Children’s Bedding
A childs bedroom should be a room that reflects their personality and lets their imagination run wild.  Create a space your child will love with quality bedding from Sweet Peaches Bedding. Whether you are designing a new room or looking for easy updates, Sweet Peaches Bedding has children’s bedding and decor so you can create a room where your child can grow and play. Whether it’s toddler, twin, full, or queen size; trucks, rockets, mermaids, or flowers, our childrens bedding is superior quality, fun designs, and affordable.

* Make your child’s room inviting, decorated to his/her taste, and age-appropriate. Consider allowing your child to help decorate by at the very least picking out the bedding. For the more ambitious adventurers, give your child choices of a bedroom theme, positioning of bed and furniture (with your help, of course), and overall look and feel. The general idea is you want your child to absolutely LOVE his/her room and want to spend time in it!

* Consider the size of the bed. Some parents move their child to a twin or even larger bed as soon as a child graduates from the crib. For some children, that is fine, but others may feel intimidated or even threatened by its size. Depending on a child’s nature, toddler beds can provide a nice transition between crib and twin. These beds often are available in theme designs, such as a race car or castle. Make sure your child can easily get in and out of bed and feels comfortable in it.

Girls Bedding:
From Flowers to Mermaids, Butterflies to Starfish,  an adorable assortment of colorful girls bedding.

Boy’s Bedding:
Our boys bedding comes in themes from trucks to pirates, rocketships to construction vehicles and more.

Infant Bedding:
Country Baby, our first infant pattern! Cute, cuddly country farm animals, tractors and barns cover the bedding. Soft plush and embroidery abound. With coordinating baby gingham and polka dots too!

Toddler Bedding:
Toddler bed sets include a pillowcase, sheet set and comforter or quilt.

Moving With Your Children In The Beginning:

When To Discuss The Move

Older Children

As soon as you have definite plans, you should tell older children. They need plenty of time to work things through and make their own adjustments. Saying good-bye to friends cannot be rushed. DO NOT SURPRISE THEM. By keeping your move a secret until the last minute, you run the risk that they will hear about it from someone else … and this could be disastrous.

Younger Children

It is better NOT to tell young children that you are moving, until activity is underway which actually involves them. A small child cannot fully understand what a move is all about. The longer they have to imagine things in their minds, the more nervous and frightened they may become.

How To Discuss The Move

First and foremost, your mood will have a huge impact on your child. If your attitude is one of adventure, and if you stay focused on the positive opportunities the move will be creating, this will filter down to your children and help them mentally adjust to the transition. On the other hand, if you are stressed, worried or depressed, your child will pick up on this also and possibly react in a totally negative manner. There is no greater fear than fear of the unknown. Therefore, give as many details about the move to your child as you feel is necessary. Children need to know why the family is moving and what will be happening during the move. At all times, remain upbeat and excited, particularly if you are discussing the new home and community.

You might want to hold regular “Moving Talks” with the rest of the family. At this time, encourage your children to ask questions and voice their feelings.

Almost all children have initial resistance to a disruption of this magnitude. Listen attentively, honor their issues and address their concerns in a loving and meaningful way.

Especially For Small Children

A young child will be focused on the present. Therefore, the concept of moving in a few weeks (let alone months) won’t mean much to them. They will be immediately running to the window, looking for the moving van, and becoming frustrated when it isn’t there yet.

Secondly, small children absorb knowledge through fantasy and playing. Try using boxes and a wagon to help them understand the concept of moving. Have your child carefully load up the wagon and then have him or her take the wagon into another room to unload the contents.

You can also introduce your small children to the idea of moving by showing them picture books of other children moving. Make sure you discuss how the people in the book might be feeling. (No matter what the story, always make sure that you end up on a cheery and happy note).

Possible Reactions To The Move:

As a parent, it is extremely important that you remain aware of your children’s moods during this unsettling time. If a child is not reacting as you might have expected (e.g. unusually disinterested or bored), then it might be a signal of some major internal issues at work. Help them to bring their honest feelings out into the open. Reassure them that it is okay to disagree with you.

Once the issues are on the table, then a solution can be worked out. It is highly likely that ALL children are going to show some degree of frustration, anger, nervousness and sadness over the course of the move …and for a few months after settling into your new home.

