Our planet is full of the most wondrous creations, but do we ever see them? We are surrounded by many wonderful and beautiful things and the one that follows us wherever we go is the most special of all – that is the magic of color.  If we look around as we go through our day, we should be able to see a myriad of stunning colors.

Looking out the window or even around your room, you will likely notice many different colors–but have you ever thought about how these colors can impact you or the people you love most? 

Let’s discuss color therapy and how it can enrich the lives of the older generation. 

What is Color Therapy?

As a practice, color therapy can be traced back to ancient times. It refers to the practice of using colors and lights in our environment to assist with mental and physical ailments. What is color therapy used for in modern times? Several things.

From enhancing moods to helping us cope with our pain, color therapy, and color therapy charts, can help us by allowing us to focus on beautiful colors that lift our spirits. In today’s world, you can even find a color therapy app! Although we can all benefit from color therapy, it is particularly helpful for the older members of society as they age.

How Color Can Influence Our Mood and Define Our Experiences

The color of a space has the ability to influence our moods, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse. For the elderly, the colors around them may very well make or break their spirit.

Black and other dark colors can leave us feeling down and depressed. Worse still black might even remind us of death. These dark colors can be particularly disheartening for the elderly and should be avoided when choosing their clothes to decorating their homes. Try a lighter palette and you will be working wonders for your older family members. 

While darker colors may bring our mood down somewhat, brighter colors can invigorate us and lift our spirits. Red can stimulate appetite, while blue can promote relaxation. When elderly people live in bright and vibrant rooms, they are often reminded of cheer. Little bursts of color, like beautiful flowers in a vase, can help them to feel happier and more content, as if all the world is right there with them.

Using Color Therapy to Support the Elderly Every Day

The elderly have already seen so much of the beauty that life has to offer, but there is always room for more positivity in their lives. As family and friends, we can bring light and cheer to their lives one pop of color at a time!

In Eden and Ethan Discover the Power of Color, two bright twins learn about how different colors come with different powers. Later on, they learn about what treasures older relatives can bring in Gramp’s Treasured Memories too!

To Conclude:

The elderly deserve light and joy in their lives, and color therapy can help. Learn how color therapy improves life for the elderly and others too!

The post The Role of Color Therapy in the Care of the Elderly appeared first on Debi Gueron.

Books can take us to magical lands and allow us to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Few genres offer a more unique experience than fantasy–a category that is committed to magical, mysterious, and mesmerizing things.

When you watch a fantasy-themed movie or read a fantasy-genre book, have you ever noticed the colors at work in these stories? What is the color of magic in your mind, and what does this say about you? 

Fantasy Worlds and the Colors They Share

A fantasy story is designed to take us to a new world that is both relatable and yet completely unlike our own. We are pulled into tales of dragons, stories of brave fighters, and powers that allow a character to change the world with a flick of a wrist. There are so many reasons to love fantasy and the worlds they share – but what about the fantasy colors?

Fantasy worlds often have distinct fantasy colors, blending deep and rich hues with more vibrant shades. Fantasy palettes can even be found online, showing the most popular colors among fantasy creations. For fantasy book covers, gold, silver, purple, green, and blue are the most popular colors that catch the attention of readers. We know fantasy when we see it, even if we don’t think about it often.

The hallways of a magical home may be dark, while an enchanted forest may bring the brightest greens. Magic, in particular, is often shown as blue, purple, or white. In fantasy, any color can be used, but some are more common than others, and we see them time and time again.

In magical worlds, color is often used to receive our attention and create balance. It shows us that even on our darkest days, magic can still shine bright. Magicians use brightly colored scarves, and spell casters burst with bright lights and colors, all to draw us into the fact that magic is power, and it brings new beauty to the worlds it fills!

Choosing a Magical Color of Your Very Own

There are some colors that are commonly associated with magic, but any color can be magical if it feels that way to you. In Grandma Irene’s Magical Gift, children can learn about the many shades of magic and just how powerful it can be when we believe in ourselves. Ready to shine with grandma’s magical hats, Elizabeth and Philip learn to say goodbye to doubt and how to be more positive too!  In Danny Defeats Asthma we see him also going on a magical fantasy trip – what would a children’s world be like without magic and fantasy? 

