Dr Snezhana Djambazova-Popordanoska launched her most recent book in Sunshine last week. The mother of two is hoping her book will provide inspiration for parents and teachers across Melbourne’s West. 80918 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By NATALIE GALLENTI
WHEN Dr Snezhana Djambazova-Popordanoska decided to write her first book on how to raise happy children, she used her own youngsters as inspiration.
The doctor, counsellor and mother of two, said she wrote her first text in the hope that parents and teachers would better understand the needs of children, particularly between the ages of six and nine, and help them realise their full potential.
The book titled 72 Research Based Activities for Teaching Social and Emotional Skills (Prepatory to Grade 3), was launched at the Granary Café in Sunshine last week, and illustrates the importance of offering children encouragement and positive feedback.
Dr Djambazova-Popordanoska said parents and teachers don’t often realise that emotions play an integral role in a child’s ability to learn at home and at school and said research proved that the emotional and thinking parts of the brain were closely linked.
“It’s important to teach children to identify and express their emotions,” she said.
“The book is based on research, but also on the true life experiences of my children.”
She said children needed to learn how to properly label each emotion and the crucial age for them to learn this is between four and five.
“We need to teach children how to make responsible decisions, make friendships, form relationships and have empathy and self-awareness.
“Every parent wants to see their child happy, but some don’t know how to do it. Encouragement and positive reinforcement is the key.”
The Macedonian-born doctor said love was the most fundamental element in raising happy children, who then become successful adults.
“Love them and accept them and value them for who they are.
“I hope with the help of this book parents can help their children discover their inner light and achieve their potential,” she said.