Avoid generalizing with your teen. They will rebel against platitudes such as ‘everything will be fine’. Instead, be open, honest and respective towards their concerns. Let them know that you want to help find solutions to any problems … and then make sure that you follow through with any promise. Don’t promise anything that you can’t deliver. This is a time to develop trust and a bond. Keep them directly in the “moving picture”. Seek their advice and give them a certain level of responsibility and decision-making. Let them know that they are important and that you need their input and feed-back.

Introducing Your New Home: Arrange A Sneak Preview

Ideally, you should plan a visit to the new community with your children prior to moving. This will give form to the transition and make it seem more real.

If the house is empty, go inside and let your family check our their rooms. Spend some time mapping out where the furniture will be going. Introduce yourself to any families in the neighborhood.

Check out the restaurants, movie cinemas, sports facilities, parks,playgrounds, shops, etc. If realistic, sign your children up for any extra activities, while they are with you. This way, they will see the facilities, meet the people, and it won’t see so odd and scary later.

Possibly arrange a quick tour of the school(s) your children will be attending. If you know who will be teaching your child, now would be a great time to get acquainted.

If Your Child Can’t Go With You,

If your new home is too far away for visits, then it becomes important that you either photograph it or videotape it for your children, when you are there. Take the views out the windows and include the front and back yard. Don’t forget to record other sites of interest (schools, shops, restaurants, parks, sports arenas, playgrounds, etc.)

Take pictures of other children the same age as your family. Your own children will want to see what they are wearing, whether they look friendly, where they are hanging out. Later, match all the photos to a map of the neighbourhood, so your child can get some sense of spatial distances.

Make up individual “Care Packs” with gift certificates or coupons to attractions and restaurants that they would each find exciting. Include a special gift from one of the new shops. Let them know what cable stations are available, what music stations kids are listening to, and what movies are currently showing. Build up enthusiasm and excitement.

Involve Your Children: Create A Sense Of Teamwork

Giving your children age-specific jobs will help them to feel involved. For instance, your elementary-age child might love making lists and ticking off jobs as they are completed, while your teenager can assume responsibility in the actual planning. Make sure you emphasize how much their involvement is appreciated. Encourage your family to put forward their thoughts regarding different aspects of the move.

Draw a diagram of each child’s bedroom, with their furniture cut to scale, and allow them to start arranging things. Let your children decide on their paint colours, and make sure you then take them with you when shopping for any bedroom decorating item such as paint, wallpaper, bedspreads, etc. This can be an exciting and fun-filled experience and gives your child a feeling of empowerment.

Involve your children with packing the contents of their rooms. Older children can pack all their belongings, while a younger child should be encouraged to pack one box with special toys. (If your small child is worried about the box disappearing, set it aside where it can easily be viewed and then take it with you in the car on moving day). Arrange for each child to personalize the outside of their box(es) by supplying stickers or colored pens. Ask the movers to load these boxes last, so that they will be the first off when the moving van arrives at your new home.

Making Life Easier: Avoid Unnecessary Change

Try to avoid any changes to your child’s daily routine. Normal nap times, play times, meal times, and bedtimes should be maintained, and any additional changes (such as potty training) should be put on hold until several weeks after you have moved into your new house. If you have certain family rituals (such as Friday night pizzas), make sure that you still honor them. Moving is such a big adjustment for a child. Don’t add other adjustments on top of it. Children will need the stability of familiar habits. Even though this seems like a good idea to throw out your child’s old toys and clothes, it is better that you hang onto them until after the move.

All these objects, no matter how worn and tattered, can help make the transition from the known into the unknown a lot easier for children. If possible pack your child’s room last. This is their private space and a special place to go when things get too much. Do not pack favourite items or clothing into boxes for the moving van. Instead, take them with you in the car (if possible), so they will never be too far away. If it is feasible, when it comes time to pack your smaller child’s room, do so while they are in daycare or out of the house, visiting a neighbor. That way, they aren’t part of the final upheaval and you can give them a lot of attention when they return.

Saying Goodbye:

Goodbye To the House

There are a lot of memories in your home. This holds true for your children as well as for yourself. You might wish to consider taking lots of photographs before your begin to dismantle and pack. Have your child create a “Memory Book” and fill it with pictures of the places and people in your neighbourhood that have meant a lot to him or her.

