Stories, Thoughts, & Inspiration from the heart behind the stories.

Welcome to our blog—a space where we share the ideas, moments, and behind-the-scenes glimpses that inspire each Understanding My World story. Here you’ll find reflections on childhood, tips for nurturing empathy and resilience, and updates from our journey in creating books that help children feel seen and understood.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply someone who cares about the next generation, we hope these posts offer encouragement, insight, and a little spark of inspiration.

From the Author: The Stories Behind the Stories

Book 01 – From the Author – Josh Sees Colors

Josh Sees Colors was inspired by a moment I’ve never forgotten—one that reminded me just how naturally kind and inclusive children can be.

Book 02 – From the Author – A New Friend

A New Friend was inspired by my years volunteering at homeless family shelters. It’s easier than many people realize for a family to become temporarily homeless.

Book 03 – From the Author – What Gram Remembers

What Gram Remembers was inspired by my time working as an Activity Director at a nursing home. I often noticed that fewer people visited the memory care wing

Book 04 – From the Author – Never Too Little

As you may have noticed, many of my stories are inspired by real-life experiences, and Never Too Little is no exception. This story was born the day my husband and I

Book 05 – From the Author – Michael, Michael, Michael

Michael, Michael, Michael is a story that’s especially close to my heart. It was inspired by my best friend Carol’s grandson, who is autistic. Over our 40+ years of friendship

Book 06 – From the Author – No Words Needed

No Words Needed was inspired by a conversation with a friend whose daughter teaches first grade. She told me that every year, she has at least one deaf student in her class.

Book 07 – From the Author – Share the Love

Share the Love includes two heartfelt stories inspired by real events and extraordinary children I’ve encountered in my life. Both center around children with long-term illnesses

Book 08 – From the Author – Okay to Cry

Losing a parent is one of the hardest things a child—or anyone—can go through. This story isn’t based on just one child, but on the deep understanding that grief comes with many emotions

Book 09 – From the Author – Daddy, We_re Okay

After writing Okay to Cry, I knew the story wasn’t quite finished. Children need more than just permission to grieve. They also need reassurance that it’s okay to keep living

Book 10 – From the Author – Bad School Day

As both a parent and a former educator, I know how important it is to help young children feel safe—especially during uncertain or frightening moments at school.

Growing Together: Tips, Tools, and Encouragement

Here you’ll find practical ideas and thoughtful insights to help you support the children in your life—whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver. Each post offers simple, actionable ways to navigate daily ups and downs while fostering empathy, resilience, and confidence. Together, we can help kids feel seen, understood, and ready to explore the world around them with understanding, acceptance, and inclusitivity.

Building Classroom Community Through Stories of Acceptance

Classroom culture is more than colorful posters or tidy routines. It’s the emotional climate that helps students feel safe, connected, and valued. One of the most powerful ways

Celebrating Each Child’s World_ Lessons in Acceptance from the UMW Series

Every child lives in a unique world—a world shaped by their emotions, abilities, family life, culture, personality, and perspective. As adults who care for and teach children

How to Use the Understanding My World Series in a Guidance Curriculum

Every child brings a unique world of thoughts, feelings, and experiences into the classroom. As a guidance counselor or SEL teacher, you’re often the bridge between what children

What To Do When Your Child Says “Nobody Understands Me”

Those three words—“Nobody understands me”—can stop a parent’s heart in its tracks. They’re painful, powerful, and often packed with emotion. Whether it’s whispered after

Why It’s Okay for Parents Not to Have All the Answers

There’s a quiet pressure many parents feel. An invisible expectation that we should always know what to say, what to do, and how to fix every problem our child faces.