Amazon http://tinyurl.com/oyjmzxu
Barnes & Noble http://tinyurl.com/p822wrz
Signed Copy http://jasonj.biz/author.php
Youtube Video http://tinyurl.com/ocupldl
I recall my first grade teacher (Ms. Martin) talking about a fun craft project which included the use of scissors. I was beyond excited and could not wait to begin. Ms. Martin placed the scissor rack in the center table and off we all dashed with anticipation. To my disappointment however the only options were right-handed scissors. Being left-handed I did not know how to cut with right-handed scissors but seeing all my classmates I desperately tried. Try as I may my cut-outs were looking nothing like those of my classmates. Frustrated I secretly asked myself why I was different. Ensuring the rack included a pair of left-handed scissors would have prevented the feeling of isolation I experienced. It was there in elementary school I first experienced the feeling of being dissimilar and not belonging.
Fast forward twenty five years I became a teacher myself (obtained my Masters in Arts and Teaching at Trinity University in Washington, D.C.). I taught various grades and subjects in Syracuse, N.Y., Brooklyn, N.Y., Atlanta, GA and Washington, DC. Prior to teaching I was a youth counselor for many years – working with youth diagnosed from moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, behavioral and emotional challenges, those diagnosed with autism/Asperger’s syndrome and even including eating disorders. While working with children I have noticed a disheartening truth over the years. Regardless of the therapeutic setting, classroom or child population, one thing that became abundantly clear to me is that children who do not fit the “traditional family” mold at times face a tremendous sense of feeling alone and uncomfortable – especially because every book in their homes, schools and libraries mention a mom and dad. It is certainly no fault of the families involved but more so the fact that, as a whole, society caters to the commonly advertised mom and dad family.
According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs the feeling of belonging is one of our basic needs, and one in which many successes are based on. Students, who do not feel belonged, long for understanding, yearn for relatability and, at times, struggle with isolation. We live in a society where our books, music, conversations, holidays etc. are geared exclusively to families made up of a mom and dad. While I think that we need to embrace and celebrate the mom and dad family dynamic, we also need to embrace and celebrate ALL family dynamics just the same.
When I worked with elementary students I was always careful with my pronouns during story time. I would try and use “parents” or “family” instead of the usual “Mom and Dad.” The reality is that there are many different family dynamics. Children often come from a home with a step-parent, foster-parent, same-gender parents, single parent, grandparents etc., and sadly our books and language often (yet unintentionally) overlook this rapidly growing reality. In order to thrive and succeed children need to feel affirmed and belonged regardless of where they come from, and with whom they happen to live.
Frustrated over the constant lack of children’s books on family diversity that spoke directly to a child’s self-esteem I decided to do something about it so I wrote and illustrated my own easy to read children’s book, “I Am Loved Right Where I Am” http://tinyurl.com/oyjmzxu
This book is a phenomenal educational tool for every child, and every home in America. If the child reading I Am Loved Right Where I Am comes from a home with a Mom and Dad than they will not only relate to one of the characters in my book, but also learn that many of their friends and classmates may come from different family dynamics. Children that come from other family dynamics (foster, step-parent, same-gender parents, single parent etc.) will also relate to some of the characters in my book and have a sense of family equality. The goal of my book is quite simple; after browsing this easy to read children’s book the reader will walk away feeling belonged, loved, as well as, have a stronger sense of universal connection.
If we want our children to succeed in life it starts early, and especially in school where pressures of all types are constantly bombarding our children from every direction. At the same token my book is just as educational for those that are home-schooled or children out of school. Even such children are not safeguarded from the media, their (good-intentioned) friends and society. We must ensure our youth feel safe, comfortable and belonged. If a child is constantly on mental guard from friends, extended family members, society, the media etc., he or she cannot be fully focused on learning, or be able to reach self-actualization in life.
Please take a look at the wonderful reviews from those that have read my book http://tinyurl.com/oyjmzxu and treat that special or someone to a copy. You have the option of ordering from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and even a signed copy via paypal. This book is a great addition to your personal book collection, home library and most certainly gift to that special child or family. Happy reading
Amazon http://tinyurl.com/oyjmzxu
Barnes & Noble http://tinyurl.com/p822wrz
Signed Copy http://jasonj.biz/author.php
Youtube Video http://tinyurl.com/ocupldl
* Please share (links above) as proceeds of my book go directly to charities *
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