To Conclude:

Magical and fantastical worlds often have vibrant and rich color schemes. Let’s discuss the true colors of magic and what makes them so special.

The post The Color of Magic: Exploring Fantasy Colors appeared first on Debi Gueron.

The way we speak can influence how others hear us, but what do you see when people speak in certain ways? Have you ever found yourself wondering what colors may align with certain types of speech?

We express ourselves in many ways–whispers, quiet talking, casual speaking, yelling, and even singing. Each of these inflections conveys a different message, and I believe that speech has a color all its own.

Maybe you feel the same way–let’s find out!

The Many Colors of Language for the Human Mind

The connection between color and experiences is something most people know, even if they have never thought about it directly. For me, each type of communication offers its own feel and color–a type of synesthesia in a sense, allowing me to see the true colors hidden away inside our words!

What colors do you see in the words around you? Have you ever considered what the color of shouting or that of a romantic love song might be? Perhaps shouting presents itself in a fire engine red, while a romantic song might offer a deeper and more passionate shade of cherry-red instead.

Soft pastels may represent a whisper, and a vibrant shade of blue may be visible when someone is excited. Deeper blues may appear when someone shares a quiet truth or whispers soothing words.  What colors do you see when you listen to the words of those around you? What colors do you speak with?

How the Power of Language Can Influence What We Think and How We Feel

Words have power, and they are something we can often feel. Power of language examples are easy to come by–kind words may lift our hearts, while harsh words may make us feel small. We each have the power to influence others with our words in the same way that they can influence us.

In The Power of Words, two twins learn about just how big of an impact our words can bring. The red words we share in a fight can hurt others–but deep blue words of apology have the power to heal. Consider how your words and the “colors” they share might impact others too.  

What colors make your heart sing, and which ones make you want to run away? This may help you choose your words with more care–or give you the ability to brighten someone’s day!

Summary: We use our voices to convey many messages, and some words can fill up an entire room. Let’s explore how speech can translate to color.

The post Does Speech Have Color? appeared first on Debi Gueron.

Self-esteem is how we value and perceive ourselves from one moment to the next.  It has nothing to do with what others articulate about our achievements but is based on our own opinions and beliefs about ourselves. For many of us, self-esteem ebbs and flows, leaving us to experience a plethora of different emotions, depending on the circumstances involved and our personal experiences.

Starting from a young age, many factors influence our self-esteem.

As we grow we evolve from childhood into young adulthood. During this turbulent time, it is common for self-esteem to change. Young children may be bold and confident, then turn into teenagers struggling with insecurities. New adults may feel awkward and lost, while older adults may realize they no longer care what others think.

Self-esteem changes, and we change with it.

Your self-esteem may vary depending on the day, but what colors reflect how we feel about ourselves?

Life comes with many unique challenges, and we do not always feel ready for them when they arrive. When we encounter a problem we don’t know how to solve, it can make us feel inadequate and confused. It may even paint our inner world in a darker shade.

What if we can influence our self-esteem using color? Are you ready to embrace the color of confidence?

The Colors of High Self-Esteem

Color can have a powerful effect on how we feel, and can also influence our moods. You may be surprised to learn that certain colors are commonly associated with higher levels of self-esteem. What color means power to us? Quite a few!

Colors That Inspire Confidence:

• Yellow
• Orange
• Red

The Colors of Low Self-Esteem

In the same way that high self-esteem is associated with specific colors, the same is true for low self-esteem. When we are feeling down about ourselves, we may migrate to these colors:

• Grey
• Black
• Dark Yellow 

The Power to Feel Confident is Inside of You–and These Stories Show It!

Low self-esteem can be very damaging, particularly for children. However, it is important to remember that our self-esteem levels can change. We have the power to decide how we feel, and the earlier this lesson is learned, the quicker our children can feel more confident and empowered in all that they do. 

Children with high self-esteem are more likely to feel confident in school, develop better social skills, and are more likely to chase their dreams. Empowered children lift the people around them, and these are lessons my books explore in great detail. The color of confidence is one that every child should wear!

