Book Nook: Small Voice Says

As parents, we all know those special moments when we have the opportunity to sit down with our children and read a book together. But what if we use these bedtime stories with a powerful message to help children learn essential life skills? A newly released book (which I got to review) that is perfect to begin with, Small Voice Says by father/daughter authors Mike Morrison Ph.D. and Mackenzie Morrison offers an educational and heartfelt message about discovering and listening to your inner voice with colorful and intriguing illustrations throughout.

It's a book with a simple message, one that will be easy for kids to grasp and also open the door for dialogue about self-confidence and listening to one's conscience.

I had a chance to interview the author to learn more. 

• How can bedtime stories help kids learn life skills?
• The bedtime story is one of the most treasured and remembered moments of childhood.  The child is not only trying to prolong the day with a story – they are leaning into its message from the safety and comfort of a parent’s loving presence. It is also the last thing they hear (besides I love you) before the powerful and reinforcing subconscious takes over during sleep. Whatever stories get told in this precious time are imbedded into our psyche for a lifetime. So, it is the perfect time for a parent to pick books with the kinds of themes and lessons that will serve their little one over a life time.  
• Why is it important to talk about a child's "inner voice?"
• The child’s inner voice can become a trusted friend that they can turn to when confused or uncertain.  The simple question . . . “What is your small voice saying to you?” . . . is intuitively understood as early as age four.  It empowers the child to think about how they want to respond to a situation – while building their self-esteem.
• How can parents incorporate discussions and teaching opportunities in a kid-friendly way?
• As parents, we can get stuck in the “telling” mode – which is absolutely critical to keep our kids safe in their first few years. But as they venture more into the world through pre-school and kindergarten – as parents we also need to find opportunities to discuss the challenges that will naturally emerge.  For example, a conflict with a playmate at school can transition to a discussion on what it means to be a good friend. Hearing their own voice in the discussion will help to make it kid-friendly!
• Why is it important for kids to feel empowered to make decisions?
• Feeling empowered to make decisions appropriate to their age and experience is part of the natural path of moving from dependence to independence for our children.  As a parent, one of my favorite things was to take my two kids into a bookstore and give them full reign in picking the book they wanted to read. I remember how special it felt to them as we met at a pre-determined place in the store to share our selections!