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LET’S DISCUSS THE STORIES ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Self Esteem, Self Confidence

1. In this story, how did Tiny the Christmas Elf’s tiny size help him do something that nobody else could do?

2. Are there any things about yourself that you wish were different? Now, can you think of some ways that those same things might make you very special?

Bedtime Story written by Jade Maitre

Illustrated by Tanja Tomusilovic

Music Video by “Adeste Fideles Waltz” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Holiday Weasel” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Angels We Have Heard on High” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Wish Background” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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© 2023 Storyberries

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LET’S DISCUSS THE STORIES ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Feelings

1. In this story, Izzy does not try to change the skinny pumpkin from being sad. What do you think this might say about our feelings? And what might it say about friendship?

Self Esteem

2. Izzy and her pumpkin don’t mind if they look like what people think a Halloween pumpkin, or a Halloween costume, should look like. Do you think what other people think about you should matter? Why or why not?

Bedtime Story written by Andrea Kaczmarek

Illustrated by Tamara Nguyen

Music Video by  “Balloon Game” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Airship Serenity” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Graveyard Shift” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Voxel Revolution” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Jerry Five” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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© Storyberries 2023

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LET’S DISCUSS THE STORIES ~ IDEAS FOR TALKING WITH KIDS

Self Confidence, Self Esteem

1. Who do you think was the right person to decide Louse’s new name?

2. Do you think the other insects were right to be frustrated with him? Why or why not?

3. If you saw Louse in the garden, what would you call him?

Bedtime Story written by Andrea Kaczmarek

Illustrated by Nick Care

Music video by “Sneaky Snitch” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Hand Trolley” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Barroom Ballet” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Fluffing a Duck” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The post I Want A Nicer Name first appeared on Bedtime Stories.

Let’s Chat About The Stories ~ Ideas for Talking With Kids

Self Confidence, Self Esteem

1. Why do you think that Matko felt she was fine just the way she was?

2. Can you think of some good things about Matko being fit and large?

3. What are some good things about your own body?

4. How does your body help you to live a good life?

Bedtime Story written by Bindu Gupta and translated by Alisha Berger

Bedtime Story illustrated by Kanak Shashi

Credits

Music from www.zapsplat.com and Wholesome Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), “Riptide” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The story Just the Way I Am was translated by Alisha Berger. The © for this translation lies with Room to Read, 2016. Some rights reserved. Released under CC BY 4.0 license. Based on Original story: ‘मैं ऐसी ही हूँ!’, by Bindu Gupta. © Room to Read , 2016. Some rights reserved. Released under CC BY 4.0 license.

This story ‘Just The Way I Am’ was published by Room to Read on StoryWeaver.

* THE STORY ‘JUST THE WAY I AM’ WAS CREATED BY PRATHAM BOOKS AND IS LICENSED UNDER A CREATIVE COMMONS -BY-4.0 LICENSE. FORMATTING CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE ORIGINAL WORK FOR EASE OF READING ON OUR WEBSITE.

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Many children are gentle at heart, but what is not practiced is forgotten, and kindness is a virtue that is also learned. The art of being a good, kind, empathetic and co-operative person is best begun in early childhood.

How does being kind help our kids?

If children can create an environment of peace around themselves, and not act from a place of selfishness or aggressiveness, they are more likely to be appreciated by others and have healthier self-esteem.

Kindness helps everyone

Kind and compassionate children have a greater sensitivity to people, animals and the planet, which results in a better world.

How do I nurture kindness?

Please read on….Storyberries offers free children’s books, and tips for parents, on the valuable virtue of kindness.

The power of gratitude

Children who know how to be grateful for their families, the people around them, the toys they play with, the opportunity to study, and for their home, develop more empathy and compassion for other people. A grateful child will often be more likely to show kindness and compassion. Find ways to encourage gratitude in your child daily, and show gratitude yourself to provide them with regular modelling for a grateful attitude to life.

Real acts of kindness

Doing social deeds is also an education in kindness. By watching your example, and joining in as appropriate, children get used to giving empathy and acting in kindness. Raising money for a charity or another good cause, offering our time to collect items for those most in need, raising funds for sick children, or finding homes for abandoned cats and dogs, are just some examples.

It’s fun to do things together!

Children are generally very supportive of the people around them, and this is crucial in fostering goodness. They are easily motivated because participation excites them so much. Feeling integrated pleases them and their curiosity gives them wings. Joining in is fun, and if we integrate them into household activities they will gradually acquire the habit of being responsible collaborators. This is very advantageous for them because they then don’t see routine tasks as a burden, but as an activity to enjoy doing together.

Nurturing emotional intelligence

Children need to be able to recognize and manage their own emotions in order to understand others. We can talk about emotions and feelings with them whenever we have the chance, and also encourage our children to give expression to how they feel. The goal of emotional intelligence is to cultivate goodness, making it grow alongside empathy and love.

Practising patience in communication

This life-enriching skill can also be one of the most difficult to learn, but it’s all about trying again and again. A patient child can listen to others without being disturbed. Listening does not mean debating or having to agree with what is said; it is about waiting and then finding the right moment to express ourselves.

Loving kindness

Using many affectionate words and loving, tender gestures (and not only when we want to congratulate or reward) is really important. Spontaneous acts of affection are also a very effective way to convey warmth and kindness. “Just because” moments are easy to foster when children are feeling calm, and they can be very simple – we don’t need to go out of our way to do special things.

 

Some Free Books About Kindness At Storyberries

‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’ Simha!

In this lovely book exploring the importance of good manners, Simha learns that his friends feel happier, and are more willing to co-operate, when he treats them with kindness and good manners.

My Best Friend Crow

A beautiful tale of a young girl who feels sad that her grandmother chases away the crows when she feeds the pigeons in the park. Through her acts of kindness Rusty becomes best friends with Crow.

The Fairy Garden

The fairies at the bottom of the garden are delighted to find gifts left out for them by a girl and her golden cat. The kindness of the young girl builds trust and soon they all become friends.

 

Article by Luzmery M. Romero Gamboa and Fleur Rodgers

Luzmery works in the area of clinical psychology as a psychotherapist for children, adolescents and families. Since 2016, she has run a Psychological Center in Venezuela called Psicoluz. She offers workshop facilitations to parents, is involved in recreational activities for children, and has been working as a freelancer since 2017 performing online psychotherapy. 

Fleur is a meditation teacher in France and uses a compassion and loving-kindness based approach to meditation and slow-minded living. Fleur posts regularly to Instagram @rodgers.fleur . She has two children, is a qualified teacher in adult education and is the founder of Timeouttobreathe.com 

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