In my stories, The World’s Shyest Super Hero and The Daydreamer and the Dragon, children learn that the mind is a powerful tool–and that the power to solve their problems has been inside them all along!

To Summarize:

Have you ever wondered how color theory interacts with self-esteem? Learn what colors make us feel empowered and what colors make us feel small!

The post Does Self-Esteem Have A Color? appeared first on Debi Gueron.

Each new season brings a unique sensation, exposing us to different sights and temperatures. We all have our favorite seasons and our own reasons why we cherish them. 

The effects of a season change on humans have been well-documented throughout history. Let’s look at how each season’s different colors can make us feel throughout the year.

What Are the Colors of the Seasons–and How Do They Affect Us?

Seasonal changes happen at different times in cities around the world, but they often make the world feel brand new when they arrive. Don’t be surprised to notice these changes as the seasons drift by.

Spring

The season of spring is a time of rebirth and great change. As the cold of winter with its bleak feeling gives way to the sweet warmth of spring, many of us are ready to welcome the most colorful season of the year. Spring brings new growth and flowers of all shades, filling us with hope and optimism as we leave behind the winter blues.

Summer

Summer is an inviting season that brings us sunlight and plenty of warmth. While summer can bring us the beautiful blues of lakes, rivers, and seas, it can also be hard on our senses with the heat and humidity that accompanies it in certain parts of the world. The yellows of the sun can be warm and inviting, but we may also feel drained and want to cool off in the shade. Fortunately, summer also gives us plenty of extra daylight hours to soak up that beautiful sun.

Fall

As fall arrives, the warmth of summer fades, and the cool air begins to blow in. Each new day, more leaves change, turning from vibrant greens to rich yellows, oranges, and reds. In parts of the world, this foliage can be breathtaking and fill our souls with joy and warmth – Mother Nature’s way of preparing us for the cold of winter.  We may find ourselves retreating inside more, but the beautiful colors can always lift our spirits.

Winter

In winter, the world grows quiet, darkening and signaling hibernation to animals–humans included. We may find that our moods are lower in this season, encouraging us to stay warm and close to the people we care about.  Colorful flowers can still be seen but the trees are normally without leaves and there is a certain bleakness in winter.  If we learn to use this season as a time for rest, rest, we can prepare ourselves for yet another season of growth. Instead of feeling down or tired, we can use this time to prioritize our comfort, take part in indoor activities, and let the quiet of winter restore our spirits.

To Conclude:

As the seasons change, we change too. New colors cover our world, and we can often find ourselves adapting to the moods of the seasons!

The post Do the Changing Colors of the Seasons Affect Our Mood?  appeared first on Debi Gueron.

So how do we try our best to avoid sibling bullying?

Talk About Each Other’s Feelings.  In many relationships, siblings might not realize how much they’re hurting or bullying a sibling.  For example, asking a younger sister, “Why are you wearing that?” might seem benign but it hurts the younger sibling’s self-esteem.  Sit down with your kids and discuss what might be going in in your children’s relationship.  Do they feel left out? Picked upon? Or simply looked down upon? There is no alternative for a good chat with your children about their feelings. 

Brainstorm different safe words for siblings to use if they feel the other sibling is bullying them.
Also, discuss how we all interpret things differently and express love in a different way. Encourage siblings to learn how they are different and similar in all aspects of their life.

Diffuse Jealously:  Bullying often has a root in jealousy. Talk to your kids about how jealousy is a normal human emotion, but they can choose whether or not to act on it.  Try and point out that as a parent you are doing your best to please everyone and sometimes you might seem distracted by a sibling but this is temporary.  Encourage your children to speak up AS they feel the emotion and not hold it in their belly!

Don’t ‘label’ siblings:  Avoid tagging siblings as ‘my smart kid’ or ‘my kind kid’ = instead give concrete compliments regularly to all your children so no one feels left out. Let your children know that you value their efforts as much as their siblings.  

