Parent Guilt vs. Parent Love: What Kids Remember Most
Discover why kids remember love over guilt. Learn how stories ease parent guilt while teaching children gratitude and connection.
Blog
Dive into Erin’s blog for a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process, parenting tips, and inspiration for nurturing imagination in kids. From writing adventures to book recommendations, Erin shares her journey and insights to help families discover the magic of storytelling. Check out her latest posts and join the conversation!
How Stories Like “I Wish My Mommy Was an Octopus” Build Emotional IQ
Discover how Erin Shular’s book and other children’s stories help kids build Emotional IQ through empathy, connection, and understanding.
Why It’s Okay for Kids to Feel Frustrated and How Books Can Help
Discover why it’s okay for kids to feel frustrated and how books can help them process emotions, build resilience, and feel truly understood.
Why Humor in Children’s Books Makes Learning Stick
Discover why humor in children’s books makes learning stick. Learn how playful stories help children connect, remember, and grow through laughter.
5 Picture Books That Help Kids Understand Parents Better
Explore five heartwarming picture books that help kids understand parents better. Discover how these stories highlight love, care, and connection in family life.
The Platypus Crossover We Didn’t Know We Needed, Dr Pepper Meets Bedtime
Dr Pepper’s new platypus mascot meets Erin Shular’s Platypus Dad in a playful crossover of fandom and family fun. Discover how laughter unites storytime and game day.
Why Silly Stories Often Teach the Deepest Lessons
Discover how silly children’s stories teach powerful lessons about love, resilience, and family values. Learn why laughter often hides life’s deepest wisdom.
How Childhood Daydreams Reflect Deep Emotional Needs
Discover how childhood daydreams reflect deep emotional needs. Learn to decode their fantasies and connect with what your child is really feeling.
3 Creative Ways Kids Ask for More Time with You
Kids ask for more time in quiet, clever ways. Learn how to spot these subtle moments and turn them into lasting connections.
The Magic of Make-Believe: How Kids Turn Frustration into Fantasy
Discover how kids turn frustration into fantasy through pretend play. It’s more than fun, it helps them process emotions and understand the world.
Routines That Help Children Feel Loved at the End of the Day
Discover routines that help children feel loved at the end of the day, even after chaos. These rituals help kids feel safe, seen, and emotionally secure.
The Importance of Letting Children Imagine the Impossible
Discover why kids crave our attention and how simple moments of presence, not perfection, can build connection, trust, and emotional security.
How to Nurture Emotional Security in Children, Even on Busy Days
Discover how to nurture emotional security in children using simple, powerful moments of connection, even on your busiest days.
When Children Create Fantasies to Feel Safe: What to Look For
Children create fantasies to feel safe when emotions feel too big. Discover how to recognize this coping behavior and support their emotional world.
The Secret Wisdom Hidden in Your Child’s Silly Requests
A child’s silly requests often reveal deeper emotional needs. Learn how to listen beyond the laughter and connect with what your child is really saying.
Why Your Child’s Wildest Wish Might Be a Cry for Connection
Behind every wild idea may be a cry for connection. Learn how wishful thinking reveals kids' emotional needs and how you can respond with presence.
Why Imaginative Characters Make Children Feel Understood
Imaginative characters help children feel seen, safe, and understood. Learn how whimsical storytelling builds trust, empathy, and emotional growth.
Writing for Children: The Beauty of Seeing the World Through Their Eyes
Writing for children opens a window into wonder, honesty, and healing, showing how stories can connect deeply with a child’s heart and mind.
How Simple Stories Can Teach Big Life Lessons
Simple stories can teach big life lessons by helping children build empathy, understand values, and grow emotionally through relatable narratives.
The Hidden Lessons in Children’s Tantrums for Attention
Tantrums hold hidden lessons in children. Learn how outbursts are often cries for connection, and how to respond with empathy, not frustration.
Busy Doesn’t Mean Absent: How to Stay Emotionally Present
Learn how to stay emotionally present with your child even during busy days. Small, intentional moments can build lasting connection and trust.
Mom Guilt Is Real But You’re Doing More Than Enough
Struggling with Mom Guilt? You're not alone. Discover why your love, not your perfection, is what your child needs most, and why that’s enough.
What a Child’s Imagination Says About Their Emotional Needs
Explore how a Child’s Imagination reveals emotional needs through stories, drawings, and play, and how you can listen with presence and care.
