Book Series Aims to Empower Young Minds to Develop Strength, Leadership, Confidence

"You can be a provider. You can be tough, but you can also be loved, kind and gentle.

In a society where boys often face societal pressures to conform to traditional ideals of masculinity, Theresa Long (dba: Theresa Tammygirlll) is making waves with her heartfelt message in her new children’s book series, “Dear Little Boy,” “Dear Little Girl,” and “Abuelita y Yo.” As a mother of five sons, Long’s mission is clear: instilling love and self-worth in young boys and girls before they encounter life’s challenges.

Long’s journey began with her observations as a mother. As her sons grew older, she noticed how crucial it was for them to understand their worth amidst a world rife with bullying, police brutality, and societal expectations as young men, but also as Afro-Latino children. “I want to teach them how to be centered in God, so nothing else can sway them,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of instilling a strong sense of self from a young age. 

Her dedication to her sons inspired her to write “Dear Little Boy.” Initially faced with doubt after losing her first manuscript, Long found encouragement in her mother’s advice. “Just do it again. It may be different, it may be better,” her mother told her. And with that, she reignited her passion and crafted a book that resonates with the hearts of many parents who want their children to know they are loved and valued.

Long’s own upbringing as a child of a single mother shaped her perspective on emotional intelligence. She recalls how traditional expectations often left little room for vulnerability in boys, stating, “Boys can’t cry. Boys can’t feel.” This realization fuels her desire to break these generational curses. Through her books, she aims to foster emotional expression in boys while encouraging them to embrace their unique identities.

Drawing from her experiences as a mother, she understands the importance of breaking free from the constraints of outdated beliefs. “Now, as a mom, I can’t do what happened to me,” she reflected, hoping to cultivate a new generation that feels secure in expressing emotions, from anger to sadness without stigmatized labels.

Long’s books provide tailored messages to resonate with both boys and girls. “With the boys, it’s about strength and leadership; with the girls, it’s about confidence and self-acceptance,” she explained. Through thoughtful storytelling, she addresses the unique challenges faced by each of the two, emphasizing the value of emotional connections and spiritual wellness.

This dual approach allows children to understand that they can be both strong and loving. Children don’t have to choose one or the other. “You can be a provider. You can be tough, but you can also be loved, kind and gentle,” she asserted, inviting young readers to embrace all facets of their personalities.

Looking ahead, Long envisions her books becoming a lasting legacy within her family. “This is something my sons will be able to share with their children and grandchildren when I’m gone,” she said. She draws inspiration from her grandmother’s impactful legacy, hoping to create a ripple effect that empowers future generations. “I want to shift something in my family and other families,” demonstrating her commitment to making a difference.

Even as she embarks on this exciting journey, Long is mindful of the challenges she faces as a new author, confronting fears of self-doubt and potential rejection. Yet, she remains steadfast in her belief that her words will resonate and inspire: “Just do it. If someone relates to me, if someone understands, it will touch someone.” Her newest addition, “Abuelita y Yo” is dedicated to her sons and sheds light on their experiences.

Theresa Long's “Theresa Tammygirlll” dedication to empowering young boys and girls through her books reflects her commitment to breaking down barriers and encouraging emotional expression by transforming parenting narratives and helping to cultivate a new generation of confident and compassionate individuals. Apart from her work, she gives back to her community as a notary public/signing agent and aids in feeding 40+ homeless people with home cooked meals every Friday.  

For those interested in her work and the impactful messages contained within her pages, Theresa invites you to explore her journey at her website, Theresatammygirlll.com. Through her writing, she is not only aiming to change lives but also create a legacy of love and empowerment that will endure for years to come.