Emotional Growth Through Children’s Literature
In a heartfelt exploration of the profound impact literature can have on our youngest minds, we’ve gathered six unique perspectives from professionals, including a business psychologist and a CEO. From aliens teaching friendship beyond differences to discovering bravery and empathy from Japanese tale, these leaders share personal accounts of how specific children’s books have shaped their child’s emotional development.
- Aliens Teaching Friendship Beyond Differences
- Empathy Growing from The Giving Tree
- The Little Prince Enhancing Emotional Maturity
- Navigating Emotions with Where the Wild Things Are
- Understanding Separation with The Invisible String
- Discovering Bravery and Empathy from Japanese Tale
Aliens Teaching Friendship Beyond Differences
The book The Smeds and the Smoos by Julia Donaldson significantly contributed to our preschooler’s understanding of the world (despite being set on another one).
At first, his interest mostly stemmed from the aliens, rockets, and funny planet names, but eventually, he contextualized the conflict between the Smeds and the Smoos. He understood the frivolity of their differences and how these should never interfere with forming friendships.
But in time, he applied this logic to human beings and their innate differences. Different clothes, food, language, or other defining characteristics became identifiable to him, and he recognized that people also form discrete groups.
However, armed with the moral of the book, he knows not to judge people based on differences and welcomes their friendship, regardless.
Ben Schwencke
Business Psychologist, Test Partnership
Empathy Growing from The Giving Tree
One children’s book that has profoundly impacted my child’s emotional growth is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. This timeless classic tells the story of a selfless tree that gives everything to make a boy happy throughout his life.
The emotional impact of The Giving Tree has been profound. My child exhibits a heightened sense of empathy, an understanding of selflessness, and a more resilient attitude toward change.
Additionally, the book has instilled a genuine appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things and facilitated essential conversations about empathy, loss, gratitude, and our relationship with nature, contributing significantly to my child’s emotional growth.
Mark Fong, General Manager, CEO, hexagon lights
The Little Prince Enhancing Emotional Maturity
The perfect way to learn about perspectives is exemplified in the children’s book The Little Prince, where the stars serve not only as great points of imagination and creativity but also as a perfect example of teaching about different people’s perspectives.
I often find my very own smarty-pants reasoning out from his level of understanding like a grown adult, which can become quite challenging as a parent.
One day, we “stumbled” upon this great book about a space prince, and I couldn’t be happier that he quickly picked up on the moral lessons. Now, I get to talk to an emotionally mature “adult.”
Derek Capo
COO, Starquix.com
Navigating Emotions with Where the Wild Things Are
The children’s book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak has contributed to my child’s emotional growth by allowing them to explore their emotions, understand their fears, and learn the importance of self-acceptance.
The protagonist, Max, embarks on a wild journey within his imagination, encountering creatures that represent his own wild emotions. Through this narrative, my child learned that it is normal to experience a range of emotions and that it is essential to acknowledge and express them. By witnessing Max’s journey, my child gained a deeper understanding of their own emotional landscape.
For example, when my child was feeling angry, they related to Max and his “wild things,” realizing the need to tame their emotions and embrace self-control. This book taught my child the value of self-acceptance, encouraging them to embrace their true selves and to navigate their emotions with honesty and compassion.
Roy Lau
Co-Founder, 28 Mortgage
Understanding Separation with The Invisible String
I’ve seen firsthand how a specific children’s book contributed significantly to my child’s emotional growth. The Invisible String by Patrice Karst helped them understand and cope with separation anxiety.
Through this book, they learned about the unseen yet unbreakable bonds of love, leading to a better understanding of relationships and absence. It was a comforting resource that provided reassurance and fostered emotional resilience during times of separation or stress.
Eric Lam
Head of Business Strategy, San Francisco Tax Appeal
Discovering Bravery and Empathy from a Japanese Tale
A Japanese children’s book titled The Drum of Noto Hanto remarkably contributed to my child’s emotional growth. As an educator who is deeply invested in children’s emotional development, I found this book acted as a catalyst to nurture empathy and resilience in my son.
It shares a tale of bravery, sacrifice, and community spirit, helping him comprehend these profound concepts at his tender age. In his interactions, especially with his peers, it became apparent that the story cultivated a sense of selflessness and collective responsibility. Watching him grow emotionally from this simple book truly reflects the power of storytelling.
Nooran Zafarmand
Co-Founder and CEO, Japamana
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