Goodbye to Friends

Of course, saying goodbye to friends and loved ones is going to be the most emotional part of any move. Older Children can hold a party. At this time, they can hand out postcards already stamped and addressed with their new address (nothing like getting a deluge of mail right after the move), have everyone record their contact info and personal note in an album and make sure you videotape the party … or take lots of photos.

After settling into your new home, make sure you give your children lots of chances to keep in touch with their old friends … perhaps even give them a special long distance telephone allowance. Arrange for past friends to come and visit, or even schedule a return visit to your previous neighbourhood occasionally.

Moving Day:

Infants and small children are much better off staying with grandparents, aunts or uncles. This will help make the transition go more smoothly and avoid any harm coming to them from getting in the way. They will also be confused as to why you cannot give them their normal level of attention and could end up feeling in the way. If this is not possible, then keep infants safe in a playpen … along with their favourite toys and consider hiring an older, responsible neighbor to come and play with your younger children and to keep an eye on everyone.

Do not pack your child’s favourite toys and books in moving boxes. Instead keep these treasures with you so they will be easily accessible when you arrive at the new home. Also, keep out some games for the car, incase boredom sets in.

Plan to arrive ahead of the movers. This allows time for your children to explore before the rooms are covered in boxes. Make sure you give your child lots of jobs to do as the furniture and contents are being unloaded. Everything is going to seem very strange, and it helps to concentrate on something specific, rather than letting the mind wander.

Remember to try and remain as positive and as calm as possible on this day. Your children will be looking to you for reassurance. Lots of hugs and smiles will go far.

Settling In:

Upon arrival, take care of your child’s room first. This will offer them a feeling of security and act as a base. Quickly set up their furniture and allow your children to unpack their boxes. Encourage them to arrange personal items the way they feel is most pleasing.

Next, check the homesite for anything that might cause a potential accident (wobbly railings and steps, loose window screens, unlocked gates, unprotected swimming pools, etc.). Then establish physical boundaries with your children. Let them know the areas that they are allowed to explore on their own.

Don’t try to unpack everything at once. As soon as the essential items have been unearthed, take several “Discovery Breaks”. Go for short walks through the new neighbourhood, or hop in the car and check out the closest restaurant or park. Look into activities going on at the local library. Perhaps your new town has a museum or zoo … or a bike path. Take time to enjoy and absorb the surroundings. Unpack gradually.

As soon as possible, sign your children up for the same activities they had previously been involved in (art, drama, sports, swimming, etc.). This will provide a feeling of continuity and help them to meet others with similar interests.

Invite any neighbourhood children over for pizza or a barbeque.

Adjusting To The Change: What To Expect

Once the excitement of the move has worn off, and you have settled into the new house, reality will sink in for children. This is when frustration and anger might surface as they naturally compare what they left behind (home, friends, school, a job) with what they now need to establish. Each child will adjust differently. Some will fit in right away. For others, it might take a lot longer for the new community to even begin to compare with the old one. This period of transition can take anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year.

Warning Signs

Although reaction to a move is normal, parents should look for signs that indicate that your child is having an unusual amount of difficulty in adjusting to the new environment. These warning signs can include:

o Becoming more withdrawn

o Having trouble sleeping or having nightmares

o Excessive crying

o Excessive outbursts of anger

o Not wanting to socialize with other children

o Depression

o Wanting to be alone

o Headaches / stomachaches

o Thumb Sucking / bed wetting

o Lack of appetite

o Lower marks in school

If these symptoms persist over a long period of time, or if the symptoms show a sign of increasing, then parents should seek advice from their family doctor or pediatrician.

Resources:

www.robwillsellyourhome.com

www.abcparenting.com

www.parentsoup.com

www.tnpc.com

www.family.go.com

www.parentingadolescents.com

www.kidshealth.org

www.kidsites.org

www.kidgrig.com

www.homeworkspot.com

www.bigchalk.com

www.surfnetkids.com

www.yahooligans.com

Unfortunately, refined, fast, and junk food is becoming easier and easier for children to buy and consume. Vending machines offer candy bars, sugar-filled soft drinks, and snack foods loaded with fat and salt to children in both grade schools and high schools. Many school cafeterias also sell fast-food to children for lunch every day. It seems as if nutritionally lacking snacks and soft drinks are sure to be available everywhere children go and gather. Parents who are determined to fight this disturbing trend are seeking solutions everywhere to help their children get their needed nutrition. One answer they are finding is supplemental multivitamins, many of which are formulated especially for children. There are superior multivitamins and exceptional immune boosting products that actually taste great.

