The Love Tank
#2 of 3 in Wholesome Children: Self Awareness Series
What’s inside...
The Love Tank is a book aimed at helping children understand the value of love, kindness, empathy, and compassion. It introduces the concept of a 'love tank', a superpower container inside their bodies, which fills up with love. The book explores what happens when someone's love tank is full or empty and how to respond to others with kindness, even when they behave hurtfully. It also discusses how we can help others to fill their love tank. The Love Tank has been recognized with a 2023 Firebird Book Award.
Discussion points
What does it mean to have a full 'Love Tank'?
How do the characters show love to one another in the story?
Can you think of a time when someone did something to fill your 'Love Tank'?
Why is it important to express love and kindness to others?
How can you help fill someone's 'Love Tank' today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they think a 'Love Tank' might be to gauge their initial understanding and expectations.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences. After reading a scene where a character expresses love, pause and ask your child if they have ever felt similar emotions or acted similarly.
Use empathic listening. When your child answers a question, nod and respond thoughtfully to their ideas, showing you value their perspective.
Link the discussion back to real-life applications by asking your child how they can apply the book's messages in their everyday interactions at home or school.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw or write about a time when they felt loved or showed love to someone, reinforcing the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing emotions
Explanation: In 'The Love Tank', the characters navigate their feelings and learn to articulate them. This helps in building their emotional intelligence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing their own emotions and communicating them effectively with others, such as family and friends.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: The story teaches empathy by showing how characters understand and respond to the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: This helps children in their daily interactions at school or in playgroups, where considering others' emotions can foster stronger bonds and conflict resolution.
Example Lesson: The importance of relationships
Explanation: The book highlights how relationships are nurtured by caring and understanding, reflecting on the 'tank' metaphor to maintain a healthy emotional balance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to nurture their relationships with family and friends, understanding that caring actions contribute to happier and healthier interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Characters in the book face challenges that require problem-solving and cooperation.
Real-World Application: This equips children with the skills to tackle obstacles in their real life, whether in academic settings or personal situations, promoting resilience and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Self-reflection
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters often reflect on their actions and decisions, which is crucial for personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think about their own choices and behaviors, aiding in their development of a thoughtful and reflective mindset.