Improving Self-Esteem in Children Through Positive Psychology: An Interview With Stephanie Robert

Q. What motivated you to start writing children’s books that connect with healthy development among kids? Was there a lightbulb moment?

"A lightbulb moment is almost an understatement actually, as I would describe the whole experience as more of a “download of inspiration”. It had been quite a build-up of emotional and psychological stress as a young mother of two, facing a multitude of challenges including increasing levels of anxiety in my eldest son.

This led me to find myself early one morning, sitting at a desk with an overwhelming urge to write. I was actually in tears with some sort of “emotional release” as I began to find the words which would soon make up the story of Thiago’s Shell."

"Stella’s Song is the beautiful adventure of a little elephant who travels through the jungle in pursuit of a new perspective.

Little does she know what a nap-time dream will reveal to her, transforming her self-esteem and sense of belonging. Stella’s Song is a message of self-love and realizing that we are all truly magnificent in our own unique way. You can expect an engaging and uplifting story, delivered in delightful illustrations."

Q. What was the scariest part of the publishing process for you – and the most rewarding?

"I think the scariest part of the publishing process was signing a publishing contract for my first book with the overwhelming feeling that I knew so little about the industry and having to just trust that the universe was leading me in the right direction. It was like a blind “Leap of Faith”.

I later realized that the irony is that every step we take, can either lead us backwards or forwards, but it’s not the direction that matters, it’s the lesson, every time!

The most rewarding part was having the courage to take the reins on my own, having built the knowledge I needed to self-publish my second book.

Seeing the whole process through a different lens, feeling the freedom to create a vision for this second book and seeing it through from start to finish is such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. Needless to say, having my brother, Stephen Chambers as my illustrator also made the illustration process so magical as we really worked as a team.

You can never underestimate the value of family support. Feeling the encouragement from my husband, the constant belief that my mother has in my work, and my team of supporters from my children to my closest friends, I can’t help feeling overwhelmed with gratitude."

Q. What has been your most favourite review or comment of your work so far?

"I have had the honor of receiving very powerful and meaningful reviews from women who I admire and respect, notably the ones included in my book from Helen Williams, Joanne Jewell and Sheri Fink. However, I could never choose a favorite as these are all so special to me.

Perhaps it would be more relevant to say that my favorite review was from one of my little readers who simply said: “You are my favorite author, please promise you will keep writing more books”.

Now that is something I will always hold in my heart."

Q. You’ve recently wrapped up a workshop with Jojo's Art House at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. How was the experience?

"Our workshop at the Jameel Arts Centre was such a rewarding experience! To be able to bring together with Jojo’s Art House, our joint passions for mindfulness and creativity in such a beautiful and serene venue was literally a dream come true.

SEE ALSO: Children's Authors Not to Miss at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

The workshop brought together the concepts of storytelling, guided meditation and artistic expression in a way that the children were slowly invited to ignite their imaginations, relax and then feel the total freedom to create. Being part of the Emirates Literature Festival again this year was an honor and something I always look forward to! Being able to join forces with Jojo’s Art House made it extra special."

Q. How do you think the UAE is empowering children's self-confidence here?

"The UAE is very proactive in empowering children and I believe every year this grows stronger and stronger. From the emphasis on “inclusion” in schools across the UAE to the vast array of extra-curricular activities offered which are so diverse, I believe the UAE has created an environment where all children can find and follow their passions.

Also, the KHDA are constantly encouraging the promotion of wellbeing in children, whether it is incorporating the concept of “character strengths” in the curriculums or developing mindfulness practices right in the classrooms, all of these initiatives are hugely empowering to the children of the UAE."

Q. What is your ultimate advice for parents, as a mum who believes in encouraging children to celebrate their individuality and to live their truest self?

"As parents I believe we need to strive to gravitate towards a more heart-centred approach to our roles. We need to focus on “Unconditional Love”.

This is not an easy task, however I always say just the awareness of this concept is the key. It is so natural to lose focus and our ‘reactions’ to situations will often be driven by heated emotions, judgments and expectations."

"So it is the “awareness” that really brings us back to a more grounded place to decide to handle things differently the next time. This sense of non-judgment towards our own reactions does a great deal of heavy lifting to remove the guilt we often feel as parents.

When we are operating from unconditional love, our focus turns towards bringing to light the self-limiting beliefs that our children keep silently in their hearts. Showing them that there is no judgement, no right or wrong way to be, that we love them exactly as they are is quite liberating.

This way, from an early age, our children can turn self-limiting beliefs around, and replace them with self-flourishing beliefs of empowerment!"