Young woman uses books to improve children's mental health
Author Phumzile Mthembu discusses the importance of focusing on children's mental health and giving them positive reinforcement so they can thrive as adults.
Approximately one in seven children has a treatable mental health condition, reports the South African Society of Psychiatrists. Unfortunately, this gets carried into adulthood.
Phumzile Mthembu, an author of children's books, says her traumatic childhood led to her developing a passion to help children not to suffer from depression.
"My childhood was sweet and sour. In my early years in this world I was staying in different homes, township, cities. I had to change schools every year," she says.
The author also says growing up with an absent father contributed to her difficult childhood.
"Growing up was the most difficult part of my life when it comes to my mental state. Every year was changing environments and that put a lot of strain in my mental health.
"It affected how I act, think, and feel."
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As a result, the author says she "started having a dream to liberate children and give them a platform to learn about emotions and heal from previous traumatic experiences."
She has written three children's books - 'I Matter', ' The Township Girl', and 'Affirmations for Children Mind Shaping'.
Her books primarily deal with children's mental health and how to mould kids into better people.
"I think as parents we just assume that children do not go through mental breakdown. This is because some parents were raised by toxic parents and they never invested in healing their childhood traumas," says Phumzile.
She adds that the 'Khwezi, Affirmations for Children Mind Shaping' is aimed at "helping parents introduce the culture of affirming positive statements" in the lives of their children.
"This book is to assist parents to lay a strong foundation in helping children love themselves and embrace their uniqueness."
The author says parents can look out for the following signs which can indicate if their children are battling with depression or mental illness: eating and sleeping abnormalities, isolating themselves, losing interest in the things they love, and when they seem to be more emotional.
Phumzile says she is grateful that her books continue to change the lives of many children.
The books have also been translated into different languages and Phumzile has been nominated for the Mzansi Arts and Media Awards for 'Writer of the Year' and a Great Times Magazine Award for 'Author of the Year'.
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