Blog Archives
Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen
Parenting with Pride by Heather Hester is a lifeline for parents navigating the journey of raising LGBTQ+ teens. The book is structured around four pillars: Embrace, Educate, Empower, and Love, with each chapter guiding readers through emotions, challenges, and growth. Heather’s personal story as a mother of a gay teen is both raw and relatable. It’s a book that reassures you that you’re not alone while offering practical advice to love and support your child authentically.
Right off the bat, I was pulled in by Heather’s honesty. Her opening story about her son Connor’s coming out after a terrifying night where he went missing made my chest tight. It was such a real, imperfect moment of relief and love. That’s the tone of the whole book: compassionate, messy, and human. I could feel her struggle and determination in the early days of not knowing what to do but knowing she had to do better. It mirrored my own fumbling attempts to figure out how to support my kid.
Heather’s advice is practical but not preachy. The chapter about “embracing the journey” was an eye-opener. She talks about how parents need to accept their “movie reel” of what they thought their child’s life would be and let it go. I remember reading her list of “what not to say” and wincing because I’ve said some of those things. She gently guides you to shift your mindset without making you feel like a failure. That balance of tough love and encouragement is what makes this book so powerful.
What really stuck with me were the sections on educating yourself and leaning into discomfort. Heather lays out why unlearning biases is just as important as learning about LGBTQ+ issues. One part that hit hard was her reflection on how her son’s fear of rejection stemmed from things she didn’t even realize were hurtful. Like small comments, assumptions, and the culture they grew up in. It made me think about the little ways I might have made my own teen feel unseen. It’s not easy to sit with that discomfort, but it’s how we grow.
By the end, I was ready to embrace her final pillar: love. She explains that love isn’t just an abstract feeling but a daily practice. Loving unconditionally doesn’t mean you won’t mess up, but it means showing up anyway, learning from your mistakes, and being a safe space for your child. Her suggestions, like using humor to diffuse tension or practicing mindfulness, were simple but impactful. It reminded me that I’m still learning, just like my kid, and that’s okay.
I’d recommend this book to any parent with an LGBTQ+ child, whether you’re just starting the journey or further along. It’s also a great read for allies and educators who want to better understand and support these kids. It’s a guide, a mirror, and, most importantly, a reminder that love really does lead the way.
Pages: 243 | ASIN : B0CW4P9T42
A Lifeline for Families
In Educational Disobedience, you shatter preconceived notions about homeschooling and offer practical guidance for families considering alternatives to the traditional educational system. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Writing Educational Disobedience was deeply personal for me. As a mother, I experienced firsthand how traditional educational systems often fail our most vulnerable students—kids who don’t fit neatly into standardized boxes. My own children were struggling, and the system’s response was to leave them behind. That was unacceptable to me.
This book was important because it’s not just my story—it’s a lifeline for families who feel trapped by an education system that doesn’t meet their needs. I wanted to show parents that there is another way, that they have the power to reclaim their children’s education and reimagine success on their own terms.
Homeschooling is often misunderstood, but it became a tool for liberation in my life and the lives of the students I work with through the Tiers Free Homeschool Cooperative. I wrote Educational Disobedience to shatter the stigma, to show that homeschooling can be inclusive, trauma-informed, and transformative. For families considering alternatives, it’s not just about academics—it’s about creating a path where your child can thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually.
Ultimately, I wanted this book to be a voice of hope, especially for families in marginalized communities. It’s a call to action to challenge systems that perpetuate inequities and to step boldly into the power of creating change—even if that means breaking the rules.
How much and what kind of research went into putting your book together?
Educational Disobedience was a journey that combined personal experience with extensive research. The heart of the book is rooted in my lived reality—raising children who didn’t fit into the traditional school system and working with thousands of families who faced similar struggles. I knew I wanted the book to be more than just my story; it needed to provide real, actionable insights for others.
I spent countless hours researching adult education programs, trauma-informed education practices, the history of homeschooling, and the systemic barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized students. I dove into studies on educational equity, literacy challenges, and the mental health needs of at-risk youth. I also leaned heavily on data collected from my work with the Tiers Free Homeschool Cooperative, where we’ve helped over 1,000 students earn diplomas. That data gave me valuable insights into what works—and what doesn’t—when creating alternative educational pathways.
