help children achieve their full potential. Natalie says that there is a growing understanding of how powerful this type of work can be.


“In the past we just didn’t talk about these things, but for adults emotional wellbeing and mental health are bigger issues now. That recognition means we are discussing it more openly.”


Beth Cox


is more focused on the confidence. That confidence thing is more of an external approach, encouraging children to take actions and build your confidence. It looks at fear and excitement and goal-setting, breaking things down into smaller action. Whereas Find your power is about the internal approach and inner awareness. “Confidence is contextual on the circumstances and it changes – so we are confident in some things, but not in others. That’s a good thing to understand because we can use that to help us with the things we are not confident about.


“The books are also powerful in showing that ‘it’s not just me’ who has these feelings.”


The approach can help children in a number of ways, encouraging children to try new things and to build resilience – from helping a shy child put their hand up in class to giving someone the skills to cope with disappointment. The aim is always to


Autumn-Winter 2019


Natalie says parents are increasingly realising that if they can equip their children with a set of emotional skills at a young age, they are giving them a valuable tool for life. Beth Cox, who co-wrote the titles with Natalie, agrees that there is a growing feeling that these emotional skills are important – not just in childhood. Beth says: “A lot of adults are discovering how they can live their lives better through these types of techniques. And I think there is a recognition that children could benefit from having these skills.


“The books are very much about pre- empting some of these difficulties that people experience later in life, and giving children the tools to recognise them and overcome them.”


The books allow children to put their emotions into context, according to Beth who says: “Children will often pick up on an idea that emotions can be negative – they will be told that anger is bad, or they shouldn’t be sad. But we want to show that all your emotions are valid, and the important thing is how you move forward.


“The books put those techniques out there in a way that is accessible – I think there are things in there that adults could


learn from too. I think parents will find them extremely useful, especially for younger children where there is not that much available. It’s important to have that option to talk to your child about these things – and the books give you a way in. Either by letting the children get on with it themselves and coming to you when they are ready, or by working through them together. “It helps children and parents understand those emotions better – what’s happening when you get overwhelmed, or when you get angry.” Beth adds: “Kids pick up on so much when they are young. They pick up on what adults are talking about, they hear about the news – whether that’s the environment, crime or politics. They also have the pressures from school – tests and exams, their social group. All of these things can impact on a child’s wellbeing and we want to be able to help them to move beyond those worries. Some of these things are really simple, but can have a huge impact on life, making children happier and with a more positive outlook on life.


“Children are very often told do this or told to do that, and what we want is for them to feel like they are in charge of their feelings, so that they can think ‘I can decide whether I’m going to let this feeling take over or whether I just move on’. It’s about giving them the confidence to make their own choices.” PEN&INC.


l Find your power and Stretch your confidence are aimed at children aged six to 12 and published by www.bsmall.co.uk.


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