Interview with Ruth Rice and Debbie Green
Looking after our wellbeing inside and out is really important. In their new book A–Z of Wellbeing for Children, Ruth Rice and Debbie Green provide simple things for kids aged 7 to 11 to do and think about that will help them work out how to look after themselves better. Exploring the Five Ways to Wellbeing, each of the 26 words of wellbeing are accompanied by stories about Jesus to read, ideas to try, pictures to colour and prayers to pray.
The A-Z of Wellbeing Toolkit provides teaching sessions for use in a KS2 school setting such as an assembly, act of worship or class lesson, or in a Sunday School setting. Many ideas could also be adapted into all age church services.
Ruth and Debbie, could you tell us a little about yourselves?
I’m Debbie, little sister to Ruth Rice. I’ve worked with schools all my life, as a punter, as a teacher, as a Christian school worker and now as a resourcer! I am married with 2 grown up beautiful daughters who still live at home (bless them) and I grew up on the Isle of Man in a Christian family going to a little church called the Bethel. For the last 34 years I’ve been part of the Lancaster Baptist Church family. I write regularly for Our Daily Bread Evening Meditations and for Blackburn Diocese Board of Education and run a little business selling educational Christian posters called DGResourcing.
And I’m Ruth. I live in Nottingham with my husband Mark. We have 3 grown up children and 3 grandchildren. I was born and bred in the Isle of Man (unsurprisingly the same as Debbie!). I am a little bit obsessed with wellbeing since I had a breakdown myself a number of years ago and found simple habits of prayer and life that brought me into a better pace of life. I have written a couple of other books, all about wellbeing! I have been a Christian since I was a little girl, have spent years teaching in primary schools and had great adventures leading a Baptist church. I am now Director of Renew Wellbeing, a charity helping churches set up and sustain quiet shared spaces where it is OK not to be OK.
What made you want to write these books?
Debbie: Ruth asked! Which was very kind, as she would have been fab on her own. I have a degree in English Literature and have taken many writing courses, so this has been a dream come true for me.
Ruth: I didn’t mean to be an author. It was accidental. But the journey I have been on with the charity, and what I see in my own life and the lives of many around me in terms of mental and emotional wellbeing needs, led me to chronicle what is working and what I believe I am seeing God doing in my own life and the lives of many through our wellbeing spaces. These two books for children and their carers are so important to me as I wish I had practised these ways of wellbeing when I was a child, and again when I worked with, and raised my own children. I believe children have a lot to teach us too about wellbeing and my hope is that these books will help us find a common language across the generations to learn so much more about the gospel and the lifestyle of peace.
Who have you written these books for?
Debbie: Whilst it is aimed at children aged 7 to 11, there is an increasing awareness that everyone needs support in looking after their mental health. I’m hoping some parents and teachers are also nudged toward Jesus.
Ruth: I also think these books will appeal to the child in all of us and some might prefer the simpler approach of this A-Z than the adult book I wrote previously. Plus there is colouring- in! I would love families and church families to have a go at these practices together.
Why do you think looking after wellbeing is becoming such an important topic for children?
Debbie: There’s a new realisation that wellbeing is important. Being able to care well for yourself and have good habits in place is one way to prepare for future stresses, anxiety, burnout or depression. Surely it is best to build these in as early as possible. There are also some alarming statistics about children’s poor mental health which must be addressed urgently.
Ruth: I also think that the way we have taught children to value success and achievement has at times de-valued the simple practices of looking after ourselves and caring for each other and the planet well. There is some unlearning to do and it seems best to start young.
What makes these books different from other wellbeing books?
Debbie: Each chapter is gospel focused. Taking stories from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, we are able to direct children to ideas that stem from the one who loves them completely and wants what is best for them. The Toolkit book has been designed to be as practical as possible – we were both teachers and empathise with the need for easily accessible resources that don’t involve lots of reading or preparation.
You talk about Jesus being the best teacher when it comes to wellbeing – what do you mean by that?
Debbie: We believe Jesus knows us, loves us and always wants what is good for us. He gathered large crowds when he walked this earth, crowds who were amazed at his teaching. The words of Jesus bring life and hope, joy and inspiration – in all of history you won’t find a better teacher.
What was the most challenging element of writing these books?
Debbie: Children’s books are generally short and snappy. This one has 26 chapters – which couldn’t be avoided really 😉. I didn’t really leave my spare room for three months as I wrote and illustrated alongside other writing commissions.
Ruth: And not being patronising but allowing children to find their voice felt important. It is so easy for us to just teach children what we know even when that hasn’t brought us the best of mental health. It was hard getting the balance right of teaching but also opening a conversation where all ages can learn from each other.
And what was the most rewarding element of writing these books?
Debbie: Having now proof-read these books many times I am so pleased that I still really like them! Also working alongside my sister has been such a treat. We were completely of one mind and had such fun when we regularly zoomed and occasionally met up to proof-read and edit together. Living 140 miles apart and being sisters didn’t seem to be a problem! This was a pleasant surprise after our teenage years (hahahahaha!).
Ruth: I agree with what Debbie said! Seriously, we really enjoyed co -writing. We have had the same upbringing but very different life experiences when it comes to wellbeing so it was rich sharing all that and coming up with something that we hope will be useful to even more people.
Have you been reminded afresh about God while writing these books?
Debbie: Absolutely. Ruth had already written the grown-up version and all 26 of her simple ideas are accessible reminders of God’s generosity, faithfulness, goodness and love.
Ruth: Yes, it can be easy to write something and then forget that God led you to those words because he wants you to put this stuff into practice. So re-visiting the A-Z of Wellbeing a year or two after writing it to simplify it for children has been a fun and challenging thing for me personally.
What do you hope readers will most get out of reading these books?
Debbie: Something simple that will stay with them and be useful when the hard times come.
Ruth: New practices and values that can be shared across all ages and all of life. And most of all … an encounter with Jesus.
In one sentence, how would you describe the A-Z of Wellbeing for Children books?
Debbie: An accessible guide to looking after your wellbeing with Jesus in the centre, including stories, colouring, fun activities, discussion starters, blessings and ways to pass it on.
Is there anything we can pray for you?
Debbie: That we reach the right people with these resources. And that I continue to be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s direction as I look for ways to equip those who work with children in schools and churches.
Ruth: And that these books might help change the priority of over-busy families, churches and schools so that wellbeing becomes the heartbeat and Jesus becomes the focus.