Beyond academic research, I interviewed parents who were scared, discouraged, and frustrated. I interviewed counselors and educators who were truly grateful to have a resource for students who were struggling and falling behind in the traditional environments. I even interviewed former students to ensure the book captured a range of perspectives. I wanted the stories and strategies I shared to resonate with families who might be considering a similar path. My goal was to ground every piece of advice in both evidence and real-world success, so readers could feel confident about taking the leap into educational disobedience.
This book is a blend of heart and research—a blueprint for change inspired by what I’ve seen, learned, and lived.
What is the best piece of advice you received when beginning this journey?
Honestly the best advice that I ever got when I was doing my research was from a student named Helen who had dropped out in the 5th grade. Helen passed away from lung cancer before she got her diploma. Her sister accepted her diploma in her honor. Helen was so excited about the graduation ceremony and she told me that the ceremony had to be elegant. This is the reason why our graduation colors are silver and black. Helen’s advice to me was “If you want to build something to help people like me, you can’t reach us by thinking like an educator. You have to think of everything that stops us from getting an education then build that system.” I use that advice as my compass when I talk to new curriculum vendors and consider program revisions. The question is simple “Will this change remove a barrier or create one?” If I can’t answer the question immediately, I won’t change the curriculum or make a program revision.
What is one thing you hope families and educators alike are able to take away from your book?
Hope. That’s the biggest thing that I want families to take away from the book. I want them to understand that they are NOT powerless and that homeschool is their superpower. They just have to feel empowered enough to take their power back.
For educators and policy makers, I need them to understand that when we use a one-size-fit-all approach to K12 education, we end up with a one-size-fits none. Stop thinking there is something wrong with the students who don’t fit into the box. The box must fit the student—not the student must fit into the box.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Blending personal anecdotes with sharp critiques of systemic inequities, this book illuminates the struggles of marginalized families caught in the crosshairs of broken institutions. But it’s more than just a memoir—it’s a call to arms. Dr. Mabry reveals how she turned her defiance into action, building a movement that empowers at-risk youth, homeless LGBTQ students, youth aging out of foster care, human trafficking survivors and high school dropouts to reclaim their futures through trauma-informed education.
Packed with heart-wrenching stories, groundbreaking insights, and unapologetic advocacy, Educational Disobedience challenges readers to rethink what’s possible when one person dares to say, “Enough is enough.” This is not just a book; it’s a blueprint for revolution—and a testament to the power of one voice igniting change.
Perfect for fans of Erin Gruwell’s The Freedom Writers Diary and readers who believe in the transformative power of education, this is a must-read for anyone passionate about breaking cycles of injustice and building brighter futures.
The Good Daughter Syndrome: Help For Empathic Daughters of Narcissistic, Borderline, or Difficult Mothers Trapped in the Role of the Good Daughter
Katherine Fabrizio’s The Good Daughter Syndrome is an eye-opening exploration of the often fraught mother-daughter relationship, specifically focusing on empathic daughters of difficult, narcissistic, or borderline mothers. The book dives deep into the concept of “Good Daughter Syndrome,” explaining how these dynamics trap daughters in cycles of guilt, self-doubt, and emotional dependency. Fabrizio combines her professional expertise as a psychotherapist with personal anecdotes, offering practical exercises and thoughtful advice to help readers navigate and ultimately heal from these patterns.
Fabrizio’s writing is empathetic, clear, and refreshingly direct. I appreciated how she balanced psychological insights with actionable steps. For example, her discussion of the “Never-Good-Enough Trap” in Chapter 5 resonated deeply with me. She doesn’t sugarcoat the emotional toll of being caught in this role but pairs her observations with gentle guidance on setting boundaries. Her ability to address these painful realities without becoming overly clinical makes the book engaging and approachable.
One thing I liked most about the book is Fabrizio’s explanation of how unresolved maternal trauma can be passed down. Her example of a mother unconsciously reacting to her child’s needs as if facing her own unresolved childhood wounds was both heartbreaking and enlightening. It felt like a lightbulb moment, illuminating how these dynamics aren’t about blame but understanding and breaking harmful cycles.
I also found Fabrizio’s use of real-life scenarios and scripts especially helpful. The exercises in Chapters 12–15, where she outlines how to rewire emotional responses and escape common traps, are practical and empowering. These sections make the book feel like a toolkit for change, not just a collection of reflections. However, I would have liked more examples of daughters successfully transforming their relationships with their mothers, as most of the anecdotes highlight the challenges rather than the victories.
