WTRW: The ABCs of Rose

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     Guess what you guys! I won something! I entered a give-away contest online at Grammy's Grid and I won!  The prize was a great children's book called The ABCs of Rose, written by
JRenee Heimerman and illustrated by Mariana Flores. I received an autographed copy of the book with a worksheet and bookmark to go with it. 

      The ABCs of Rose is the story of a little girl (named Rose, of course), who is getting teased at school and how her mother teaches her to handle it and to feel better about herself using alphabetical "I AM" statements.  In the beginning of the book, the author explains that the book is actually her own story about how she has learned the power of the "I AM" process. 

     The images in the book are sweet and colorful.  We are also introduced to the illustrator, Mariana Flores, and her own struggles with self-esteem.  Her creativity became her outlet to heal.  You can find out more about her at www.marianaflores.pt.

      I enjoyed the simplicity of this book.  It  showed that the process of helping your child build feelings of self worth should begin at home.  At the back of the book there are ideas for discussions that you can have with your children and also activities to do with them.  Then, you can go to Ms. Heimerman's website and upload the pictures of  your activity for everyone to see! 

     It seems to be human nature to label ourselves and compare ourselves to others.  I think that it is important to start teaching our children, at a young age, that they are "Worthy. Worthy of all good things" that life has to offer them. (quote from the book!) Actually, we can all take a page from this book! 

     It is interesting to me that the subject of worthiness, labels and self-esteem have been on my mind lately and then I won this book! I don't think it was a coincidence. I recently heard a talk by a wise man named Dallin H. Oaks.  He said the following: 

​“Where will this lead?” is also important in choosing how we label or think of ourselves. Most important, each of us is a child of God with a potential destiny of eternal life. Every other label, even including occupation, race, physical characteristics, or honors, is temporary or trivial in eternal terms. Don’t choose to label yourselves or think of yourselves in terms that put a limit on a goal for which you might strive.

     So, when we make our own "I AM" statements, we need to remember to use the words that are positive, uplifting and do not limit us in anyway! For example, if I say, "I AM a blogger."  That is great, but is somewhat limiting and not really ETERNALLY relevant.  It might be better to say, "I AM someone who loves to write."  My possibilities are endless!  
     When we do the "I AM" exercise with our children or grandchildren, we should also help them see the wonderful possibilities that they have in front of them.  Instead of saying that they are the fastest runner in their class, which compares, they can say, "I AM full of stamina and very quick!" or something  similar!  The book used good example of these kinds of words, like brave, outgoing and understanding.  
       Even if your child seems to have great self-esteem, this is a great exercise for them now, because by the time they are in Junior High, that could all change. Not only that, through this process,  they can begin to look at others differently and begin to realize that every child deserves to have all of the good things that life has to offer.  This attitude can go a long way to combat bullying and help to instill love in the world! 

     I recommend that everyone grab a copy of The ABCs of Rose today! If you prefer, there is also a boy version called, Tommy's ABCs available.  You can purchase them on Amazon in hardcover or paperback.  They are also available on Kindle.