Have you ever felt left out, or that you just did not belong or fit in? Do you know a child that might feel this way? Human beings need the feeling of self-worth to grow and develop into a healthy contributing part of society. This Amazon #1 Best seller, BaBa-Balu Belongs, Too, a multiple award-winning story in areas including School Issues, Peer Pressure, Self-Esteem & Self-Respect, LGBT, and STEM is about a monarch caterpillar who doesn’t fit in. He feels uncomfortable in his own skin. The story reaches a turning point where he feels loved and accepted. This allows him to become the beautiful butterfly he is meant to be. This story follows the metamorphosis cycle and includes several of its scientific terms.
Sonja Lange Wendt is an award-winning author of the Cultivating Compassion in Children books series. Her books are intergenerational and address important and sometimes difficult topics with children on inclusion, acceptance, disabilities, bullying and aging. Serina and Seymour Seed kick off and end each story. Seymour and Serina are the seeds of compassion children have, but sometimes they need planting and nurturing to cultivate the best in them. Through increasing awareness, understanding and discussion, these books teach that using compassion in different situations shows kindness in the greatest way in this sometimes difficult to navigate world.
Sonja uses a variety of setting and characters from grandparents, little girl, little boy, and bugs to engage children in the stories. The settings all include nature and the outdoors. Each story ends with thought provoking questions to be asked by the adult and discussed with the child.
These books are generally fitting for children ages 4-8 but as C.S. Lewis states, “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” Her books are brilliantly illustrated with vivid colors and scenery.
Even little kids can be misunderstood by their peers, leading to exclusion. Young children often have limited language and social skills, making it easy for their actions or words to be misinterpreted. A shy child might be seen as unfriendly, or a child with different interests might be considered strange. These misunderstandings can lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion from group activities.
Compassion is essential in these situations. Teaching kids to approach each other with empathy and patience can bridge gaps in understanding. Encouraging open communication, celebrating differences, and modeling inclusive behavior helps children develop a more accepting attitude. By fostering an environment where kids feel safe to express themselves and understand others, we can reduce exclusion and promote a sense of belonging and friendship among all children.
Comment on this Bubble
Your comment and a link to this bubble will also appear in your Facebook feed.