Abstract

Employing a range of innovative and creative ideas, this book is full of tips to engage children and promote their wellbeing.

Children are vulnerable to low self-esteem, stress and anxiety because they are still growing and learning. This book looks at what we can do to minimise children's vulnerability to issues such as these, help them to build emotional resilience and teach them effective strategies for dealing with life's ups and downs. The book offers a host of different approaches that adults can use with children, including image-making, storytelling and puppetry. Chapters are brought to life with the voices of parents and professionals describing how these techniques worked for them. They also include guidance on how the principles can be used by professionals in the home, in schools or in therapeutic settings.

Deborah M. Plummer has over 20 years' experience of facilitating groups and working individually with both children and adults. Formerly a clinical lead therapist working within the NHS, she also has extensive experience as a senior lecturer in aspects of health psychology and counselling. She runs workshops and short courses on the uses of imagery, games and story-telling in the promotion of well-being. Deborah is author of several titles, including Helping Children to Improve their Communication Skills, Helping Children to Cope with Change, Stress and Anxiety and Helping Children to Build Self-Esteem, 2nd edition, all published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Deborah's website can be found at www.deborahplummer.co.uk.
As a children's counsellor, I would...recommend the book's direct use in my own field, and also as a source of inspiration for teachers and parents.
Judith Sonnenburg, Child and family counsellor
Children and Young People, BACP
By taking completely natural and fun ways of engaging with children and backing them with evidence, structure and ideas for differentiation, Plummer has created an approach that will both enable and enthral. Children and their supporting adults will experience genuine joy and personal growth as they work through these ideas which draw on both modern and traditional ideas from a range of cultures.
Dr Pooky Knightsmith, Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Specialist
This refreshing book combines clear core principles for developing relationships with an enthusiastic and helpful 'have a go' approach to collaborative storytelling with children, providing many useful examples.
Dr Vivien Norris, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, The Family Place
In this wonderful guide, Deborah Plummer offers a treasure trove of of creative approaches for engaging and working with children.
Christopher Willard, PsyD, Faculty, Harvard Medical School and Author of Growing Up Mindful