Wolfpack Reads: NCSU Student Perspectives on Children's Literature: Self-confidence is the best outfit, so rock it!

“It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you are not.”

-Denise Waitley

I don't remember when it all started. From my recollection it was around 8^th grade. It was almost out of a blink of an eye. For some reason, that I still can’t quite make clear, I didn't love myself. Growing up I struggled, like many, with my self-image and I lacked self-esteem. My mind was my enemy. I had no reason in the world to struggle with confidence, but I did. I came from a loving home, played sports, had friends, got good grades, but for what ever reason I just didn't see all the good, I only saw the bad. In high school I became bulimic. No one knew, not my mom, best friend, boyfriend, no one. I struggled in the depths of my being with, MYSELF. It was a constant battle that I faced every single day, alone.

I hid my struggle from the world and I put on my game face everyday. It makes me believe there may be other children going through the same thing I did, scared and ashamed to ask for help. Maybe not being bulimic but any type of self-image struggles. I now feel compelled to help others realize they have a voice and to use it. To not go through it alone that they are enough. To find the good even in the bad and to be confident in the skin you’re in. To tell them that people are there to help them along the way, and that everything WILL BE OKAY.

It is important for teachers to help children realize, along with their parents, how important it is to love and accept ones self. Teachers can address this topic by using Bibliotherapy (NC Learn, 2004); using books to help students deal with difficult situations. No two children are alike and everyone has different struggles. I think literature can help with more than we see on a daily basis. I will make sure when I become a teacher that I build trust and understanding with my students and they will feel comfortable enough to confide in me. Another thing that teachers can do is establish jobs and responsibilities in the classroom. An article I read on the Zero to three website titled Tips to Helping your Child Develop Confidence states that, “Feeling useful and needed makes children feel important and builds confidence.”

A book I absolutely love from one of my favorite children’s authors titled “It’s Okay to be Different” speaks so clearly on this subject of diversity and identity struggles. This book lets its readers know that it’s okay to be different in any aspect. It’s okay to have feelings. This book could relate to such a variety of people dealing with a wide range of differences and challenges. It can inspire kids and adults to embrace their individuality through acceptance of others and through self-confidence.