Whole Heart for Girls: Feeling Good About Yourself

NOW WITH ILLUSTRATIONS. Self- esteem or lack of it begins early. Children get criticized and learn to be critical. They get teased and learn to feel victimized. They see parents who do not love themselves and believe they aren’t lovable either. When we can start at the very beginning, with an understanding of always being lovable, then we can make mistakes and it’s ok. We can win or lose a game and it’s ok. We are still lovable. Whole Heart for Girls also helps girls (ages 6-12) handle problems they may be having with friends or feeling left out. The book helps parents begin to discuss self- esteem with their children at a younger age, by reading about it, discussing it and hopefully demonstrating it. It also teaches children that self-esteem does not come from being the best at anything or being perfect. Self-esteem is about knowing you are lovable. This gives children a chance to make mistakes, try something new and know they can cope with life’s ups and downs, without falling apart or feeling like a failure, hence unlovable. In that way, they are free to try new things and know that no matter what the results, trying your best is important and win or lose you are always loved.

Dr. Amy Stark, Ph.D. is a highly respected clinical psychologist in the state of California. She received her doctorate in 1981 from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego, and her background in education is in child psychology. Dr. Stark is best known for her work with high-conflict divorce situations. Due to the fact that Dr. Stark’s training is in child psychology, she brings that expertise in her work with children of high-conflict divorce. One of the unique techniques that Dr. Stark brings into play while working with children is the presence of her two therapy dogs, Gregory and Rita. Along the years, many kids and teenagers have attested to how their therapy sessions with Dr. Stark were facilitated simply by the fact that Jimmy and Rita were present there! Now that Gregory is the new therapy dog, they’ll feel the same way about him. In addition, Dr. Stark is also a management consultant. Her first book, ＂Because I said So,＂ was published in 1992. It is designed to help readers improve their job performance by recognizing how their childhood dynamics (e.g. parents’ attitudes toward employment, money, anger and discipline) influence their office politics.