Photo by cottonbro studio
The most important trait a child must develop that will impact their lives is loving themselves and having the confidence to face anything. In this book, author Charlene Turner aims to teach these valuable lessons so children can be their best authentic selves.
We all know that kids have varying personalities – many of them are shy, and they would sometimes rather keep things to themselves or run around with complete confidence like a fully charged battery. Their differences all make them special and unique.
They are the type not to hesitate when necessary, but at the same time, they ask many questions to make sense of the world around them. And as adults, especially parents, we bear a huge responsibility to teach them what is right and wrong.
We want them to grow as righteous people who will contribute great things to the world – and sometimes, we want them to do well in their way and be happy. But more often than not, children undergo hardships the same way as adults.
What can we impart to these kids so they can face life’s trials?
What to learn from the book “Sun Lion” by Charlene Turner
Children’s books are meant to teach us something about life. Children will eventually realize that moral lessons like courage, love, and authenticity are lacking in the real world. That’s why as early as now, they should have proper guidance, not in a way that is suffocating and uptight.
The essence of self-love and confidence
It should be more of a way that allows them room to grow and become people for whom their future selves will be grateful. And the book Sun Lion by Charlene Turner surely packs a lot of the following lessons:
It’s never easy to face the ugly parts of ourselves. Parents may not know this, but children are conscious of their looks, behavior, and interactions with their peers – at least sometimes. As reckless as they can be, they have moments where they want to put their best foot forward.
And so when they realize that they hate something that cannot change, they unknowingly feel a sense of self-loathing. They feel like they won’t get any friends and become emotionally and psychologically traumatized by the exclusion they sometimes experience.
No child should ever go through challenging moments. But sometimes, it just can’t be avoided. On the surface, this may appear to be a petty problem. But adults should also acknowledge this and see it as a potential risk to the child’s emotional well-being. If they continue to nurture that self-hate, it can manifest in the worst ways possible and affect their self-esteem.
Teach the child to care for themselves the way they’d care for someone. Put it into their minds that even at a young age, recognizing beliefs that society has embedded doesn’t necessarily mean they’re true.
Remind them of the beautiful things they can be when they feel they’re not good enough. That may not raise their self-esteem and make things better right away. Let them know it’s okay to put their negative feelings out in the open and wallow them. But it’s also crucial to teach them that they cannot stay that way.
A child can retain everything that’s said to them at times, especially if they’re about themselves. So as a leading influence in their lives, we must speak words of encouragement and treat them with the same kindness we want to be treated with, lest they will remember it for the rest of their lives.
Getting to know the author
Growing up, Charlene Turner was diagnosed with dyslexia, anxiety, and depression. As young as she was, living a challenging life wasn’t easy, given that she had them at a very young age. Turner was a formidable warrior who fought these constant battles and had to undergo medical rehabilitation.
She also consulted a wellness therapist for the past eight years to help cope with what she’s going through. This book became her avenue for expressing her thoughts and feelings regarding what it is like to lack self-authenticity and confidence.
Charlene Turner understands that children are vulnerable and have the same experience as her, making her empathic towards them. Writing this book became somewhat of a way for her to let every child know that they’re not alone and still have a chance to be the best person they can be.
Oliver’s Twist 