I know how to stand up for myself
Building resilience - setting boundaries, strategies for developing assertiveness
| Author | Eva Brlek, Julija Kukec |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Ljiljana Kuruca |
| Original Title | Znam kako se zauzeti za sebe |
| Format | cardboard |
| Pages | 20 |
| Size | 21x21 cm |
| Age range | Early learning (2 – 6), Beginning readers (5 – 7) |
| Categories | Resilience, Socioemotional learning |
|---|---|
| Tag | Building resilience picture book series |
WRITTEN BY EXPERTS IN CHILD PSYCHOLOGY
One day at the playground Mona had some minor misunderstandings and uncomfortable situations with her friends. She didn’t feel safe enough to express her feelings, wants and needs. She was afraid to stand up for herself because she didn’t want her friends to get mad at her. Instead of speaking her mind, she silently accepted the actions of others, but this made her angry, disappointed in herself and sad.
Sometimes it is difficult for children to stand up for themselves, express their opinion or say “no” when something doesn’t suit them. The picture book “I know how to stand up for myself” helps children learn assertive communication – how to clearly express their needs, while still respecting the feelings and boundaries of others.
The story will speak to children who have difficulty expressing their needs, setting boundaries in relationships, are afraid to say what they think, often give in to others, have a hard time standing up for themselves, or feel uncomfortable when it comes to expressing their own opinion. It will help them gain confidence, set healthy boundaries, learn to express needs clearly and respectfully and communicate in an assertive manner.
Through a simple story children will:
– understand their own feelings and express your needs without fear
– develop assertiveness – how to say “no” in a polite but firm way
– set healthy boundaries in relationships with peers
– strengthen self-confidence and resilience through everyday situations
This picture book is not just a story – it is a practical tool to help adults understand child’s emotional and social challenges. At the end of the book there is an additional educational section with useful guidelines written by experts in child psychology. This section gives support to adults who want to support their children in challenging situations.
Author: Eva Brlek
Dr. sc. Eva Brlek is a professional in educational rehabilitation and psychotherapist. Following her dreams, she opened a private practice, Kabinet Nueva, where she can enable the maximum stimulation and realization of the potentials, abilities and possibilities of both children and adults. With an interdisciplinary approach and innovative therapeutic methods, she provides diagnostic, counselling and therapy services in the field of educational rehabilitation, psychology and psychotherapy. Eva is mostly fulfilled in her role of a mother to a wonderful boy, with whom she grows and develops to her fullest possible extent.
Author: Julija Kukec
Julija Kukec has a master’s degree in psychology, she is a practitioner of reality therapy and an ECHA specialist for education of the gifted. She is a professional assistant in a kindergarten, where she works with children to monitor their development, identifies difficulties and potential giftedness. She also provides educational programs through lectures and workshops, diagnosis and support for children and parents in the form of counselling. She is the mother of two children, who are her biggest and most important inspiration in every area of her work. In her free time, Julija enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and children.
Illustrator: Ljiljana Kuruca
Ljiljana Kuruca is a self-taught illustrator based in Serbia. Drawing animals and animal-like creatures is her thing. Her style is gentle and playful, drawing makes her soul sing and it is her place of serenity. When she was a kid, her world pretty much revolved around animals and drawing. However, at one point in her life she got the impression that she needs to choose between these two, to live a decent life. So, she decided art career was not for her and chose veterinary medicine instead. And it felt right for a while. However, by the end of her PhD studies she started drawing again… She is currently working as university professor and illustrator in Novi Sad.