Because there is so much variability in the food we prepare, even the most nutritionally vigilant parent cannot be absolutely certain as to what nutrients are in the food they serve to their children. For example, fat-soluble vitamins can withstand normal cooking, but vitamins A and E are destroyed gradually as they are exposed to air. Similarly, water-soluble vitamins including B1, B6, folic acid, and pantothenic acid are destroyed by heat. Vitamin B2 is destroyed by light and heat and vitamin C is destroyed by light and air. Some food preservatives and preparation methods can destroy the vitamins in food. Even more, raw fruit and vegetables that are grown in a way that does not promote nutrient content can be lacking nutrients. There are also those crazy food phases that all children seem to go through. Although these phases are generally harmless, there are exceptions.

Since most teachers believe that nutrition and learning go hand in hand, researchers decided to study children to see if multivitamins can help children to become better students. After following 245 school-children aged 6 to 12 for three months and giving half of the children a multivitamin, while giving the other half placebos, the children were tested. The results showed that those children who were given the multivitamins had an increase in their nonverbal intelligence scores, which is closely associated with academic performance.

Many parents have a great deal of trouble getting their children to take 100% natural flavored multivitamins because they don’t taste very appealing. The magnesium, iodine, copper, and iron found in children’s multivitamins are partly responsible for the terrible taste. To solve this problem some manufacturers skim on the amounts of these minerals in their children’s formulas, while others cover up the bad taste with massive amounts of sugar or artificial flavors. However, a few multivitamin makers have discovered how to offer a natural flavored, great tasting, children’s multivitamin containing these vital minerals. The best children’s vitamins are prepared in a base of natural fruit, having very low sugar content, while providing antioxidants, other healthy phytonutrients, with as little as four calories a day.

Because there are several vitamins and minerals that children need to take each day, parents should look for a multivitamin that includes: biotin, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamins B12, B1, A, B6, C, D, E, and K. Folate, one of the B vitamins, helps the body use protein and make DNA, helps cells grow and divide, and keeps the nervous system healthy. Folate reduces homocysteine levels in the blood, as high levels can irritate blood vessels, make blood clot more easily than it should, and cause blockages in arteries which increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Other vitamins that are necessary for children are vitamins C and E. When these nutrients are given to children with asthma, they are able to breathe better and feel much better also. Both C and E keep asthmatic bronchial tubes from constricting, resulting in wheezing less and breathing better.

Children also require certain minerals each day including calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus. However the majority of children do not get the recommended amounts of these vital minerals, as children in America drink more carbonated soft drinks than milk and green leafy vegetables are often absent from teen diets. According to many studies, today’s children are in danger of being part of an osteoporosis epidemic in the future as they enter late adulthood. A lack of adequate calcium also has immediate consequences for children, as the number of fractures among children and young adults has increased greatly and pediatricians are seeing children with rickets, a bone disease caused by low levels of vitamin D that has been almost nonexistent since vitamin D was added to milk in the 1950s. Zinc is another vital mineral for children because it is critical for normal growth and development and is connected to children’s ability to process information, pay attention, and remember and retain new information. Zinc has the ability to connect with our immune systems by enhancing the body’s immune status, preventing infections from establishing themselves in the body, and improving the immune system’s ability to rid itself of the infecting organism.

There are other nutritional supplements that can keep children healthy such as 100% natural flavored children’s immune formula nutritional supplements that contain zinc, vitamins B6, C, A, and elderberry extract which has been used as a traditional medicine for many years to treat colds and flu. Vitamin C provides immune protection by speeding up the healing of wounds. However, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that cannot be stored in the body, and therefore, must be replenished each day. When children are under increased stress, such as having a cold or flu, vitamin C levels are depleted more rapidly. Vitamin B6, which is also water-soluble, can only work in children’s bodies for eight hours. It strengthens the immune system by helping white blood cells make antibodies. Vitamin A helps make lysozymes, which are important anti-infectious agents, and also stimulates the thymus gland, and important immune organ.

