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Your Journey to Successful Parenting

As a mother of three lively and very different kids, I picked up Your Journey to Successful Parenting with equal parts hope and skepticism. Author Alexandra Rogers, Ph.D., drawing from her years as a clinical psychologist, walks readers through common parenting challenges with a blend of heartfelt stories, actionable advice, and real-world strategies. Broken into four parts, the book covers how kids learn, why they misbehave, how to correct behaviors, and when it’s time to seek professional help. Rogers makes a big point that most behaviors come from patterns — both good and bad — and that parents have the power to shape those patterns with consistent, thoughtful attention.

Reading through the chapters, I felt a huge wave of relief. Rogers writes in a way that doesn’t talk down to you. She gets it — the messy mornings, the homework wars, the way one kid turns into an angel at school but a whirlwind at home. I loved her emphasis on simple techniques, like catching your kid being good rather than constantly scolding. It hit me how often I focus on what’s wrong instead of what’s right. Her ideas about using behavior charts and storytelling to teach emotional regulation were so practical that I actually started using them the same week. And they worked! But what really touched me was her reminder that kids aren’t trying to be “bad” — they’re communicating. That thought alone changed my heart.

Parenting stubborn or special-needs children, like my middle one, is messy. Some days, it’s not just a matter of using a behavior chart or changing your tone. Some days it’s just about surviving the storm. Still, the book made me feel less alone. Rogers’ warmth shines through, and it’s clear she respects how hard parenting really is.

If you’re a parent who’s tired, overwhelmed, and desperate for a fresh start with your kids, this book is for you. It’s a great guide for parents of toddlers through tweens, especially if you’re looking for easy-to-understand, no-fuss strategies that don’t involve yelling or endless power struggles. I know I’ll be keeping it close by — dog-eared and coffee-stained — for the many messy years of parenting still ahead.

Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0DZQG362T

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Storytelling Heals, Teaches, and Inspires

Harley Sears Author Interview

This anthology of children’s stories teaches children about emotional intelligence, for example, courage, empathy, and understanding. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write The Magic in Metaphor?

The Magic in Metaphor was sparked by the profound challenges of the pandemic, which illuminated the emotional toll on both adults and children. As a hypnotherapist, I’ve seen the transformative power of metaphorical storytelling in healing and growth. The rising concern among my clients about their children’s well-being—echoed by reports on increasing mental health emergencies among youth—inspired me to take action. This book is crafted to arm families with the tools needed to guide children through the emotional challenges of these trying times.

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

It was vital to integrate aspects of emotional learning that aren’t always addressed in traditional education. I wanted to ensure each story would foster emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and self-reflection, empowering children to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, empathy, and understanding.

What is your background and experience in writing, and how did it help you write The Magic in Metaphor?

With a background in mental health and hypnotherapy, I focused on my ability to communicate complex concepts in a simple way. My experience guiding others through personal journeys informed the narrative structure of the book and allowed me to create stories that children and adults alike can relate to.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?

I hope readers recognize the profound power of storytelling to not only entertain but also to heal, teach, and inspire. If each reader, young or old, comes away with a deeper empathy for themselves and others, and the courage to face their own stories, “The Magic in Metaphor” will have fulfilled its purpose.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website

The Magic In Metaphor is a heartwarming collection of 25 tales designed to nurture emotional growth and resilience in young readers. Each story introduces endearing characters who navigate life’s challenges, fostering fundamental values like courage, empathy, and understanding.

From Archie, the lovable puppy overcoming his first-day anxiety at Doggie Daycare, to Cally, the caterpillar bracing for her transformative journey into a butterfly, each narrative serves as a metaphor for real-life experiences, helping children navigate their own emotional landscapes.

Beyond the compelling narratives, this book provides a unique blend of therapeutic value, offering detailed insight into each story, suggested activities for children, and highlighted activities for parents, teachers, and counselors to engage with children.

The Magic In Metaphor is more than a collection of tales; it’s a comprehensive guide that equips adults with the tools to foster emotional intelligence, personal growth, and emotional expression in children.

The Magic In Metaphor

The Magic in Metaphor: Empowering Children Through Healing Stories is an enchanting and heartwarming anthology of stories meticulously crafted to guide young children on their journey to understanding emotional intelligence. Within its collection of 25 tales, each narrative introduces an animated character navigating the intricacies of their journey with imaginative anecdotes of emotional growth.

A great thing about The Magic in Metaphor is how it helps kids develop empathy and understand emotions better. The book does this by letting them dive into the stories of animated characters. It’s like they’re walking in the characters’ shoes and feeling what they feel. This makes it easier for children to grasp how people’s feelings work and how relationships can be complex.

Author Harley Sears has crafted an incredible resource that is entertaining and educational. The stories within this collection are skillfully designed to engage young minds, sparking thoughtful conversations and introspection. For instance, in the book, children get to link feelings with colors and things they do. Connecting emotions with what they see and do makes it easier for them to think about why they feel a certain way and how they can learn from it. It’s like a fun journey of getting to know themselves!

This book is not just great for helping kids understand their feelings, but it also allows parents and teachers to explain things in a more hands-on way. When children read this book, it sparks their imagination and makes them think about their experiences. That’s a fantastic way for them to learn and grow emotionally.

Pages: 192 | ASIN : B0C8F2GJVD

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