As parents, we want the best for our children – the best education, the best opportunities, and most importantly, the best self–esteem. However, the latter is something that can often get overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life. It was this realization that led me to write my first children's book, Perfectly Imperfect, for my daughter and for all the other children out there who need a little reminder that they are special, loved, and always enough.
Understanding Self-Esteem
Growing up, I struggled with my own self–esteem issues – I always felt like I wasn't pretty enough or smart enough. It wasn't until I became a parent myself that I realized just how much those negative self–beliefs can impact a child's psyche. I knew I needed to do something to help boost my daughter's confidence and remind her of her own worth – that's when the idea for Perfectly Imperfect was born.
The Impact of Adolescence on Confidence
I remember the moment I decided to write my book vividly. It was 2015, and my daughter had just turned 8. I was struck by how smart and self–assured she was, yet as she approached adolescence, I couldn't help but notice her confidence taking a hit. And when I read the studies showing that girls between the ages of 8 – 14 experience a 30 percent drop in confidence levels, I knew I had to do something. Looking back, I can't help but laugh at how much has happened and how much I've learned since then. But I have always loved the words of the book and wanted to create a real book from it – not just text.
I’m proud that my daughter (now a teenager) can read it, knowing her mom was doing all she could to help her grow into a confident young person. She’s managed that beautifully on her own. I’m happy to be able to dedicate the book to her and her younger sister. I can’t wait to share it with you.
I worked with a children’s illustrator in Italy named Daria Vinorurova. You will love the heartfelt sketches that bring the words to life.
A Celebration of Uniqueness
The book is a celebration of all the little quirks, imperfections, and unique traits that make us who we are. From the Leaning Tower of Pisa to scars that tell stories, each page is filled with colorful illustrations and empowering messages that encourage children to embrace their own quirks and imperfections.
As I wrote the book, I thought about all the things that I wanted my daughter and other children to know – that they don't need to look a certain way or act a certain way to be loved and valued. That it's okay to make mistakes and that those mistakes don't define us. That our differences are what make us beautiful and that we should celebrate them, not hide them.
Empowering Messages
Publishing Perfectly Imperfect was a labor of love, and I hope that it will inspire children and parents alike to recognize and embrace their own unique qualities. My hope is that this book will serve as a reminder that we are all perfectly imperfect, and that's something to be celebrated, not ashamed of.
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with messages telling us how we should look and act, it's more important than ever to teach our children the value of self-love and self-acceptance. That's why I wrote Perfectly Imperfect – to remind children that their differences are what make them special and that they should always embrace and celebrate those differences. I hope that this book will serve as a tool for parents and caregivers to help build children's self–esteem and foster a sense of pride in their individuality. Together, we can raise a generation of confident, resilient and perfectly imperfect individuals.
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