An immune formula can be taken several ways. Some parents give the formula when school starts or at other times when children are exposed to lots of germs. A child who suffers from asthma or seasonal allergies and seems to get sick frequently may be provided with the immune formula every day, increasing the dose when most needed. Others feel as if they should only give their children the immune formula when they catch a cold or have the flu. No matter how it’s given, the 100% all natural flavored immune boosting nutritional supplement can give your children powerful protection against disease-causing germs that children are exposed to every day. If you’re looking for individual vitamins and minerals or looking for a great multiple vitamins, visit an online vitamin store today for all your children’s dietary supplement needs.

Picture this. Your 9-year old daughter staggers to the breakfast table; hands on head, and moans plaintively, “I can’t go to school today. I have a headache.”

“Nonsense,” you say. You give her an aspirin with breakfast and say, “Off you go. You’ll feel better when your history test is over.”

But what if this happens every few weeks? Might it be migraine? Is there such a thing as migraine in children?

Betsy’s Migraines – a true story

My introduction to the possibility of migraine in children came when I was teaching fourth grade in Massachusetts. That’s when I met 9-year old Betsy. Betsy was a pretty child, but headaches kept her from making either friends or academic progress. Betsy claimed to experience regular bouts of migraine in children. Her doting mother vowed that Betsy’s attacks were real, but I was skeptical, since they always coincided with things Betsy disliked.

Even more suspicious was Betsy’s behavior during attacks. She began with plausible head-holding and tears. She begged for her mother to come and get her. Then, her act always went over the top. Looking around the room to be sure she had attention, Betsy shook her head violently from side to side. “You have to do this when you have migraine,” she announced loudly. She hit her head, and turned on the waterworks – always keeping a shrewd eye on her audience. When her mother arrived, Betsy abruptly stopped shaking her head, and moaned piteously. The curtain fell as her mother wrapped Betsy in her arms and ushered her from the room.

True Migraine in Children

While I never received professional confirmation that Betsy suffered migraine in children, I did learn that the condition is authentic. Its name is “migraine in children”, even when it refers to only one child.

Facts about Migraine in Children

Migraine affects people of all ages, social classes, races, and cultures. It is most prevalent between ages 20 and 50, but migraine in children hits younger generations. Often misdiagnosed initially as a “headache excuse” to avoid unpleasant tasks, migraine in children is real. Let me give you seven facts.

* Migraine often runs in families.
* Young babies and preschoolers can suffer migraine in children.
* Migraine in children begins earlier in boys than in girls.
* Up to 6 years, boys are affected equally or slightly more than girls.
* At elementary school level, 10 percent suffer migraine in children.
* The prevalence of migraines increases during secondary school.
* 20-30% of young women and 10-20% of young men experience migraines.

Migraine in children attacks every age from birth to age 20.

Symptoms of Migraine in Children

So, since your young daughter may be suffering migraine in children, and not simply avoiding a test, we need to look for signs. What are the symptoms of migraine in children?

1. PAIN: First of all, migraine in children is very painful, with severe throbbing in the head. Your daughter will probably report pain in the forehead, or the middle of the head, rather than just one side.

2. PALLOR: Typically, migraine in children will cause sufferers to appear ill and pale. There may be dark rings around the eyes.

3. QUIETNESS: A child suffering migraine in children will be very quiet. You may have trouble getting your child to say more than, “My head hurts.” He or she will choose to sit or lie in aching silence.

4. STILLNESS: Unlike Betsy in the schoolroom, children with migraines do not want to move any part of their bodies. They certainly do not want to shake their heads. If a headache complaint is followed by a running off to play, do not suspect migraine in children.

5. NAUSEA: For those taking notes, we’re on the fifth symptom now. Your child may complain of feeling sick in the stomach. He or she may not want to eat anything, and may vomit.

6. ABDOMINAL PAIN: In very young children, the main symptoms of migraine in children are abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

7. VISUAL DISTURBANCES: Some children experience changes in vision during an attack of migraine in children. They may have blurry vision, see flashes of light, or describe zigzag patterns in front of their eyes.

8. PHOTOPHOBIA: Your child may complain of light being too bright, and may want to go to a dark room. For those who like to sound knowledgeable, this light sensitivity is known as photophobia.

