What are the teaching tales about?
In the spirit of our mantra, ‘Every Child’s Mind Matters!’ six books in the series identify a different (and not uncommon) emotional challenge, focussing on how to tackle feeling different, negative thinking and anxiety, being too busy to do anything effectively, coping with loss and separation, dealing with bullies and managing an approach by a stranger.
The titles are, Eric the Oracle on:
Self-acceptance (to build self-worth & understanding of difference)
Self-belief and Positive Thinking (to build self-esteem & confidence)
More Haste, Less Speed (to encourage mindfulness & effectiveness)
Loss and Separation (to develop insight and empathy)
Bullying (to build insight and self-assurance)
Saying ‘No’ To Strangers (to foster personal safety & sensible action)
Exactly what does Eric the Oracle offer?
Practical, realistic tips on how children can make emotionally healthy decisions based on increased understanding of the situation they’re facing. Eric’s emotional ‘first aid tool-kit’ can help develop resilience, self-esteem and confidence, all of which underpin happiness, good citizenship and effective learning. Eric the Oracle provides thoroughly researched therapeutic brief interventions, crisis management, life-coaching skills and emotional support. His wisdom is all about promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Why is this collection of children’s books so different from other books on emotional wellbeing?
There are plenty of instruction books with lists of dos and don’ts on managing the causes of stress and unhappiness. However, we recognise that learning and understanding are not the same thing; these books focus on relaxation and the safety of distance from the issue in each tale. This encourages involvement with the characters’ lives amidst careful explanation that supports understanding and therefore learning the application of relevant problem solving skills.
What else is in the tales?
Woven into each tale are subtle references to the kaleidoscope of nature and the world in which we live in order to encourage mindfulness; they’re a true resource that encourages discussion and reflection about the environment and the characters’ lives. They therefore teach on many levels.
Why are these tales so important for children?
Because they’re an imaginative way of gently highlighting some common scenarios causing stress and unhappiness for children and young people today. Unresolved unhappiness can lead to completely unnecessary longer term emotional ill-health with stigmatising labelling of behavioural disturbance. Some simple, accessible techniques provided early enough can make all the difference to a child’s life!