My Emotions and Me: a Guide for Youth and Their Caregivers

Book excerpt: Being aware of emotions helps us to identify personal needs and the needs of others. When we are aware of our emotions, we can respond to others with empathy and compassion. We also tend to have better relationships with caregivers like parents, step-parents, grandparents, older siblings, aunts & uncles, coaches, and teachers. Feelings matter. They give us directions like a compass for guiding our life and help us decide what we want. When we are aware of our emotions it is easier to talk about our feelings, ask for help, and solve problems. Expressing emotions is a natural part of being human. We do not ever have to be ashamed of our feelings. Emotions are useful for us. They are not weird or strange nor wrong or right. Although we experience emotions, we are not our emotions. Our emotions help us to understand ourselves and have a fulfilling life. Learning to express our feelings safely and in a healthy way makes us better people and creates a happier family. In My Emotions and Me: A Guide for Youth and Their Caregivers, Dr. Free presents readers with a poetic style that is rhythmic and thought-provoking. Beyond the text, the affirmations will provide encouragement and the reflection questions will support young readers and those who care for them in self-discovery. My Emotions and Me is great for gaining a better understanding of self and improving relationships with others.