Model a Healthy Relationship:

Kids learn how to navigate relationships through their parents first and then their peers. Create respectful relationships where kind words are cherished.  Develop healthy boundaries and problem-solving communication in your relationships with your partner first, with your siblings and hopefully your children will mimic your grace.

Bullies Aren’t Born

Although some kids might be more aggressive than others, chances are the child who is bullying their siblings learned this behavior somewhere or is reacting to other pain they’re going through. While it may be challenging to work through bullying with your child, know that this is likely a learned behavior that doesn’t need to be permanent.

Examples of Bullying

My latest book, The Daydreamer and Dragon tell the story of a typical sibling relationship in which one sibling feels constantly looked down upon and inferior due to one of her siblings constant criticizing. Throughout this warmly illustrated children’s picture book we learn that all, the younger sister actually needs is less negative comments from her sister and more positive reinforcement – what all children need.

The bullying discussion should be ongoing and contain examples of statements and actions that can hurt siblings. If this is an issue you are dealing with in your household, you will find some very useful answers and tactics to use in your struggle to put an end to this bullying. It’s not just parents who can play a key role in this struggle – baby sitters, teachers, cousins – the list is endless. Keep an eye on things at home and keep bullying away.

The Daydreamer and the Dragon is available on Amazon.com

The post When siblings quarrel is it bullying? appeared first on Debi Gueron.

So you’re expecting a new addition to the family! That’s fabulous. Congratulations! 

While initially your children may be excited, there may come a time when the novelty of a new baby wears off. After a couple of weeks, or even a few months, you might notice your older kids start to act out.

Meanwhile, parents like you are busy caring for your new arrivals. No doubt you want to make sure your other children still feel loved—but there’s only so much time in the day. 

And coping with jealousy can be especially tough for toddlers, who do not yet have the language skills to express how they are really feeling.

What can you do to navigate this, and protect your children’s self-esteem?

Prioritize One-on-One Time

To show your children that they will always have a place in their parents’ hearts, schedule one-on-one time with them.

This might mean that you and your partner take turns tucking your toddler in at night, reading them a story and snuggling up before they go to sleep. You can share bedtime duty so that the baby also gets attention as well as the toddler.  It’s very helpful when children learn how to fall asleep alone, and do not develop an overly exaggerated dependence upon one member to calm them at bedtime.  If this is a skill they have not yet mastered it would be prudent to wait a while after the new addition has come, to teach this skill to your child so they won’t feel ‘abandoned’. 

Another wonderful option to squeeze in some precious together time with your older sibling, is to play with them while your infants sleep – even five minutes can make all the difference! Any activity that is quiet and soothing will help and offer a fantastic way to connect.  After this you can nap knowing everyone is happy!

When your baby is old enough for a sitter, you might even take your older children on a fun excursion, out of the house.  You could enjoy a movie, visit the zoo, or find another place that can foster connection between the two of you.

Communicate Honestly

In my book A Surprise for Eden and Ethan I touch on exactly this topic and without giving too much away, let’s say the parents in the story speak openly about the impending arrival of a new set of twins.  

Eden and Ethan ask plenty of questions—and Mommy and Daddy answer those questions candidly. They let the older children know what not to worry about, and talk of how they, the elder siblings know how much you care for them, and remind them they can always come to you when they need to talk. Tell them you want them to feel involved with their new siblings, and to feel just as loved as they always have.  This will go a long way to encouraging honest communication.  

As many parents know, telling older kids about the arrival of a brand-new sibling is exciting.

It can also be challenging—especially for those who are expecting twins! But who knows? Just like with Eden and Ethan, your kids might find that with a new sibling in the household the love for all will just grow and grow. 

Visit Eden and Ethan on Amazon

Want to learn more about our dynamic duo as they eagerly await the birth of their twin siblings? A Surprise for Eden and Ethan: A Tale of Children’s Acceptance and Excitement As They Receive Not One but Two Siblings! is available on Amazon. Click here to learn more about Ethan and Eden’s world.

The post How to Prepare your Children for a New Sibling—or two! appeared first on Debi Gueron.

What exactly is asthma? 