9. PHONOPHOBIA: Moving to the eighth symptom, migraine in children may cause them to hold their ears, or complain that you’re talking too loudly. Instead of turning up the television volume, they turn it down or off. This is sound sensitivity, also known as phonophobia.

10. OSMOPHOBIA: Migraine in children will sometimes cause sensitivity to smells. Even if you aren’t cooking liver-and-onions, your child may complain that dinner smells awful. For those who want the technical term, smell sensitivity is known as osmophobia.

11. MOTION SICKNESS: Those who suffer migraine in children have a tendency toward travel sickness. Even when not in a vehicle, a sufferer may complain of dizziness.

12. CONFUSION: Finally, and this is the last symptom we will look at, if your son or daughter is suffering migraine in children, he or she is likely to exhibit confusion and trouble concentrating. You might tell your teenager, “You aren’t thinking straight.”

Is It Migraine in Children?

There you have 12 symptoms. Some will exhibit all – others will exhibit a few. Some will have authentic migraine in children – some will not. How do you tell?

PATTERN: First, note whether your child’s attacks follow a regular, intermittent pattern. Migraine in children comes back again and again, following a pattern. Look for headaches that are very severe, lasting a few hours, and followed by an interval of no symptoms. Days or weeks later, a similar attack occurs, followed by another symptom-free interval. Migraine in children has a rhythm.

FAMILY HISTORY: Check to see if there is a history of migraine in your family. There may be a tendency toward migraine in children.

PHYSICIAN: Ask your doctor. A doctor will focus on ruling out other serious diseases or underlying conditions. If there are none, you will have the doctor’s reassurance, and a plan for effective treatment. I am not a professional, and my information must always be checked with your health care professional.

If your child’s attacks are migraine in children, you can provide relief.

Relief of Migraine in Children

* SLEEP: Sleep is the most important factor when it comes to migraine in children. In many cases, several hours of sleep in a dark, quiet room is all that is required.
* ICE PACK: Try placing a cold compress on your child’s head as he or she lies in a dark, quiet room.
* OTC: With your physician’s approval, use over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen.
* PRECRIPTION: Your physician may want to prescribe a medication for recurring attacks of migraine in children.
* WARM BATH: A hot Epsom salt bath may help an older child or teenager.

The most effective of these is usually sleep.

How Migraine Affects Your Children

In closing, I’d like to tell you about Thomas.

Thomas was a mischievous, high-maintenance little boy. From the time he could toddle, Thomas was on the go. Morning to night, he seemed never to stop. He talked incessantly, played loudly. Everything Thomas did was at top speed and volume.

Then, one bright autumn day in his eighth year, Thomas didn’t want to eat breakfast. Pale and listless, he lay on the couch, eyes closed. When his buddy called that the school bus was coming, Thomas covered his ears and moaned. When Mother opened the curtains to let in sunshine, Thomas covered his eyes. It was his first migraine.

Thomas lost that day. He missed the introduction of multiplication at school. He missed a film in history class. He missed an afternoon hayride with his cub scout pack.

Thomas lost many days after that. He lost days to migraine in children, and he lost symptom-free days out of fear. He began moving more quietly, more slowly. As additional migraines came and went, his bubbly laughter was gradually replaced by sadness and worry.

Thomas’ story is fictional, but it describes the experience of many who suffer migraine in children.

If you think your son or daughter may have migraine in children, I urge you to take him or her to your family doctor. Check for underlying problems, and discuss treatment possibilities.

Whatever you do, don’t ignore migraine in children. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve their quality of life.

Self esteem is a key ingredient in maximizing children’s potential in academic achievement, social success, and personal happiness. This statement alone, was the inspiration behind the motivation for Children’s Story Book ‘ The Magic Sunglasses’ written by Auriel Blanche.(also known as Angela Buck)

We all want to protect our children, keep them from harms way and safeguard them from danger.  Fundamentally it is the child’s own inner beliefs and self esteem that is the only thing that can act like armor and create a shield to protect them from the challenges the world has to throw at them.  For a child to reach their full potential: self esteem is the primary and most crucial tool. This is the devise that Angela Buck has focused on throughout her child literacy program.  She prides herself on actively infusing inspiration to children across the world. By sparking imaginations through her literature, Angela gives the children the freedom to learn and the ability to overcome the negatives life may throw at them. Angela encourages the use of attributes a child has within to enable them to live with independence and self worth.

