I have seen so many negative effects of low self-esteem in my life.  As a friend, I have watched it lead wonderful people to horrible choices, and as a teacher, I've watched it turn beautiful, thoughtful children into kids who feel weak and worthless.  Now that I'm a parent, I want to do everything in my power to help my daughter realize that she is a miraculous girl and that no one else should ever be able to make her feel unimportant or devalue her in any way.

You have to give people the power to do that.  I can already tell that Riley is a very sweet girl, but I don't want her big heart and kindness to be a doorway for others to take advantage of her.  I think that everyone should be able to assert themselves in a firm, kind way so as to assure that they are not negatively influenced by peer pressure.

Teaching self-esteem and assertiveness to children and teens is the purpose of the two books from Uplift Press, "Liking Myself" and "The Mouse, the Monster and Me".  I had the privilege to review these two books from Dr. Louise Hart at The Promise of Positive Parenting.  Read on to find out my views on them.

PRICE: I reviewed the following two books from Uplift Press:

• Liking Myself, which retails for $12.99
• The Mouse, the Monster and Me, which retails for $12.99

You can also purchase the digital version of these two books for only half the price!  Visit "Liking Myself" and "The Mouse, the Monster and Me" on Uplift Press for more details.

You can also access the free Teacher's guides for these two books, which give excellent ideas as to how to discuss the books with your child!

"Liking Myself" Teacher's Guide

"The Mouse, the Monster and Me" Teacher's Guide

I had heard numerous good things about the two books "Liking Myself" and "The Mouse, the Monster and Me" by Dr. Pat Palmer.  I have to say though, that I was surprised when I received these two books, for they turned out to be nothing like I thought they would be.  I didn't realize that these books are more like a workbook than anything you would just read.  I thought this was a novel concept and one that would really help your child open up and express themselves.

For instance, in the beginning of "Liking Myself", the author talks about being a good friend to others as well as to YOURSELF.  She then goes on to tell your child that they should do something every day just for them...something they like to do.  Then there's a space in the book for your child to write down several things they like to do.  Both books are also handwritten on lined paper, resembling notebook paper.  I feel that this was a good choice, because most children are taught NOT to write in books, but the inside of these books doesn't look like a regular book, which encourages children to write in them.

I think these two books are invaluable to read with your kids at a very early age.  They are recommended for children ages 5-10 years old, but I thought that they were even applicable to adults too.  These books will help begin a dialogue between you and your kids about their feelings and what they are experiencing both emotionally and socially.  These books are essential for establishing a healthy foundation of self-esteem and assertiveness at an age where the parent is still the child's primary influence.

As children grow into teenagers, they will eventually look to others' views and opinions of them to be more important than yours.  Thus, if you can give your children a healthy boost of self-esteem and assertiveness now, they will not be as easy to sway with negative peer pressure later...and of course healthy children grow into well-adjusted, healthy adults!