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that occurs in adults and children, however, it’s more common in children. When a child has asthma, their airways swell and tighten in response to certain stimuli or “triggers.” Which irritate the airways and cause them to restrict, hence the wheezing that is so coming in asthma attacks. Triggers can include things like pollen, dust, air pollutants, exercise, stress, colds, and secondhand smoke. 

How asthma can affect a child’s life?

Living with asthma as a child can mean dealing with symptoms like shortness of breath and coughing that can interfere with playing and sleeping. Asthma is also the leading cause of missed school days.

While children’s asthma symptoms can typically be well controlled by reducing exposure to triggers and using medications, namely inhalers, the unfortunate reality is that children with asthma can sometimes be a target for bullying. Classmates might tease children with asthma because they need to use an inhaler – especially while participating in sports – or simply because they’re “different.” 

Needless to say, bullying is a serious issue that can significantly affect a child’s mental health and self-esteem. 

How can we build confidence in children with asthma? 

As parents, teachers, coaches, and other authority figures, how can we support children with asthma and help them develop confidence despite their health condition? Let’s break down some helpful tips. 

As teachers and coaches: 

• Establish a zero-tolerance policy for bullying: If you notice bullying, immediately take action.
• Educate students about asthma: When kids understand why some children have certain restrictions or accommodations, they often become more accepting and supportive. 
• Let the child know you’re there for them: If there is a child with asthma in your class, some simple words of affirmation can go a long way in boosting their confidence. Also, let them know in private that they can come to you if they need help or support. 

As parents: 

• Talk to your child about their feelings: Ask your child questions like, “What happened at school today?” “What did you do during recess and lunchtime?” or “How do you feel while at school?” Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable sharing their experiences and feelings. When parents are aware of and address bullying incidents, the chances of a positive outcome improve significantly. 
• Role-play with your child: Role-play common situations with your child that they might run into at school. Teaching them to use assertive (but not aggressive) language can help them stand up for themselves in that moment. 
• Connect your child with an adult: Help your child establish a bond with an adult at school who they can turn to for support. 
• Read your child a book: Reading your child a book about someone their age who has asthma can help them feel less alone and give them tools to navigate life with their condition. 

Encourage Bravery with Danny Defeats Asthma

Danny Defeats Asthma is a creative children’s book designed to help young ones feel reassured that this condition can be managed and will not have a detrimental impact on their goals and future dreams. The main character, Danny is a lovely young boy who loves sports – especially Karate.  Sometimes, it can be hard for Danny to catch his breath during sports, and then he has to use an inhaler to catch his breath. A classmate named Gilly often teases Danny about his asthma, which causes Danny to feel ashamed, sad, and frustrated. 

Danny is not determined not to allow asthma to ruin his dreams and achieving his goals.  Danny is surrounded by a wide and wise support group – his parents, his teachers and most prominently his wise karate teacher, Danny learns how to manage his asthma.  But in our story, the most important tool Danny has to help himself, is his imagination and his trusted toy train Tinky. Tinky takes Danny on an imaginary voyage during which Danny finds the courage to participate in a karate tournament and stand up to Gilly.  

This inspiring and heartwarming story of victory shows children that having asthma doesn’t make them different or weak. Danny’s bravery is sure to inspire your child’s own courage and instill in them the confidence they need to overcome obstacles with fearlessness, determination, and grace.  

You will find more information about Danny Defeats Asthma on this website.  It is available now at Amazon.com.

The post Building Self-Confidence in Children with Asthma appeared first on Debi Gueron.

Having said this, teaching your child to share can be easier said than done, since they’re at an age where they find it difficult to prioritize others’ needs.

With this in mind, here are the 3 best things you can do to encourage your child to share with others.

Show your child examples of sharing.

Often, children learn through imitation and by copying the behaviour of role models. So, making sure your child is exposed to sharing behaviours often.  Be sure that these sharing behaviours are pointed out and praised – it is crucial to developing their ability to share with others.

These examples can include watching you exhibit sharing behaviours – maybe with your spouse, your friends, or your family.  Take time to stop and explain the benefits that sharing had for everyone involved.  For example, “I shared my piece of cake with your Daddy so that we both got to enjoy it. If I didn’t share my cake, he would be hungry and less happy, so sharing my piece was the best choice for both of us, as by sharing we could both enjoy the cake and nobody felt left out.”

