As our workshop approaches, we wanted to introduce you to our authors and guest speakers.

Our highlight today is for our workshop co-host, Andrea Realpe of @angys.books. Andrea is an amazing author and illustrator. She will be sharing her book, Pumpkins Finds His Feelings, during our workshop. This cute pumpkin has a lot to teach us about accepting our feelings!

To get to know Andrea, we have compiled a shortlist of questions and responses. Read on in the comments to learn more about Andrea, what she has learned about managing feelings, and more!

******Join the workshop here – Click link or link in bio: (https://m.facebook.com/events/468625028139610?tsid=0.8368226102502481&source=result******

The Q&A with author and illustrator Andrea Realpe.

1.       What experience do you have with kids (i.e., mom, teacher, author)?

I have a four-year-old son. I also have two brothers and a sister who are all much younger than me. I view them as if they are my own. 

2.       What is one of the most unique ways (other than writing a book) that you have helped kids to work through their emotions?

I find showing them compassion and acknowledging their feelings makes them feel comforted. They feel that they are in a safe space to work through their emotions. 

When my little one is having big emotions, I let him know I am there for him whenever he needs a hug. I sit there quietly until he is ready. He usually comes to me for a big hug. 

3.     Why do you think that method works?

These methods work because being present and showing kids you care is what they want. They want to be heard and loved with warmth and compassion. 

4.     What is one thing that helps you work through your emotions?

Taking time for myself to do something I enjoy helps me work through big emotions. For example, running with my pup. When I take time for myself I am able to care for my little one better. When I feel emotionally triggered, taking a few slow deep breaths helps me center myself. 

5.     What do you hope to learn from the workshop?

I’m excited to learn more about Emotional Social Parenting and its impact on the brain. I love psychology so this is right up my alley.

6.     You are an author. Can you tell us about your book and your inspiration behind it? 

Pumpkin Finds His Feelings is about a pumpkin on a quest to feel again. Despite his stuck-on smile, he cannot feel anything at all. During his mission, he meets friends with different emotions that try to help but he still cannot feel. But finally, when he sees a dear friend crying, his empathy and love for him are immense that he starts to cry too. t’s better to have big feelings than have no feelings at all. My son was the inspiration for this story. My goal is to teach my son to learn to love every emotion including anger, sadness, and fear. 

7.      Fun question alert! What is your favorite children’s book and/or reading memory?  Why is that your favorite? 

Purple, Green, and Yellow by Robert Munsch was one of my favorite books in elementary school. I absolutely fell in love with this book as a kid since art was my life. The main character wanted all kinds of cool markers which I wanted too; washable, scented, and never come off until your dead markers. 

8. Anything else you would like to share?

I’m excited to learn more at the Big Feelings Workshop so that I can be a better parent to my beautiful curly-haired boy.

Can’t wait to see you on, Saturday, April 2 at 12PM EST. There are raffle prizes and a free gift for all participants. Admission to the is FREE!

******Join the workshop here – Click link or link in bio: (https://m.facebook.com/events/468625028139610?tsid=0.8368226102502481&source=result******

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