In 2011 I was sat on a cushion in a circle with other adults, like a child back at school, listening to a children’s picture book story called “A Warm Fuzzy Tale” by Claude M Steiner. I was on a course learning counselling skills, and I was so excited that I could be having fun listening to a simple story and enjoying the pictures, whilst also learning something very important about psychology and well-being. It was an easy and uplifting way to learn with a simple message and not a text book in sight! I didn’t know it at the time but my Inner Child was ecstatic – she was being spoken to for the first time in decades and she was ready to learn…

Somewhere in my heart I knew I wanted to re-create that experience for others, bringing an important psychological message in a simple children’s book with fun-to-read text and joyful, accessible pictures. I was learning to draw and thought I might be the illustrator for a book, but Life knew I was capable of even more.

During this time my twin sister developed a life threatening illness (fortunately now overcome), a supportive friend and Life Coach passed away and I founded “Life And Money Skills” in her memory, an organisation that helps those on low incomes learn to gain personal and financial confidence. These challenging times opened my mind to learn more so that I could serve others better, and the “Teachers” came, as they will when we are ready – people who knew about the way successful, happy people think and behave, and who knew how to teach these ways to me.

As I learned and practised, I became frustrated that so many adults I met on my courses were suffering and being held back because they had formed negative beliefs about themselves and life as a child, and never overcome them. Even “successful” employees and entrepreneurs eventually failing due to long held fears and beliefs that sabotaged them during challenging times. I wanted to give the next generation the helpful tools I had learned so they could thrive from the beginning, and help to heal the inner child of their parent at the same time.

And so, “Daphne and the Smiley Shells” was born…a joyful picture book, beautifully edited and illustrated by dear friends, and easy to read while including powerful psychological tools for self support, resilience and success.

Written to empower children from a young age to use well established successful ways of thinking and being that are not yet known to all…. and who knows what Your inner child might learn and what journey you may embark on, as you read or listen to this story with a child you love and follow the practices with them on a regular basis?

At this time of year we traditionally give love and gifts to our families and loved ones. What greater gift can we give them than self love, confidence and resilience – and the time for you to enjoy an uplifting story / activity with them again and again?

Get your copy of “Daphne and the Smiley Shells” here today in time for Christmas and give a child you love the gift of confidence!