Product Review: The Way I Act [Hardcover] (Especially for ages 2–8)
Skill Building Books for Parents, Teachers and Children
I have done a lot of reviews on children’s products on the subject of feelings but not a lot on children’s actions. How you feel and how you act are usually a direct correlation, but sometimes we spontaneously react before we reflect and sort out on our underlying feelings that caused those actions. It is especially interesting to watch my daughter who is still trying to figure out her place in the world and can be very impulsive and can get upset if she is unable to do something in one instant. I always like to take the time to talk to her when she calms down to start her down a path of being able to think about her actions in the moment. Even as an adult, I spend a portion of my day dealing with (adult) interpersonal relationships and I think that the more emotional knowledge a person has the better they can accurately assess and handle situations. This was the reason I was first drawn to the book The Way I Act and I am happy to report that this book did not disappoint.
The Way I Act is a great book for parents who want to discuss the link between feelings and actions with their kids. It is the perfect book to discuss how actions are choices that we make in how we behave. Each page of the book offers a different positive action and value with a description of the action and discusses why it is an important way to behave. For example, the section on being trustworthy states the following, “I do not take what isn’t mine. When tempted I walk on by. I’m trustworthy. I tell the truth, even when I’d rather lie.” The colorful illustrations by Janan Cain (also author of the complementary book, The Way I Feel) are really fantastic and focus on one particular color for each section (for example, the Active page is orange) that really make the author’s words pop. I really love the back section which has “A Note to Parents” with four tips on how to talk to kids about recognizing and appreciating their positive actions and I will include the highlights below. This is a highly recommended book to read with your children!
About Author Steve Metzger: This New Yorker is a husband and father to his precious daughter, previous preschool teacher (for 10 years!) and children’s author of over 60 books. Steve admits that he was an active child and not much of a book reader when he was young. That is quite funny because he now spends most of his days writing or thinking about writing. In fact, Steve’s entire household focuses on writing (his wife, Nancy Novick, writes books on health and medicine)! Don’t forget to check out Steve’s website for more insight into his life, books and passion for making stories for children. It is quite inspiring.
Check it out! 4 Suggestions on Exploring Actions with your Child:
- Talk about the Difference between Feelings and Actions. Ask your child how they feel and did those feelings lead to actions?
- Make it Personal. Ask your child if they have ever acted in the ways mentioned in the book. Talk about examples.
- Invite Action. Make a list of positive actions together!
- Develop Judgment. Role play to help your child develop judgment for different circumstances.
Extra! Parenting Press is offering FREE shipping to my readers for the month of May on orders of The Way I Act. Use the promotional code “Momma’s Bacon” on your order at www.parentingpress.com. Offer valid through May 31, 2012!
The Way I Act [Hardcover] (Especially for ages 2–8)
List Price: $16.95
Momma's Bacon 
Teachers and others who work with children may be interested to know that a detailed teacher guide for The Way I Act is available from the Parenting Press web site. There’s also a presentation plan created by Steve Metzger, ideal for using with parents whose children have The Way I Act.
Hi Linda! Thank you so much for your comment and adding to this post with that helpful information about additional guides for parents and teachers. You are appreciated!