by Christine’s Magical Garden
An Interview with Christine Glare Somatic Psychotherapist and Creator of Christine’s Magical Garden
Interview by Paula Agius, Chief Media Officer, Omcre8tiv
PAULA: Thank you for your time today, Christine. What led you, a psychotherapist, to write and illustrate children’s books?
CHRISTINE: My work has always been about helping people understand and improve their self-perception. Many adult issues stem from childhood experience. After years of helping adults navigate these, I decided to use my love for drawing to support parents and carers in creating nurturing environments for children.
Downloadable Series 1 Audio Book
PAULA: How does Christine’s Magical Garden achieve this?
CHRISTINE: Christine’s Magical Garden shares essential information on child development that isn’t commonly found in typical parenting resources – for example, why making eye contact with an infant is crucial, or how to respond when they look away. Our goal is to be a trusted resource for parents and carers through fun, educational products, such as our audio books, designed to assist comprehension and engagement through simple stories, characters to resonate with, and music.
PAULA: Why audio books? Why not physical books?
CHRISTINE: Audio books encourage children to use their imaginations and are great for rest times. However, we also have physical books, but they’re unique – tiny, made for tiny hands. Children, who live in a world built for adults, love having items that match their size. The smiles I’ve seen when children hold these books are priceless.
PAULA: They’re so cute! What inspired the small size?
CHRISTINE: It started when I was searching for functional dollhouse items for my granddaughter’s dollhouse. Unable to find readable miniature books, I used my bookbinding skills to create my own, crafting stories that children will love to pull out and read time and time again. Writing these stories was a creative challenge. When one word was too long for a line, I searched for a shorter one with the same meaning, often restructuring the sentence to accommodate the new words.
PAULA: What kind of knowledge can parents gain from Christine’s Magical Garden?
CHRISTINE: There are many factors that influence a child’s sense of self. For instance, responding to an infant’s cry in a fairly attuned manner helps them develop
trust.
Christine’s Magical Garden Tiny Books Series 1 Set
Tiny Books for Tiny Hands
By this, I mean being tuned-in to their specific needs; responding consistently, but not
perfectly – small imperfections help children to develop resilience. Knowing from an early age that their needs will be met ‘fairly reliably’ allows infants to tolerate the waiting. However, on the flip side, longer delays can cause infants increasing levels of anxiety.
PAULA: Why is this knowledge vital today?
CHRISTINE: Research shows that even young infants adjust their behaviour based on how their needs are met. If an infant’s cry leads to comfort, they learn that their needs will be met. Conversely, if cries go unanswered, they may internalise beliefs such as, ‘I must manage alone,’ which impacts self-worth later in life.
PAULA: That’s quite profound.
CHRISTINE: It is. Without realising it, parents may unintentionally send the message, ‘I am loveable’ or ‘I am unlovable.’ This has lasting effects on a child’s emotional development.
PAULA: Do you witness these effects in your psychotherapy practice?
CHRISTINE: Yes, frequently. Many adult issues trace back to feelings of not feeling worthy or loveable.
PAULA: How does Christine’s Magical Garden address this?
CHRISTINE: Our resources aim to educate, encourage exploration, and foster family connection.
Christine’s Magical Garden Series 1 Finger Puppet Set
For example, our finger puppets support imaginative play and help children explore different roles, even practising leadership by ‘being the boss’ in a safe environment. This type of play can build empathy and reveal a child’s inner world. If a parent hears a child acting out a troubling scenario, they can step in with a puppet to suggest solutions.
PAULA: I just thought play was play!
CHRISTINE: Often it is, and it can offer valuable insights. Play allows children to process experiences and learn empathy through shared activities.
It can be upsetting to listen to your child narrating a story in which they are being bullied. You might hear them trying to work things out with the bully, but if the child seems unable to find a positive outcome, then an adult can carefully step in and help.
PAULA: What other shared activities do you offer for families?
CHRISTINE: We have designer family kitchen packs that include a tea towel and matching aprons for adults and children, made from durable fabric. Soon, a ‘Tiny Recipes for Tiny Hands’ book will be included, encouraging family time through cooking.
PAULA: While your products are fairly priced, particularly for the quality I’ve seen, what more affordable options do you offer for families on a budget?
Maximo & Xeres enjoying “Family Kitchen Time” with Mum and Dad and Christine’s Magical Garden
Christine’s Magical Garden Series 1 Finger Puppet Set
CHRISTINE: We have free downloadable activities that engage children in character-based play, for example, colouring pages, mazes, and themed cards. These keep children entertained while parents handle tasks such as making dinner.
Next year, we’re adding colour-by numbers and join-the-dots options – all free with no download limits and no sign-ups.
We’re also constantly adding new content, so if you wanted to, you could sign up to notifications and we’ll send you an email when something new is available to download for your children to enjoy.
PAULA: What’s next for Christine’s Magical Garden?
CHRISTINE: We’ll continue supporting parents and carers, and their children, with new products, including jigsaw puzzles and a children’s recipe book. We’re also expanding our free resources and hope to encourage young writers and illustrators by showcasing their work on our website and socials.
PAULA: There’s certainly much more to Christine’s Magical Garden than I first realised. Where can parents or carers go to learn more about optimal child development and how Christine’s Magical Garden?
CHRISTINE: Parents can visit our website; follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok; and visit our “Ask Christine” website. Our blog also offers detailed insights, and we’ll have more ways to connect in the new year.
Christine Glare is a mother, grandmother, wife, qualified Somatic Psychotherapist, and a professional member of the Australian Counselling Association. Her views and comments are based on her personal and clinical experience. The contents of this interview are intended for educational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.