Angela Buck successfully taps into many children’s spirits on a global scale, making them visualize desirable outcomes and make positive connections with their inner purpose. She does this through her skill of creative and innovative writing which engages children of all ages. Along with her interactive workshops and programs, The Magic Sunglasses, her acclaimed children’s fun fantasy book is a must read for all children in todays society. Especially for those who are saddened with a low self esteem. Samantha is a character a child with a lack of confidence can relate to. She too hasn’t fully discovered that she has a special value all her own. Throughout the story she finds a power that the reader will be inspired to find in themselves. The books motivation is to show we all have that special value, which we can use to help us live the lives we really want and to be happy. The magic sunglasses in their physical form mysteriously find their way to Samantha. They have wonderful powers which support her and show her what you can do if you really try! The important notion behind the story is that these possibilities are still achievable when she no longer has them. The results this book entails is seen in the readers improvement of personal motivation, their positivity for their own capabilities, their respect for their own special values and the optimisms for their own self worth.

Children with low self-esteem may not want to try new things, and may frequently speak negatively about themselves; they may be over critical, lack confidence and miss out on the fun and learning that other children benefit from. It is known that the use of a child’s imagination helps children to develop their unique personality, beliefs, and strengths. Children work through their problems and explore their feelings while reading this book. Through their new limitless view they are now able to set meaningful and purposeful goals or intentions. Samantha hasn’t any limitations to her dreams; she tries new things and can reach goals without an aid. This can then be relayed in the life of the reader.

Patterns of self-esteem start very early in life. This is why Angela Bucks book is aimed at 7-12 year olds, this age is crucial for  developments; emotionally, physically and intellectually. Learning new skills and gaining belief in their potentials are great ways to improve self esteem in children. This is exactly what the themes throughout The Magic Sunglasses inspires to do. They teach the reader to praise themselves and use their imaginations to motivate all welcomed possibilities.

Angela Buck understands that Children with low self esteem need a positive role model. For this reason she created the amazing Samantha. She is always polite and friendly. She is playful and imaginative. She enjoys making her dreams come true and strives to reach her potential. She is a happy child, enthusiastic and charismatic. She is respectful of others and through self discovery learns how to cope with the challenges she faces with optimism and self worth. All of which are attributes that a role model should inspire.

To overcome self esteem issues and lack of confidence we need to Identify and redirect the child’s inaccurate beliefs. Self-esteem is all about the way you judge yourself. Angela strives to promote the ethos of creating a worldwide community of children who have learnt how to value themselves and to use their potential, to live personally successful lives and contribute to the success of others. These aspects are explored through the characters in the book as well as through her interactive workshops, and her new ventures and material. Inaccurate beliefs are created by other inflicting methods surrounding children, i.e. other adults, other children, television, magazines or many other reflective methods. The Magic Sunglasses compromises these inaccurate beliefs and offers a more positive and preferable aspect to life. Samantha the main character doesn’t embellish in perfection, attractiveness or  being the best at everything but instead appreciates her own abilities, enjoys her own imagination and strives to promote her own specialties.  Along with promoting children’s individual self-discovery and self-esteem Angela has the aim of teaching the importance of discovering others self worth’s and becoming respectfully aware of others. To not only understand their own specialties but to seek and understanding the positives and strengths in everyone. Angela hopes a generation of individuals who grow up with a natural respect for others regardless of race, religion or cultural will one day exist. The practice of imagining themselves in Samantha’s situation is very important for developing compassion, empathy and understanding others fully, by discouraging flawed beliefs and offering inspiration for positive healthy ways of thinking, the child’s self-esteem and confidence will inevitably improve. This will benefit the academic, social and personal development needed at this age.

It is known that a child needs affection and love. Without this it is inevitable that a low self esteem will occur. For this reason The Magic Sunglasses would be a great read to improve the esteem. It is a warming and touching storyline that will be extremely heartfelt by the reader, making them feel happy inside. The transparent messages throughout the book are to teach the children to love themselves. This book will surely strengthen the child’s heart. Positive feedback is always craved by children and important in their learning, for this reason the book encourages own thought and personal creativity. It also encourages using imaginations for possibilities and the motivation for achieving those opportunities.  The Magic Sunglasses provides imaginary situations which allow them to practice creative solutions and transcend challenges. Both of which are tools that will set them for life.

