Durban - Author Larne Neuland is passionate “about changing the world, one child at a time”.
How?
By changing a child’s thoughts.
Neuland, from Pretoria, has been n Durban to spread the word on emotional intelligence for kids.
She explains: “Just as we learn how to dress, eat with a spoon, brush our teeth, wave goodbye… we also learn how to choose the thoughts we think.
“Our lives are the products of the thought habits we have formed.
“A child with enough emotional intelligence to choose positive thoughts will lead a positive life.”
It is not a new concept, but one Neuland says is not adequately used to form the minds of our youth.
“Any child who has this life skill – the ability to analyse their thoughts – will be a winner. They won’t grow into adults who seek out motivational books and talks, because from a young age they will train themselves to be positive thinkers,” she says.
Her books, Let’s Take a Peek at Our Thoughts come with an activity guide and are aimed at children younger than seven while How to Win When Life is Unfair is aimed at teenagers.
Innovative extras include love and grouch toys – a practical tool to help distinguish between behaviours.
She says the crux of her self-published books is about being selective with our thoughts.
“When we choose wholesome positive thoughts we build meaningful, positive lives, and if we choose unwholesome thoughts, regardless of the ‘good reason’ for these thoughts, we build lives of negativity and misery.”
Her books also offer parents advice on emotional intelligence.
“Parents and educators are the architects and builders of the next generation and as a child’s mindset is established during the first nine years, it is imperative that we teach children to develop a positive mindset.”
Her books are being used in selected schools and have been translated into other languages. - The Mercury