When a hybrid publisher told me my picture book about parental mental health “wasn’t right for kids,” I disagreed. Here’s why I believe children can understand complex emotions—and why we need more stories about parents with cloudy days.
Tag: family
Seeing My Story in Color: A Vibrant Reaction
Mom’s Cloud at the Beach was born from collaboration, imagination, and a touch of vulnerability. As she waited for the sketches to arrive, she carried the weight of expectation—wondering if the illustrations would capture the emotions she had poured into the story. When the PDF finally appeared, it wasn’t exactly what she had envisioned. The focus shifted, the colors highlighted emotions she hadn’t anticipated—and in that unexpected moment, she found the connection she truly needed.
A Conversation Had: Unlocking Some Insights
This author wanted the identity of Mom to be her whole world. She created a chosen family, she created her own family, and in doing so, she could leave the old self behind and fully embrace someone she was ready to share. She comes with clouds, yes, but on other days she brings fierce sunshine—a kind of sunshine born from knowing darkness, one she can use to spread joy.
One question stopped her in her tracks: “But why?” It was simple, yet demanded an honesty she hadn’t fully given before. She realized she’d spent so long telling a story of strength—the cloud she carries is only a part of her, not the whole. But in that moment, she began to speak more fully, more truthfully.
Breaking Cycles: A Weekend of Parenting, Joy, & Mental Health Awareness
This Mom faced a long weekend solo with both kids, anxiety in tow, and chose to do things differently. Instead of spiraling, she filled their days with joy: a cozy game night, movie time, a bubble parade, and an AFSP walk—dressed in beads, carrying love, and supporting causes close to her heart.
Even the harder moments—bedtime battles, tantrums, and morning chaos—became opportunities to pause, listen, and collaborate with her kids. Alma’s simple solution to the “shoe struggle” worked, proving that small shifts can break big cycles.
Facing Rejection in Publishing: Why I’m Still Writing About Mental Health for Kids
’m still here. Still writing. Still querying—because I carry this stubborn hope that someone, somewhere, will see value in parenting with depression. That they’ll understand it matters to be the parent willing to talk about this, with more words, deeper emotion, and a touch of whimsical truth.
The First “I Hate You”: A Memoir of a Moment
The Background Ever since Creature started school, her sleep has been… well, let’s just say some curse words. At school, she naps with the class. At the grandparents’, someone always sleeps with her. At home? She’s decided sleep is optional. Instead, we get hours of screaming, thrashing, & inconsolable tears. Her tonsils are inflamed—I’m terrified read more
“I’m Frozen”: The Line to Delete?
This picture book reflects the complexities of parenting, encapsulating moments when a parent can’t fully engage. The author uses the phrase “I’m frozen” to convey a shared understanding with her daughter about needing space. It emphasizes that it’s normal to need breaks while deeply loving one’s child, portraying the realities of parenthood.
Mischief with Max: What My Second Baby Taught Me About Motherhood
The author candidly shares her challenging experience with pregnancy and the early birth of her son, Max, who spent time in NICU. Unlike her first child, Alma, she embraced new boundaries and supported herself through a strong community. Max, now two, is his own joyful, spirited self, highlighting the uniqueness of each child.
Becoming Her Mom: Learning About Alma
The author reflects on their journey raising their daughter Alma, from initial difficulties bonding due to postpartum depression and silent reflux to discovering a deep connection through communication and presence. As Alma thrives, the author realizes their identity as a mother and embraces the joys and challenges of parenting, ultimately celebrating Alma’s vibrant individuality.
From Everyday Moments to the Page: Our Family’s Story
The post reflects on a family’s character sketching meeting, emphasizing deeper connections over mere appearances. The author celebrates her children’s unique traits and personalities, highlighting their joys, fears, and values. She portrays her husband as a gentle, supportive presence, and describes her own identity as a work in progress, focusing on the journey of trying.