Friday 24 April 2009

Empowering Children With Low Self Esteem

Self esteem is a key ingredient in maximizing children's potential in academic achievement, social success, and personal happiness. This statement alone, was the inspiration behind the motivation for Children’s Story Book ‘ The Magic Sunglasses’ written by Auriel Blanche.(also known as Angela Buck)

We all want to protect our children, keep them from harms way and safeguard them from danger. Fundamentally it is the child’s own inner beliefs and self esteem that is the only thing that can act like armor and create a shield to protect them from the challenges the world has to throw at them. For a child to reach their full potential: self esteem is the primary and most crucial tool. This is the devise that Angela Buck has focused on throughout her child literacy program. She prides herself on actively infusing inspiration to children across the world. By sparking imaginations through her literature, Angela gives the children the freedom to learn and the ability to overcome the negatives life may throw at them. Angela encourages the use of attributes a child has within to enable them to live with independence and self worth.
Angela Buck successfully taps into many children’s spirits on a global scale, making them visualize desirable outcomes and make positive connections with their inner purpose. She does this through her skill of creative and innovative writing which engages children of all ages. Along with her interactive workshops and programs, The Magic Sunglasses, her acclaimed children’s fun fantasy book is a must read for all children in todays society. Especially for those who are saddened with a low self esteem. Samantha is a character a child with a lack of confidence can relate to. She too hasn’t fully discovered that she has a special value all her own. Throughout the story she finds a power that the reader will be inspired to find in themselves. The books motivation is to show we all have that special value, which we can use to help us live the lives we really want and to be happy. The magic sunglasses in their physical form mysteriously find their way to Samantha. They have wonderful powers which support her and show her what you can do if you really try! The important notion behind the story is that these possibilities are still achievable when she no longer has them. The results this book entails is seen in the readers improvement of personal motivation, their positivity for their own capabilities, their respect for their own special values and the optimisms for their own self worth.

Children with low self-esteem may not want to try new things, and may frequently speak negatively about themselves; they may be over critical, lack confidence and miss out on the fun and learning that other children benefit from. It is known that the use of a child’s imagination helps children to develop their unique personality, beliefs, and strengths. Children work through their problems and explore their feelings while reading this book. Through their new limitless view they are now able to set meaningful and purposeful goals or intentions. Samantha hasn’t any limitations to her dreams; she tries new things and can reach goals without an aid. This can then be relayed in the life of the reader.

Patterns of self-esteem start very early in life. This is why Angela Bucks book is aimed at 7-12 year olds, this age is crucial for developments; emotionally, physically and intellectually. Learning new skills and gaining belief in their potentials are great ways to improve self esteem in children. This is exactly what the themes throughout The Magic Sunglasses inspires to do. They teach the reader to praise themselves and use their imaginations to motivate all welcomed possibilities.

Angela Buck understands that Children with low self esteem need a positive role model. For this reason she created the amazing Samantha. She is always polite and friendly. She is playful and imaginative. She enjoys making her dreams come true and strives to reach her potential. She is a happy child, enthusiastic and charismatic. She is respectful of others and through self discovery learns how to cope with the challenges she faces with optimism and self worth. All of which are attributes that a role model should inspire.

To overcome self esteem issues and lack of confidence we need to Identify and redirect the child's inaccurate beliefs. Self-esteem is all about the way you judge yourself. Angela strives to promote the ethos of creating a worldwide community of children who have learnt how to value themselves and to use their potential, to live personally successful lives and contribute to the success of others. These aspects are explored through the characters in the book as well as through her interactive workshops, and her new ventures and material. Inaccurate beliefs are created by other inflicting methods surrounding children, i.e. other adults, other children, television, magazines or many other reflective methods. The Magic Sunglasses compromises these inaccurate beliefs and offers a more positive and preferable aspect to life. Samantha the main character doesn’t embellish in perfection, attractiveness or being the best at everything but instead appreciates her own abilities, enjoys her own imagination and strives to promote her own specialties. Along with promoting children's individual self-discovery and self-esteem Angela has the aim of teaching the importance of discovering others self worth’s and becoming respectfully aware of others. To not only understand their own specialties but to seek and understanding the positives and strengths in everyone. Angela hopes a generation of individuals who grow up with a natural respect for others regardless of race, religion or cultural will one day exist. The practice of imagining themselves in Samantha’s situation is very important for developing compassion, empathy and understanding others fully, by discouraging flawed beliefs and offering inspiration for positive healthy ways of thinking, the child’s self-esteem and confidence will inevitably improve. This will benefit the academic, social and personal development needed at this age.