A happy living environment is essential in areas of personal confidence and personal valuation. If a child has been constantly criticized, bullied or ignored during early childhood they will have much less child self-esteem than children who are praised, encouraged, listened to and valued. Often it is the case that a child hasn’t had or cannot respond to the praise or encouragement from a parent or teacher alone. This means that it is important that every child has the confidence within themselves to appreciate their own self worth and specialties. All of which are creatively demonstrated with fantastic illustrations in Angela Bucks book.  Another aspect to think of is that if a child is experiencing a troubled time they may need an embracive distraction.  By reading The Magic Sunglasses an escapism is created for them. An inspirational and imaginative place of positivity and hedonism.  A  place of fun, friendship and endless possibility. Worry, fear, panic and anxiety are all counteracted with positive images by reading the magic sunglasses, all fantastically created by the amazing author Angela Buck.

Children with unhealthy self-esteem tend to fear interacting with others. They’re uncomfortable in social settings and hate group activities as well as independent pursuits. When challenges arise, they feel negative toward finding solutions and belittle themselves. Children with low self esteem are afraid to say “I don’t understand this.” And therefore do not learn and develop as the others do. They don’t know their strengths and focus on their weaknesses. The Magic Sunglasses give a sense of optimism throughout the story line. An interactive workshop is available just by contacting the author. This is where children can benefit from the participational activities and make friends through the interaction. They are encouraged to have fun, be creative and play imaginatively in order to explore the themes. In small groups the children can concentrate on the issues and communicate openly in discussions. This will enable the individuals within the groups to challenge and understand their own and others fear and problems. They will learn to inspire themselves and others to explore passions and dreams. All children in the previous workshops, enjoyed, learnt and benefitted from them. Many parents noticed differences in their children. Many children improved their self-esteem. Teachers were impressed and as a result were inspired to re-book again and again.    .

When these stories actually transform a child’s life, bringing joy and happiness to it, you know the story is a winner. This touching, inspirational and heart-warming plot has repeatedly been transformed into optimistic true life stories for many children who have read it. From some of which, Angela has been inundated with positive testimonials, rewarding reviews and written letters of compliments.

“I was told by a friend of mine to get the magic sunglasses for my daughter who is 7, she loved it and I did too. I try to make her realize how special she is and this book was great in explaining this, the pictures were great and Katie loved to read it. In fact shes read it again and again, I will definitely recommend this to children with lack of confidence and parents who think their children may need help in self esteem. ” Barbara Deaglee

“I used to hear my 8-year-old daughter putting herself down, saying things like “I’m so ugly” or “I can’t do anything right.” I tried to assure her that none of these things were true, but nothing I said seemed to make any difference. I gave her The Magic Sunglasses and she loved it. Shes read it a few times now. She is now so much happier, she comes home from school and tells us what shes been good at and she has even joined a dance club. I’d recommend this book to every mum who is worried about their child being down.” Julie Jacobs – Melton Mowbray

“Dear Angela, Thankyou very much for your workshop at my childs school last month. She came home excitable telling me about her day, playing games and learning about the magic sunglasses. I thought nothing more of it until I went to a parent teacher meeting. I was told my daughter who is 7 had come out of herself. I know she was a little shy, would be afraid to talk out in class and would shy from asking the teacher for help sometimes, but I was told that she is now much chattier and participates in the classroom discussions more. Im amazed she has even auditioned for the school play. This I have been told has resulted in her grades improving. I have also seen a happier child, she is a lot chattier, has had many new friends round for tea and is very keen on keeping up to date with the website……………..” David Harper – Oldham

As you can see from these views, Angela Buck is a very inspirational lady, not only to children but to adults and parents over the globe. She shines beacons of light, inspires lasting change and empowers emotionally happy children to reach endless possibilities!!! How refreshing and delightful to benefit from The Magic Sunglasses and see it empower our childrens minds and free their spirits to become flourishing children and ultimately successful adults! To get involved in her quest or to introduce your child to Samantha, Angela or The Magic Sunglasses purely click on the link – http://themagicsunglasses.com.