The Good Daughter Syndrome is a must-read for women who find themselves overly enmeshed with a difficult mother and are seeking a way to reclaim their lives. It’s especially powerful for those who feel stuck between resentment and guilt. This book would resonate with anyone who values self-help with a compassionate, relatable voice and isn’t afraid to confront the complexities of their family dynamics.
Pages: 272 | ASIN : B0C9G4MZJY
Sharing Their Journeys
Working Mothers Inspiring Others is a collection of stories from 18 working mothers from many walks of life in which they share both their parenting challenges and triumphs. Why was this an important book for you to write?
When I returned to work after having my own children, I found myself questioning how others were managing it all the time. The struggle is real when you have young children and still want to have a thriving career, and I couldn’t find anything that shared the raw honesty of what it is really like. So, I decided to create the resource myself. I am all about supporting and uplifting others, and this book does exactly that.
You have pulled together a wonderful collection of inspiring stories. What was the collaboration process like with the co-authors?
It has been amazing. There have been lots of relationships and collaborations created from the co-authors in the book. They have all been very supportive and equally as passionate about the messages we are delivering from chapters.
I appreciated the candid nature with which these stories were told. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I think I speak for all the co-authors when I say–it’s always hard to share the deepest insights of ourselves. The fear of judgment, of loved ones or others reading what we really think and feel and that causing any form of criticism or misunderstanding. A feeling that mothers are all too familiar with, and I am incredibly proud of all the co-authors for pushing themselves out of their comfort zone and sharing their journeys in such an honest and vulnerable way.
What do you hope readers take away from this collection?
I hope that mothers take away the confidence to make what they want and need to happen. There is no easy way to juggle a career and motherhood, but there are always ways we can operate better. I hope mothers know they are not alone in whatever stage of the motherhood journey they are in, and this book creates the support and understanding that many mothers need.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
How do they handle the endless demands, the societal pressures to ‘do it all,’ and the guilt of feeling stretched too thin?
Here’s the truth: You’re not alone.
Author Sarah Maconachie shares her own journey and the stories of 17 other remarkable women who’ve faced these exact challenges. When Sarah returned to work as a mum of three, she was hit hard by the push-and-pull of wanting a fulfilling career while also being present for her children. She’s now the founder and CEO of Work Hard Parent Hard, a platform dedicated to supporting parents in redefining their purpose and finding fulfillment without losing themselves to exhaustion and guilt.
If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed, wondering if it’s possible to balance a career you love with the joy of motherhood, this book is your lifeline. Through the personal and powerful stories of career-driven mums—CEOs, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and more—you’ll see just how possible it is to flourish in both your professional life and your role as a mother.
Meet the inspiring women: Sarah Maconachie, Vicky Wren, Tracey Vermaak, Stacey Webb, Cheryl Edwardes, Tania Gomez, Sarah Coleman, Kerry McNamee, Carla Lombardo, Lisa Younger, Ashley McGrath, Nicola Veal, Leisa Van Geest, Fiona Yue, Kate O’Hara, Sandra Morell, Alicia White, and Michelle Travis.
From navigating challenging childhoods and single parenthood to overcoming career transitions and realising that personal development can be the most essential aspect to success as a working mum – these women have each found ways to create balance. They have challenged societal norms and the status Quo, realising what they feel they ‘should’ do isn’t always the right way for them, and they have created their version of balance that works to thrive in their careers without sacrificing their role as a mother.
What you’ll take away from Working Mothers Inspiring Others:Raw, Real Stories: This isn’t your typical ‘how-to’ parenting book. It’s filled with the honest truths of working mums who’ve been through the highs and lows, offering a look into what worked well, what didn’t, and what they’d do differently.
Relatability & Support: Finally, feel truly seen and heard. These stories reflect your own struggles and victories. You’ll walk away feeling less alone, with a new sense of belonging to a community.
Balance Strategies That Work: These mums have tried, tested, and honed approaches that have allowed them to thrive at work and at home. Each story is packed with tips and strategies you can try.
Empowering Takeaways & Worksheets: You’ll find actionable advice, hands-on worksheets, and steps you can use to make positive changes in both your work and home life.
Inspiration to Embrace Both Roles: This isn’t about just getting through the chaos—it’s about flourishing. This book is for mums who want to feel empowered, balanced, and confident in their dual roles as dedicated mothers and driven professionals.