Oftentimes, our children respond even more to role models their own age – whether in real life, especially when their peers’ sharing behaviour is praised, or in the media they consume. 

Purchasing media specifically targeted at teaching our children to share can be incredibly effective, as the content has been created for the purpose of teaching your child this vital life skill.

In my book ‘Sharing is Caring’ I try to teach the reader, value of sharing and how sharing can benefit both the person they’re sharing with and themselves.  The most important message that I try to get across is that life is way more fun when you share than when you keep something to yourselves.

Share with your child.

A great way to teach your child the benefits of sharing is to have them be a supporter of sharing behaviour.  For example, if you make a point out of sharing with your child and explain to them that you’re sharing, rather than just giving them what they want.  Later, after you have shared something with them, you can ask them to share something with you and hopefully they will make the association and sharing will be instilled in your children as a natural behaviour. 

Give them praise when they share successfully.

Children love to be praised – particularly from authority figures such as their parents and teachers.

By praising them when they exhibit good behaviour – in this case, sharing with others – they will be more inclined to repeat the behaviour in order to receive that praise again.

While over time your children will learn to share based on the benefits it provides to them socially – and to the person they’re sharing with – at a young age it can be difficult to conceptualize these benefits.  So, teaching them good habits through praise is a great way to get them used to sharing, before they can really begin to understand the plus points for themselves.

Reading books about sharing to your children: 

If you want to teach your child to share successfully, expose them to books that discuss the beauty behind the art of sharing.  In my book ‘Sharing is Caring’ I attempt to get this message across by delving deeply into the practice of sharing in a kindergarten setting.  Hopefully It will show your child the countless benefits of sharing with others in a gentle and non-judgemental fashion. 

Visit my website debigueron.com to learn more about Sharing is Caring, which is available for purchase on Amazon.com.   

The post Teaching your children the beauty of SHARING appeared first on Debi Gueron.

School!

A new school can be a challenging place to make friends, but it can be especially hard for those who have visible differences to other children – such as those in wheelchairs, for instance. Common questions like “what if they don’t like me?”, “what if they think I’m weird?” and “will they like the same things that I do?” fly around their brains at what must seem like a million miles per hour.

The truth is that each and every one of our children is unique – it’s those differences that make us who we are – that bring children together and lead to the development of long-lasting friendships! As parents, we’ve probably all wondered to ourselves at some point how to help our kid make friends. To help tackle this scary topic, I’ve put together a few easy tips and tricks to help ensure your kid makes friends when they first go to school, so read on!

1. Embrace Differences

Not everybody will look, sound or act the same way that your child does, and your kid needs to understand that that’s perfectly normal! Learning this fact will make the world of difference in helping your child more easily making new friends, and children often don’t see the differences that adults do, making it even easier. 

2. Think Before You Speak

We all know that kids tend not to have the best of filters when it comes to speaking their minds – they’ll more often than not speak first, then think later. By reminding your child to take a moment before they speak up, they’re less likely to say something upsetting, even if it was unintentional! Try to instill in them the mantra “if you haven’t got anything nice to say, better not to say anything.”

3. Treat Everybody the Same, We’re All Human!

Our differences make us unique, we’ve established that – and a good job it is, too! At the same time, though, if you’re particularly different from other children, then the chances are you just want to be treated like everybody else – no special attention, no extra fuss – that’s the best way for your children to welcome a new friend into their lives!

A New Short Story About Making Friends

Being an author of some 14 children’s books, I have put together many kids’ story books on various different topics, ranging from friendships to flexible thinking, and everything in between, I recently wrote a book in the Eden and Ethan series about making friends and embracing diversity.   Eden and Ethan Make a New Friend, covers areas discussed above in this blog, following the story of wheelchair-bound Benjamin as he starts at a new school. It will help your kids better understand how to make friends, doing so in a fun and friendly way!  

Learn more about Eden and Ethan Make a New Friend, which is available for purchase on Amazon.com.   

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