foster Inner Confidence, Success and Happiness
Maureen Healy
List $14.95
ISBN: 978-0757316128
Published by Health Communications Inc. (HCI) April 2012
Available wherever books are sold nationwide and online.
For more information visit www.growinghappykids.com or visit the publisher www.HCIBooks.com
Growing Happy Kids helps any adult nurture in themselves and their children a deeper sense of confidence and ultimately happiness.
BOOK VIDEO: www.growinghappykids.com/node/55
ONLINE PRESS CENTER: www.growinghappykids.com/press
About The Author
Maureen Healy
is a children’s emotional health expert with more than 20 years of
global experience. She writes a popular blog for Psychology Today and
the PBS Series, This Emotional Life. Her work has been featured on ABC,
NBC, the CW and in popular magazines like Spirituality & Health and
Parenting, too. Maureen also uniquely brings together western science
and eastern wisdom to help any adult raise happier kids today.
She
received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and Masters of Business
Administration from Clark University and a Masters level of completion
in child clinical psychology from Fielding Graduate University. She has
also conducted studies in Tibetan Buddhism in Asia, Europe and the
United States.
What People Are Saying
“Drawing
on her own extensive research and experience, Maureen Healy wisely
leads parents and caregivers into the heart of awakening and activating
the innate confidence with which every child Is born. This is a book
that parents will read over and over again.”
—Michael Bernard Beckwith, author of Spiritual Liberation: Fulfilling Your Soul’s Potential
“Growing
Happy Kids gives parents what we all long for: a simple five-step plan
to help nurture their children’s self-confidence so they can handle
whatever comes up smoothly.”
—Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., author of The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness
“Drawing
on a wealth of experience and good-heartedness, Maureen Healy offers
wise and practical strategies for adults who hope to guide children
toward a lifetime of confidence and true happiness.”
—Sharon Salzberg, author of Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation
“Maureen
Healy’s Growing Happy Kids is a wise handbook on how parents can, and
must, instill confidence in their children. Culled from years of
experience, this guide is both deeply intelligent and practical to the
core.”
