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How to teach your kids to be confident and persevere
I always wanted to fit in, but I never did. I was too shy with no confidence in myself at all. But when I was chosen to help create a banner for an author who was going to visit our elementary school, I was so excited that my sixth grade art teacher saw some potential in my artwork.
I loved to draw and after the author visited, I really began to think about writing a children's book someday. I was very impressed that the author, Laura Jane Coats, wrote and also illustrated her books.
Somewhere along the way, I was told that artists don't make a good living.
It didn't help any that my seventh grade art teacher was less than nice. He drew caricatures of everyone in the seventh grade. The caricature he drew of me highlighted everything I was self-conscious about-bushy eyebrows and big ears that stuck out too far.
I was crushed and devastated. Eventually, I lost my interest in art. I'm pretty sure at that point I gave up on trying to fit in because I thought I was too ugly and shy to fit in.
Why did I let others dictate my path in life? I don't know. But after I had my own kids, I was determined to let them follow their dreams, no matter what anyone said.
I went back to my own dream of writing and illustrating a children's book. Of course I had not drawn in years, but I didn't let that stop me.
Somehow, I thought my story would be so good that someone would help me with the illustrations and the book would be a huge hit. Well, I was wrong.
People still judge books by the cover. There were some encouraging words, though. Someone asked me who illustrated my book. I told her that I did, but she said it would have been neat if my daughters had done the illustrations.
That got me thinking. My girls loved to color and draw. Why not allow their creativity to flow and inspire them to illustrate? After all, I was inspired by an author, so I could inspire my own kids.
There were bumps along the way. My older daughter, Janiece started off really strong. I loved her drawings and it even inspired her to write her own book, The Funny Foods Best Friends*.
Janelle had a slower start, but she really blossomed and has become a very good illustrator. Her first book, Moon-Force 1*, was published March 2021!
Janiece, on the other hand, has really slowed down with her drawing. She has moved onto the computer making videos. Her second book is written, but her interest in publishing it isn't as strong as it was for the first book.
It makes me sad because I think she has fallen into the same trap as I did. People judge books by the cover and won't give the story a chance.
But as the great Dr. Seuss says, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"
Illustrators have to get their start somewhere. Art is in the eye of the beholder. Artists can grow and mature with time.
Our kid art stands out like a sore thumb, but so what? Everyone can't be Leonardo Da Vinci.
Some people might think I'm totally crazy for continuing on this journey without professional art.
I gave up on my dream once because of the opinions of others. I'm not giving up again.
🧸 The Underground Toy Society children's books* can be a fun way to talk to your kids about keeping their rooms clean to keep their toys happy, as well as instilling a sense of giving to others who may be less fortunate.
Get kids excited about giving gifts to others with this free printable Holiday Gift Giving Writing Prompt Activity*
📩 Click to receive a free, printable PDF that will inspire your kids to keep their rooms clean! *
*Jessica D. Adams is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Jessica D. Adams, Author.
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Disclaimer: Our products, services, and recommendations are for general use and information and are not intended to replace the advice or expertise of a physician or Occupational Therapist. Please seek professional help when necessary. Circumstances and results may vary.
Jessica is the author of the children's books about The Underground Toy Society. She decided to begin a blog about her experiences and opinions of being an author, as well as a mother and Occupational Therapist. Please note all information on her website and her blog posts are her opinions and her personal experiences. Individual results may vary and her results may not be your results or experiences. This website is meant to be general information, not specific advice. Circumstances and results may vary. The Underground Toy Society children's books aim to teach children to love and appreciate what they have. Hopefully children will want to clean their rooms after learning about The Underground Toy Society. However, all children are different and results may vary. The books are for entertainment purposes only. All recommendations and activities should be completed with adult supervision. Thanks for reading!