Author Of ‘Sophie Says’ Ground-Breaking Children’s Book Series, Esther Marshall, Launches ‘Feelings And Affirmations Cards’ Encouraging Children To Communicate Their Feelings.

(image: Sophie Says)

I have followed Esther Marshall’s journey for a while as a children’s author, speaker and mental health advocate for the next generation. On World Mental Health Day, Esther released a surprise and wonderful new product- Feelings and Affirmation cards to help children to communicate their feelings and emotions (and understand them).

420,000 children and young people in England are treated for mental health problems every month. Mum of three and author of the Sophie Says children’s book series is on a mission to make a positive impact on the world specifically for the next generation. The empowering children’s book series ensure critically important lessons in self-belief, mental health and gender equality are shown in an authentic and fun way.

Sophie Says Feelings and Affirmations Cards have been made specifically to help a parent or carer and child talk about their feelings together in a fun way through the much-loved Sophie Says characters.  Affirmations and feelings cards are a proven tool for developing positive thinking, The Sophie Says affirmations cards have been designed to make exploring feelings a fun and interactive experience for children, parents, and carers, to empower self-belief and to help children believe they can achieve their dreams.

(image: Sophie Says)

Esther began her writing career with her debut book Sophie Says “I Can, I Will”, she wrote this during night feeds with her firstborn son as she wanted to teach him that girls were just as strong and powerful as boys, that people from different backgrounds to him could teach him things and he should listen and be kind to everyone.

The second book Sophie Says It’s Okay Not To Be Okay was written in memory of Esther’s younger sister Rebecca, who tragically took her life after her battle with mental illness at the all too young age of 28. The passion and driving force behind Sophie Says is to keep Rebecca’s legacy alive, teach young children about the importance of mental health, and talk about their feelings from a young age. The Sophie Says series now includes three books ‘I Can, I Will’, ‘It’s Okay Not To Be Okay’, and ‘Be Proud Of Who You Are’.

Esther Marshall says: “My mission is to help create a world where all children grow up feeling equipped and empowered to face their futures. Our new Sophie Says affirmations cards will help parents and carers communicate with their children and encourage them to express their feelings from an early age to help children, avoid harmful stereotypes before they set in.”

I love these cards and can’t wait to use them too!

To explore the new cards and full Sophie Says range visit www.sophiesaysofficial.com

This is not an ad or paid, I loved the cards and chose to review them.

On feeling ‘meh’: Mental health journey

whisper

(image: Whisper)

I am writing this because in the past few days, I havn’t been feeling that brilliant. Our mental health rarely stays the same and often goes through peaks and troughs. For me, it is likely that I am hormonal due to withdrawing from one of my medications (which controls female hormones).

I do feel very tired and a bit low some of the time. However, I am able to distract my mind and combat it through being busy at work and seeing friends or my fiance when able.

Even work I normally love doing feels exhausting this week- but I am trying to do the best I can.

Its important to have space and time for me. My family have been really helpful too.

There has been a lot of really exciting things happen and I am trying to keep afloat and make sure I practise lots of self care.

Things feel a little bit ‘meh’ right now. It could be that having returned from holiday and the isolating nature of my job means that I may be feeling less happy than normal. It largely does feel hormonal as my hormones are currently changing level.. so I am going to give it time too.

What I do know is I am very excited about my book project and other writing projects and I am just going to pace myself and take it day by day.

How are you feeling? Do you ever feel like this? I really try thinking positively but sometimes you just feel like you need a break.

Love,

Eleanor x