My Body, My Friend

This rhyming book introduces the idea of feelings as information in a fun and experiential way and encourages children to connect with the bodies in order to experience true connection and healthy expression of emotion. This book is intended as a conversation starter for children, parents, teachers and caregivers to explore feelings and emotion, allowing young people to build healthy relationships with their bodies, support emotional development and positive mental health. Did you know you have a best friend who is with you every single moment of every single day? A friend who loves you, supports you and looks out for you. It's your body!!! Our bodies are our closest friends and they help us experience all of our feelings- and all of our life- whether we're a child, adult or even an animal! This book introduces children to the concept of Feelings as Information as taught in the AWARE TherapyTM Model of Animal Wisdom, create by Meg Kirby of The Equine Psychotherapy Institute. Understanding the experience of emotions and feeling safe in our bodies as we experience them is one of the fundamental elements of developing a healthy relationship, not only with one's feelings but also with the self. Through teaching children to understand their experience, we open up a conversation where feelings are not right or wrong, they just are, and can then support children to regulate their emotions, make informed choices and listen to their own inner guidance as they grow and develop. This sets children up for greater emotional and mental health, resilience and overall wellbeing as they grow. Although written for young children, this book contains a message that speaks to all age groups, including adults who may never have received these teachings or support. This book is intentionally a rhyming book as rhythm and pace support regulation, which are important ingredients when children and adults are co regulating and also creates a safer container for body awareness. This bonus Activity Book edition offers 2 books in 1, with questions to support readers on their own unique body awareness journey. This book has been created with the support of and input from professional Accredited Mental Health Social Workers, Early Childhood Educators, School Teachers and mothers.