SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — In an inspiring initiative to guide young children towards a positive path, local youth mentor Armand King has developed a unique tool—a coloring book. For over a decade, King has been dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and adults, and his latest effort, the ‘Planting Seeds’ mentoring coloring book, is designed to teach elementary school-aged boys crucial life lessons.
“We’re instilling essential values in kids, such as selecting the right friends,” King explained. The book pairs engaging coloring images with bold, impactful phrases such as “Making Safe Choices” and “Be A Leader, Not A Follower,” each accompanied by clear explanations. These messages aim to instill values that help children avoid trouble and make positive decisions.
King’s motivation for creating the book is deeply personal. “I was a troubled youth, a troubled man. Not that I was an evil person; I just didn’t have that positive mentorship,” he shared. His experiences have fueled his passion for providing the guidance he lacked as a child. King noted that many children start facing serious issues like gang involvement or drug use as early as middle school or high school. “It’s a mirror of what they experience at home and in their communities. We must address these issues now. By the ages of 12 or 13, it can often be too late,” he emphasized.
The ‘Planting Seeds’ book serves not only as an educational tool for children but also as a resource for parents to discuss challenging topics like incarceration or the loss of a friend. Vincent Stalcup, a parent, remarked, “This day and age, a lot of these kids are glued to their tablets and their iPads, and this actually gives you an activity that you could do with them.” King encourages parents to use the book to initiate conversations before issues arise. “Don’t wait until they’re in trouble to have the conversation. Let’s warn them beforehand,” he advised.
To expand the reach of his project, King has launched a Kickstarter fundraiser, aiming to produce more copies of the coloring book. His innovative approach is a testament to the power of creative solutions in addressing social issues and fostering a brighter future for young minds.
