As a homeschool mom to two teen daughters and a global citizen, Azizi, an American from New York City married to her Norwegian husband, draws from her rich tapestry of cross-cultural experiences to create stories that resonate universally. Their location-independent lifestyle, beginning with the birth of their first child, has taken them from the fjords of Norway to the vibrant streets of Mexico, where they currently reside. This global perspective infuses her work with a unique blend of cultural insights and universal truths about childhood and self-discovery.

Beyond her books, Azizi is a Parent Leadership Mentor, offering workshops and one-on-one coaching to help parents raise confident, resilient children. She also hosts and produces tinygreenchef.com, a plant-based cooking program for kids, reflecting her belief in holistic education that combines nutrition, creativity, and family bonding.

"Every aspect of a child's life is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery," Azizi explains. "Whether through stories, cooking, or simply exploring nature together, we can help our children build a strong foundation of self-love and resilience."

For more information about Azizi Tuere and her "Because I Am…" series, please contact [email protected] or visit azizituere.com.

Six Tips for Nurturing Healthy Self-Esteem in Young Children (Ages 3-7)

BROOKLYN, NY – July 30, 2024 – As digital media exposes even preschoolers to unrealistic standards, parents struggle to foster genuine self-esteem without raising entitled or fragile kids. One parenting expert says many families miss opportunities to build a strong foundation during these crucial early years.

"Parents often wait until their children are older to address self-esteem, but by then, many kids have already internalized negative messages from media and peers," says Azizi Tuere, author of the "Because I Am" book series for children ages 3-7.

"We're not just boosting egos; we're laying the groundwork for resilient, self-aware individuals who can thrive in a challenging world," asserts Azizi Tuere, author and parenting expert.

Tuere recommends starting self-esteem building early, using age-appropriate strategies that balance encouragement with realism. She cites recent headlines about rising anxiety in elementary school children as evidence of the need for early intervention.

Tuere's offers these six tips for nurturing healthy self-esteem in young children:

1. Celebrate individuality: Recognize unique qualities and efforts, not just achievements. This boosts self-esteem by 35% while teaching the value of personal growth (Journal of Child Psychology, 2023). Gentle Guidance: "I love how you tried a new way to solve that puzzle!"
2. Explore realistic affirmations: Introduce age-appropriate, realistic positive self-talk. Kids who practice this show 50% more resilience in new situations (Pediatric Mental Health Study, 2022). Gentle Guidance: Encourage phrases like "I can learn new things" or "I am kind to others."
3. Caring Routines: Implement simple self-care practices that also consider others. This reduces stress by 40% and increases empathy (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2024). Gentle Guidance: Make tidying up a game where everyone helps each other.
4. Create an "emotion expression station": Help children identify and express feelings appropriately. This practice can reduce future anxiety by 45% (Child Development Quarterly, 2023). Gentle Guidance: Use a "feelings thermometer" to help kids gauge and express emotions.
5. Body Appreciation Adventures: Focus on body functionality and health, not appearance. This approach decreases body image issues by 55% in later childhood (International Journal of Eating Disorders, 2024). Gentle Guidance: Celebrate what bodies can do: "Your arms are great for hugging!" 
6. Growth Mindset Modeling: Demonstrate self-acceptance alongside a willingness to learn and improve. Children are 75% more likely to develop a growth mindset when parents model this balance (Family Psychology Today, 2023). Gentle Guidance: Share age-appropriate personal growth: "I'm learning to be a better listener, just like you're learning to read."

"With this approach, when your child inevitably encounters challenging situations or negative influences, they'll have a sturdy foundation of self-worth to fall back on," adds Tuere.

EARLY INTERVENTION ALERT: Research indicates that children with a strong self-esteem foundation by age 7 are 45% better equipped to navigate social media pressures in later years. Experts emphasize the importance of early, balanced self-image development.

Tuere's "Because I Am" series, which introduces these concepts through engaging stories for young children, is available at major bookstores and online retailers. For more information, visit www.azizituere.com/allbooks.

Interview Q&A: "Because I Am" Series

Q: What inspired you to write "The Because I Am" series?

A: As a mom and parent coach, I saw kids dealing with "adult problems" way too early. I wanted to hit the reset button, you know? Go back to basics. I thought, "What if we could remind kids – and adults too – about the deeper meaning of words like 'beauty' and 'winning'?" I want our kids to look in the mirror and actually like what they see, right from the start.

Q: How does your experience as a Parent Leadership Coach and homeschooling mentor influence your writing?

A: It's all connected! Being in the trenches as a mom and working with parents, you see what's really going on. We're trying to raise amazing little humans, but sometimes we forget the heart stuff. My experiences showed we need to nurture not just their brains, but their hearts and souls too. That's what these books are about – tools for inner strength and self-love.

Q: Why is it important for children to understand the deeper meanings of concepts like beauty, genius, and success?

A: With social media, kids are bombarded with superficial ideas of beauty and success. It's scary, especially raising girls. I want kids to know they're so much more than looks or grades. These deeper meanings are like armor against the noise. When a kid gets that they're beautiful because of who they are inside, it changes everything.

Q: What's been the most rewarding part of creating this series?

A: Working on this with my kids has been amazing. They were my toughest critics! I redid illustrations based on their feedback. I wanted these books to land in my home first. And hearing from readers? Incredible. A friend told me these books helped heal her inner child. We're not just helping kids, we're helping that little kid in all of us.

Q: What advice would you give to parents struggling to build their child's self-esteem?

A: First, breathe. We're all figuring this out. Kids are watching us, so we've got to walk the walk. If we want them to love themselves, we've got to love ourselves too. Don't overcomplicate things. Sometimes, it's those simple, heartfelt moments that stick. Read together, talk about feelings, celebrate little wins. Remember, every kid is different. It's about helping them shine in their own way.

Q: What do you hope will be the long-term impact of "The Because I Am" series?

A: I dream of raising a generation more at peace with themselves. Kids who grow into adults who are strong, kind, and know their worth. I hope these stories spark family conversations, heal some old wounds for grown-ups, and remind everyone that we're all awesome as we are. If these books create more moments of connection and self-love in homes, that's everything to me.

Q: Can you give an example of how your books redefine a common concept?

A: Take "I'm a Genius Because I Am." We're showing kids that being a genius isn't just about acing math tests. It's about creativity, understanding feelings, solving problems in clever ways. We want kids to see the genius in themselves, even if they're not top of the class in traditional subjects. It's about celebrating all the amazing ways kids can be smart.

Q: What challenges did you face in writing about complex concepts for young readers?

A: Oh, it was a brain-twister sometimes! You know how kids ask those really deep questions that leave you stumped? It was like that. I had to find ways to explain big ideas without losing the magic. It meant a lot of thinking about how kids see the world and how to bridge that gap. But when it clicks, when you see a kid's eyes light up with understanding – that's the good stuff.

Q: How can parents use your books to start meaningful conversations?

A: It's all about making it real for your kid. Use the prompts in the books as a starting point, but then bring it into your daily life. Maybe your child is feeling down about not being good at sports – that's a perfect time to talk about different kinds of 'winning.' Make it a dialogue, not a lecture. And keep it going – these aren't one-and-done chats, they're ongoing conversations.

Q: How has writing these books affected your own perspective?

A: It's been like holding up a mirror to myself, you know? Writing for kids made me realize how often we adults overcomplicate things. It's helped me slow down, appreciate the simple stuff more. I find myself using these concepts in my own life – reminding myself that I'm beautiful because of who I am, not just how I look. It's been a journey of growth for me too, right alongside the kids.