About the book
Following the huge success of the book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do, Amy Morin presents a guide for parents who want to help their children develop mental resilience. Parenting strategies are based on her long experience as a therapist and foster parent, as well as scientific research. They aim to build useful mental and behavioral models, thanks to which the child will be able to find constructive solutions to problems and react adequately in difficult situations.
We cannot protect our children from disappointments and failures, but we can support them to develop skills to meet such challenges with dignity and overcome them. However, if you make your child the center of the universe, allow him to manipulate you, or have unrealistically high standards, it's time to rethink your parenting methods. To raise confident and resilient children, you need to avoid the 13 things mentally strong parents don't do and be a role model every day.
The article "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do" was published in 2013 and caused a sensation - it has been read and shared by over 50 million people. The TED talk of the same name is among the 25 most watched of all time, and the book has been translated into over 30 languages. "13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don't Do" is the author's second book.
- Volume: 384 pages
- Cover price: BGN 17.95
- ISBN: 978-954-26-2119-5
- Translation: Snezhana Mileva
- Hermes Publishing House OOD
About the author
Amy Morin is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist. She is a regular contributor to Forbes, Inc., Psychology Today, and Verywell. In 2013, her article "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do" became an internet sensation and was read by over 50 million people. It became the basis for her book of the same name, which was translated into 33 languages and became an international bestseller.
Maureen is a frequent guest on various media, such as Time, Good Morning America, Oprah.com, Business Insider, where she shares her experiences and helpful tips. Her TEDx talk, The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong, is one of the most popular TEDx videos of all time with more than 11 million views.
The benefits of raising mentally strong children
Frederick Douglass said, "It is easier to form strong children than to fix damaged mature people." As a therapist, I know this to be true. It's much easier to develop psychic power while you're still a child. And childhood is full of opportunities for growth.
You cannot prevent your child from facing difficulties in life. It will know failure and rejection, loss and heartbreak. And I will face trouble.
However, if you give him the tools to build mental strength, your child will be able to turn difficulties into opportunities to become a stronger and better person. Whatever circumstances he faces, whatever he is destined to experience, he will know that he has the strength to overcome it.
That doesn't mean he won't suffer emotionally or that he won't struggle with stress. However, mental strength will help him deal with difficulties in a productive way. And it will give him the courage to face problems head on, believe in his abilities and learn from failures.
The Components of Psychic Power
As they grow and learn, children develop core beliefs about themselves, other people, and the world at large. However, if you don't make a conscious effort to help your child develop a he althy worldview, he may develop beliefs that limit his potential.
Core beliefs influence the way children interpret events and respond to circumstances. And more importantly, it is possible for the power of these beliefs to turn them into reality. For example, a child who defines himself as a loser will not make an effort to make his life better. Or the child who believes he can't succeed in life because others are getting in his way is unlikely to fulfill his potential.
Your child's core beliefs influence his thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Here is an example of this from the lives of two children who were not selected for the basketball team:
First Child
Core Belief: I'm not good enough.
Thoughts: I will never be good at basketball. I'm just not the sporty type.
Feelings: Sadness and rejection.
Behavior: Refuses to play basketball.
Second Child
Core belief: I can.
Thoughts: If I practice, I will get better. Maybe next year they will take me to the team.
Feelings: Determination and hope.
Behavior: Plays basketball every day after school.
Although making changes in core beliefs is possible later in life, it is more difficult then. After decades of holding onto a certain belief, it's not easy to unlearn something you've always held to be true. And it will be harder to change the unhe althy thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that support that belief.
In addition to helping your child develop he althy core beliefs, you will also need to teach them to regulate their thoughts, manage their emotions, and act in productive ways. Here are the three components of psychic power:
1. Thoughts - Excessively negative thoughts, relentless self-criticism and fatalistic predictions will prevent a child from reaching their potential. However, the solution is not simply to teach him to be optimistic. Overconfidence and ignoring real dangers will make the child ill-prepared for life's reality. Teach him to be realistic so he can do the best he can.
2. Behavior – Unproductive behavior – such as complaining and staying in one's comfort zone – will create problems in a child's education, relationships and future career. Teach him to challenge himself and make he althy decisions even when he doesn't feel motivated.
3. Emotions - Constant low moods, temper tantrums, and fearful avoidance are just some of the manifestations of an inability to regulate emotions that could limit your child's ability to lead a rich and fulfilling life. Teach him to manage his emotions and he will enjoy lasting benefits such as good self-control and communication skills.