Are you ready to feel seen, to gain new strategies for creating balance, and to be inspired to redefine what ‘having it all’ looks like for you? Working Mothers Inspiring Others is here to support and uplift you through every twist and turn of your own journey as a working mum.
Plus! Check out the companion book, Working Dads and Balancing Acts, where 20 dads share their own real and honest journeys.
Working Dads and Balancing Acts
People often joke about International Men’s Day coinciding with World Toilet Day or the underwhelming celebration of Fathers’ Day. Yet, as this book compellingly illustrates, fathers are invaluable pillars of society. Working Dads and Balancing Acts, by Sarah Maconachie, is a powerful exploration of modern fatherhood, presenting deeply personal and inspiring stories from dads navigating the complexities of work, family, and self-growth. With a timely message, the book advocates for a cultural shift toward greater support and flexibility for working fathers.
The narratives are raw, honest, and varied, offering a comprehensive look at the joys and struggles of contemporary fatherhood. From juggling demanding schedules to embracing vulnerability, the fathers featured in these pages shine a light on the evolving role of dads in today’s world. Maconachie weaves their stories with universal themes, creating a work that is both engaging and empathetic. The conversational yet insightful tone strikes a delicate balance, ensuring the book resonates with readers from all walks of life. Through direct anecdotes and reflections, the experiences of these fathers become tangible, relatable, and impactful.
Readers are immersed in the daily balancing act of parenting, vividly illustrated through examples like “coffee and plan” sessions with partners. These carefully structured schedules, often derailed by life’s unpredictability, underline the challenges fathers face in achieving harmony between their personal and professional lives. The material is rich and multidimensional, seamlessly blending emotional depth with practical utility. The book also tackles pressing societal issues. It addresses stigmas around stay-at-home dads, the inadequacy of paternity leave policies, and the mental health challenges men often face. Yet it doesn’t stop there—it celebrates the triumphs of fathers advocating for change and redefining traditional roles. Practical frameworks like the Four Burners Theory and the Five Balls of Life add depth, offering actionable strategies for prioritizing family, self-care, and career. Maconachie’s inclusion of worksheets at the conclusion encourages proactive planning and self-reflection, equipping readers with tools to craft a more balanced life.
Working Dads and Balancing Acts is more than a book; it’s an enlightening journey into the realities of fatherhood in a rapidly changing world. Sarah Maconachie’s curation of vulnerable, transparent accounts ensures the book feels both substantive and accessible. It’s a perfect read for fathers, their partners, and anyone intrigued by family dynamics or work-life balance. By acknowledging the unique challenges faced by working dads and celebrating their resilience, the book offers a message of hope and empowerment. This thoughtful, heartfelt work reminds us that fatherhood is as multifaceted as it is transformative—a balancing act worth championing.
Pages: 232 | ASIN : B0DPJRNXCX
Educational Disobedience: A Mom Who Became A Movement
In Educational Disobedience, Dr. Annise Mabry, tells a powerful and deeply personal story of how one mother’s determination to change her children’s educational future ignited a movement that transformed lives. What began as a homeschooling experiment for her two children evolved into a foundation that provides hope and opportunity for countless students failed by the traditional system. Mabry’s journey is a testament to the extraordinary impact of persistence and innovation in the face of an entrenched status quo.
The catalyst for Mabry’s mission comes in the form of a sobering statistic: every twenty-six seconds, a student in the United States drops out of high school. Appalled yet galvanized, she channels her initial success in guiding her own children and neighborhood kids to graduation into something far greater. Through sheer resilience, Mabry creates programs to help others reclaim their education. Her efforts reveal the possibility of meaningful change, even when society insists the system is beyond repair. The book doesn’t shy away from the grim realities of a flawed educational system. Yet, it is far from bleak. Educational Disobedience shines a bright light on solutions, proving there are alternatives for those who feel abandoned by the traditional mold. Mabry’s story challenges the ingrained belief that failing schools are an inevitability. It shows that, with courage and creativity, barriers can be broken, and lives can be rebuilt. Her work underscores that hope should never be the first casualty of a broken system.
This inspiring narrative is a beacon for families searching for alternatives to conventional schooling. Mabry’s approach demonstrates that homeschooling is not reserved for stay-at-home parents or the privileged few. Her journey dismantles preconceived notions, offering practical, motivational guidance for anyone feeling disheartened by the system’s limitations.
