Book Review: Show Me How: Build your Child’s Self Esteem through reading, crafting and cooking

Author Book : Vivian Kirkfield This book aims to build your child’s self-esteem through reading, crafting and cooking. Divided into 6 chapters, you can easily find a selection that is appropriate for a current issue you are dealing with in your home. There are 100 story books suggested in the book and each one is accompanied by a parenting suggestion, a craft activity and a cooking opportunity.
Review:

There is a wide range of stories recommended in the book for children ages two to five. Some will be familiar to caregivers like Good Night Moon. You may also stumble upon some new favorites like I Love you Because You’re You. Occasionally the story selected is geared for older children, but the author gives suggestions on how to appropriately use the book with younger children. Each title is summarized so you can choose the best ones for your child.

Sometimes parents need some reminders of how much our children are learning by our example. Ms.Kirkfield gives suggestions with each story on how to positively impact your child’s self-esteem. After the story Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day you are encouraged to assure your child that you are there for them even when he is having a very bad day.

Children love making crafts and especially reenacting some of their favorite stories and characters. Many of the crafts can be completed with just basic supplies such as old magazines, construction paper, and other household items. I especially liked the paper plate turtles you can make to go along with the Franklin story.

Children love to help in the kitchen. The introduction cautions you to tailor cooking activities to your child’s abilities. There is a variety of levels of child involvement in the recipes. The turkey sandwich for the story All By Myself encourages the children to indeed make something all by themselves. The creamy curried spinach has children measuring a few ingredients. Parents then complete the recipe, because young children should not use the stove. I love that the variety of ingredients presented in the book will encourage children and parents to try new things.

I enjoyed this book. Vivian Kirkfield’s love of children is evident. She makes clear her desire for children to grow up in a loving involved home.

About the author

I am Janelle. I am currently a SAHM of my two daughters, ages 12 and 16. I also have a step son, age 17. My step daughter is 20 and is away at college but still comes home to raid our refrigerator on occasion. I have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and also am currently studying for my cosmetology license. I believe that the most important thing any mother or father can do is be active in their child(ren)’s life.