It is known that a child needs affection and love. Without this it is inevitable that a low self esteem will occur. For this reason The Magic Sunglasses would be a great read to improve the esteem. It is a warming and touching storyline that will be extremely heartfelt by the reader, making them feel happy inside. The transparent messages throughout the book are to teach the children to love themselves. This book will surely strengthen the child’s heart. Positive feedback is always craved by children and important in their learning, for this reason the book encourages own thought and personal creativity. It also encourages using imaginations for possibilities and the motivation for achieving those opportunities. The Magic Sunglasses provides imaginary situations which allow them to practice creative solutions and transcend challenges. Both of which are tools that will set them for life.

A happy living environment is essential in areas of personal confidence and personal valuation. If a child has been constantly criticized, bullied or ignored during early childhood they will have much less child self-esteem than children who are praised, encouraged, listened to and valued. Often it is the case that a child hasn’t had or cannot respond to the praise or encouragement from a parent or teacher alone. This means that it is important that every child has the confidence within themselves to appreciate their own self worth and specialties. All of which are creatively demonstrated with fantastic illustrations in Angela Bucks book. Another aspect to think of is that if a child is experiencing a troubled time they may need an embracive distraction. By reading The Magic Sunglasses an escapism is created for them. An inspirational and imaginative place of positivity and hedonism. A place of fun, friendship and endless possibility. Worry, fear, panic and anxiety are all counteracted with positive images by reading the magic sunglasses, all fantastically created by the amazing author Angela Buck.

Children with unhealthy self-esteem tend to fear interacting with others. They're uncomfortable in social settings and hate group activities as well as independent pursuits. When challenges arise, they feel negative toward finding solutions and belittle themselves. Children with low self esteem are afraid to say "I don't understand this." And therefore do not learn and develop as the others do. They don’t know their strengths and focus on their weaknesses. The Magic Sunglasses give a sense of optimism throughout the story line. An interactive workshop is available just by contacting the author. This is where children can benefit from the participational activities and make friends through the interaction. They are encouraged to have fun, be creative and play imaginatively in order to explore the themes. In small groups the children can concentrate on the issues and communicate openly in discussions. This will enable the individuals within the groups to challenge and understand their own and others fear and problems. They will learn to inspire themselves and others to explore passions and dreams. All children in the previous workshops, enjoyed, learnt and benefitted from them. Many parents noticed differences in their children. Many children improved their self-esteem. Teachers were impressed and as a result were inspired to re-book again and again. .

When these stories actually transform a child's life, bringing joy and happiness to it, you know the story is a winner. This touching, inspirational and heart-warming plot has repeatedly been transformed into optimistic true life stories for many children who have read it. From some of which, Angela has been inundated with positive testimonials, rewarding reviews and written letters of compliments.

“I was told by a friend of mine to get the magic sunglasses for my daughter who is 7, she loved it and I did too. I try to make her realize how special she is and this book was great in explaining this, the pictures were great and Katie loved to read it. In fact shes read it again and again, I will definitely recommend this to children with lack of confidence and parents who think their children may need help in self esteem. “ Barbara Deaglee

“I used to hear my 8-year-old daughter putting herself down, saying things like "I’m so ugly" or "I can’t do anything right." I tried to assure her that none of these things were true, but nothing I said seemed to make any difference. I gave her The Magic Sunglasses and she loved it. Shes read it a few times now. She is now so much happier, she comes home from school and tells us what shes been good at and she has even joined a dance club. I’d recommend this book to every mum who is worried about their child being down.” Julie Jacobs – Melton Mowbray

“Dear Angela, Thankyou very much for your workshop at my childs school last month. She came home excitable telling me about her day, playing games and learning about the magic sunglasses. I thought nothing more of it until I went to a parent teacher meeting. I was told my daughter who is 7 had come out of herself. I know she was a little shy, would be afraid to talk out in class and would shy from asking the teacher for help sometimes, but I was told that she is now much chattier and participates in the classroom discussions more. Im amazed she has even auditioned for the school play. This I have been told has resulted in her grades improving. I have also seen a happier child, she is a lot chattier, has had many new friends round for tea and is very keen on keeping up to date with the website……………..” David Harper - Oldham

As you can see from these views, Angela Buck is a very inspirational lady, not only to children but to adults and parents over the globe. She shines beacons of light, inspires lasting change and empowers emotionally happy children to reach endless possibilities!!! How refreshing and delightful to benefit from The Magic Sunglasses and see it empower our childrens minds and free their spirits to become flourishing children and ultimately successful adults! To get involved in her quest or to introduce your child to Samantha, Angela or The Magic Sunglasses purely click on the link – http://themagicsunglasses.com.

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