Educational Disobedience is essential reading for parents, educators, and policymakers alike. It’s an empowering reminder that defying the status quo is not just possible—it’s necessary. Mabry’s story is a call to action and a roadmap for those seeking to create a brighter, more inclusive future for students everywhere.
Pages: 170 | ASIN : B07F68481P
Working Mothers Inspiring Others
Working Mothers Inspiring Others, by Sarah Maconachie, is a heartfelt collection of stories from 18 working mothers who share their journeys of balancing parenthood and professional ambitions. The book highlights themes of resilience, empowerment, and adaptability, offering readers an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs that come with being a working mom. Each chapter is a window into a different experience, ranging from corporate climbers to entrepreneurs, all tied together by their unwavering commitment to their families and careers. It’s a celebration of motherhood in all its forms, underscored by practical advice and inspiration for navigating life’s complex intersections.
The stories felt personal right from the start. Sarah Maconachie’s story about finding herself after years of self-doubt hit me hard. Her openness about the guilt and exhaustion so many of us face was raw and relatable. I found her emphasis on prioritizing mental health particularly powerful. Her journey to rediscover purpose and balance through mindset work felt like a reminder to invest in myself. Her story about asking for work flexibility, knowing what she wanted, and unapologetically making it happen was a wake-up call to all of us hesitant to advocate for our needs.
Another standout chapter for me was Vicky Wren’s. Her candid reflection on the pressures of being a “career-driven mum” and the struggles of breaking away from societal expectations felt like I was reading my own thoughts. I laughed and nodded along as she described balancing work and motherhood while battling inner critics. Her acknowledgment of ADHD and how it shaped her approach to work and parenting was refreshingly honest. She found joy and productivity by outsourcing tasks and embracing her strengths, which reminded me that sometimes it’s okay to ask for help.
The interviews added depth and variety to the book. Cheryl Edwardes’ conversation on workplace flexibility and Lisa Younger’s reflections on evolving workplace dynamics were both eye-opening. These stories illuminated the structural challenges mothers face and gave practical ideas on how to advocate for change in our workplaces. The book’s inclusion of these perspectives made it feel like more than just a personal narrative.
Working Mothers Inspiring Others is a gem for any mom trying to juggle the chaos of kids, careers, and self-discovery. It’s perfect for working mothers looking for validation, inspiration, and practical advice, but I’d also recommend it to anyone interested in understanding the realities of modern parenting. The mix of humor, heartbreak, and hope makes it a compelling read that I’ll be coming back to whenever I need a reminder that I’m not alone in this wild ride.
Pages: 231 | ASIN : B0DPJR37F4
Let It Out!
Let It Out! by Taylor Sawchyn offers a heartwarming and approachable way to help young children navigate their emotions. Kids often feel things deeply but struggle to understand or express those feelings. This story centers on a close-knit family with two children. When one child feels upset, the parents gently step in, offering reassurance and love. They model calming techniques, encouraging their child to relax and process those intense emotions. Along the way, the book explores a spectrum of feelings—anger, sadness, fear, boredom—balanced with joyful moments, like a trip to the park filled with laughter, fresh air, and family fun. It’s a tender reminder that positivity and creativity can help shift emotional energy into something beautiful.
One of the standout elements of this children’s book is the perspective. It’s told from the parents’ point of view and the story exudes warmth. It makes children feel safe and understood while reinforcing that the guidance is for them. The language is simple and clear, with short sentences that are perfect for young readers to follow independently. Beyond teaching emotional awareness, the story subtly instills lessons in good manners and behavior. Family trust and bonding flow naturally through the pages, whether it’s during playtime at the park or quiet moments sharing a meal at the table.
The illustrations bring the story to life, brimming with emotion and character. Each drawing feels expressive and relatable, capturing both the children’s upset moments and the parents’ calm, positive responses. Their demeanor sets an excellent example, showing how patience and kindness can make all the difference. The visuals are engaging and fun to look at.
Let It Out! is a beautiful and meaningful picture book. It reminds children and their caregivers that emotions are natural and powerful, but expressing them in healthy ways leads to understanding and growth. This is a must-read for families looking to strengthen emotional communication and create moments of connection.
Pages: 26 | ISBN : 978-1787881518
LITERARY TITAN 