Book Review - "Becoming Free" by Christy Monson

From Amazon:
Throughout our lives we tend to build up armor that inhibits our growth. Our armor comes in many disguises: depression, self-deprecation, or the inability to act. We often create our own armor, our own protection, unique to us, but this protection actually stops our growth and the abundant live we each seek.

An abundant and happier life can be yours, but you must identify and release the obstructions that keep you from the wisdom and wealth you want. Christy Monson, a successful family therapist for over thirty years, has written Becoming Free to help you achieve your goals and find deeper happiness in your life.

Becoming Free is a step-by-step book to help you to shed your armor, expand your optimistic thinking, and enhance your ability to give and receive. Once you become free of the armor you’ve built around you to protect yourself, you’ll find the abundant life you have always sought.

Christy Monson is an experienced counselor. She has provided us with a guide to defeat depression and discouragement. Monson teaches us to learn to work, take care of ourselves, communicate effectively with others, and create a successful plan to replace negative thoughts and actions with beneficial ones.

I read this book over a couple of days, but plan to go back a second time more slowly. Monson's techniques are practical, reasonable, and worth putting into practice. As you work through the steps, you will discover an inner strength and abilities you didn't know you had. Although this book is written for women, the techniques found within will benefit both genders of all ages.

You can purchase "Becoming Free" from Amazon or Familius.

FTC Disclaimer: I was given a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Special Education Saturday - Reducing School Anxiety

The weeks prior to the start of school are filled with excitement, hope, and anxiety. Some of those fears have been allayed as children have met their teachers, reconnected with friends, and glimpsed the curriculum for the new academic year.

Some of those fears have intensified.

How can you help your child who may be displaying signs of worry or expressing concerns?

1. Let them talk. Be sure you give them time to finish before you jump in with advice. 
2. Don't brush them off. Offer help and resources.
3. Tell about a time when you had similar problems, what you did, and how things turned out. 
4. Hide your own anxiety--if you cry or appear upset, this will increase your child's negative emotions.
5. Don't take their problems on yourself--help them learn problem solving skills
1. Set up a structure to help them remember papers and homework.
2. Have them attend tutorials before and after school for extra help.
3. If they choose not to do their assignments, provide consequences such as a removal of privileges. 
4. If you need to meet with the teacher, don't go in "attack mode". 
5. Remember that their whole future doesn't hinge on one assignment. 
6. If things don't seem to improve, see the school counselor or a mental health professional. 
7. Remind your child of the positive aspects of their school experience.

How do you help your child cope with school anxiety?

Book Review - "Love, Hugs and Hope" by Christy Monson

"Love, Hugs, and Hope"

We live in a world where tragedy touches us all. It is especially difficult to explain the unexplainable to children when you don't know what to do.

This book is the perfect tool to prompt conversations and provide coping strategies with the youngsters you love. An excellent tool for parents, teachers, and therapists. I regret that many little ones have to deal the harsh realities of 2013, but am glad that this resource is now available. I intend to get copies to keep for emergencies, and I recommend you do, too.

Check out Christy's giveaway -- click on the links above for a chance at a $25 Amazon giftcard.

From the publisher:

Written after the tragic Newtown, Connecticut, shooting, this book is an invaluable tool to help parents and children work through feelings after a tragedy. Our kids deal, not only with national tragedies, but every day ones like death of a grandparent, loss of a puppy, or divorce. This book guides readers through emotions of fear, sadness and anger, then offers constructive ideas for managing these feelings and seeking comfort. The message of the book is that love chases away hate and light banishes darkness. Lori Nawyn's engaging illustrations help the reader know that hope is only a hug away.



The book is available at: Amazon

FCC Disclosure: I was given a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.