Book Nook: 13 Things Strong Kids Do - Think Big, Feel Good, Act Brave

 

Amy Morin, a prominent psychotherapist and social worker, recently wrote 13 Things Strong Kids Do: Think Big, Feel Good, Act Brave. Amy is also the author of international bestseller 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do and 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do.

 

This nonfiction middle grade book is an excellent choice for tween readers grades 5-8, especially those coping with the stresses of virtual school, returning to the classroom, and navigating a changing world.

 

In her newest release, Morin offers relatable scenarios and shows tweens how to develop healthy habits, build mental strength, and take action toward becoming their best selves.

I had a chance to interview her to learn more.

What does strength mean in the context of your book?

Mental strength involves the way you think, feel, and behave. 

 

1. Thinking
   
   : Strength comes from thinking realistically. Recognizing irrational thoughts and replacing them with more realistic statements helps you build mental strength and ensures you don't give too much power to unhelpful thoughts. Mental strength also involves speaking to yourself with kindness and self-compassion.
2. Feeling: Mental strength doesn’t involve suppressing your emotions or denying pain. Instead, it’s about acknowledging your feelings. That may mean accepting an uncomfortable emotion when it serves you well while also knowing how to regulate your feelings. 
3. Doing: Mental strength is about taking productive action. Sometimes that means pushing yourself when you're tired and other times it's about giving up habits that aren't serving you well. 

Why use the number 13?

When I was at one of the lowest points in my life I wrote myself a letter of what mentally strong people don't do. It was based on the things I'd seen in my therapy office. People who didn't have certain bad habits were able to grow and learn from pain. So after losing my mother and my husband and facing my father-in-law's terminal illness, I wrote a letter to myself about the habits that would drain me of mental strength. When I was done, I had a list of 13 things. I found that list helpful so I published it online and it went viral. Over fifty million people read that list and I was invited to begin writing books on mental strength. 

 

How can parents encourage strength in their kids (besides reading this book, of course)?

It's important to make mental strength a part of overall well-being. Parents can teach kids feeling words, model healthy coping strategies, and guide kids in the strategies they need to take positive action.