The Emotional Power of Saying “I See You” to Your Child
Discover the emotional impact of the power of saying I see you and how simple affirmations can build trust, confidence, and deep parent-child bonds.
Why Kids Crave Our Attention More Than We Realize
Discover why kids crave our attention and how simple moments of presence, not perfection, can build connection, trust, and emotional security.
What Every Parent Wishes They Could Tell Their Younger Self About Raising Kids
If only we knew then what we know now! Heartfelt parenting wisdom on patience, presence, and cherishing the moments that matter most.
The Myth of the Perfect Mom: Why It’s Okay to Drop the Ball Sometimes
Perfection is overrated! Embrace the chaos, let go of unrealistic expectations, and celebrate the wins, no matter how small, on your parenting journey.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Growing Up: Helping Kids Understand Big Feelings
From tantrums to teenage mood swings, Learn how to support your child’s emotional growth, encourage communication, and build a strong parent-child bond.
Parenting Feels Like an Olympic Sport, Here’s How to Win Without Losing Your Sanity
Raising kids can feel like a high-stakes competition. Master the art of patience, balance, and self-care while keeping up with the daily challenges of parenthood.
From Cooking to Homework Help: The Impossible Daily To-Do List of a Parent
Balancing meals, schoolwork, and bedtime routines feels overwhelming. Learn practical strategies to streamline your daily tasks and reduce stress.
Finding Time for Yourself as a Busy Mom
Discover simple yet effective ways to carve out “me time” in your hectic schedule without feeling guilty. Prioritizing self-care can make you a better, happier parent!
Parenting on Fast-Forward: How to Slow Down When Life Feels Like a Blur
Life moves fast—but parenting shouldn’t be rushed. Learn how to slow down, be present, and truly enjoy your journey with your child.
How to Nurture a Child’s Creativity Without Fancy Toys or Screens
You don’t need expensive toys to nurture a child’s creativity! Discover simple, screen-free ways to inspire imagination and play.
Big Feelings, Little Hearts: Helping Kids Cope with Patience and Understanding
Kids have big feelings—and they need guidance to manage them. Learn how to help children navigate emotions with patience, empathy, and understanding.
Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Parent-Child Bond in a Busy World
Feeling too busy for quality time? Learn simple yet powerful ways to strengthen your bond with your child, even on the busiest days.
How to Involve Kids in Daily Tasks to Make Time Together More Fun
Make chores and daily routines more fun! Discover creative ways to involve kids in everyday tasks while strengthening your bond.
Using Storytelling to Help Kids Understand the World Around Them
Storytelling isn’t just for bedtime, it’s a powerful tool for teaching kids about life! Explore how stories help children understand emotions, values, and the world around them.
Why Creativity in Kids Leads to Problem-Solving Skills Later in Life
Creativity isn’t just about art, it builds lifelong problem-solving skills! Find out how encouraging imaginations helps kids think critically and adapt to challenges.
How Playful Thinking Helps Kids Process Their Emotions
Playful thinking isn’t just for fun—it’s how kids process emotions! Learn how pretend play, humor, and creativity help children understand their feelings.
Encouraging Imaginative Thinking in Kids: Turning Everyday Frustrations into Fun Ideas
Turn everyday frustrations into sparks of creativity! Discover how imaginative thinking helps kids see challenges as opportunities for fun and learning.
The Art of Patience: Helping Kids Understand Delayed Gratification
Teaching patience in a world of instant gratification can be tough! Learn how to develop self-control, resilience, and a long-term mindset.
Teaching Children Gratitude for the Little Things Parents Do
Help kids appreciate the little things parents do! Explore fun and effective ways to teach gratitude and build a more appreciative mindset in children.
The Power of Parental Presence: Why Quality Time Matters More Than Quantity
Discover why quality time with your child matters more than the hours spent together. Learn simple ways to make meaningful connections in everyday moments.
How to Encourage Your Child’s Wild Ideas Without Saying ‘No’ Too Often
Encouraging creativity is key to a child’s growth. Learn how to support your child’s big ideas and curiosity while setting gentle boundaries without saying “no” too often.
Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Bond with Your Child Every Day
Building a strong bond with your child doesn’t require grand gestures, just small, intentional moments. Discover easy ways to strengthen your relationship every day.
How to Stay Patient When Your Kids Demand Your Attention
It’s tough to stay patient when kids constantly demand attention. Learn simple techniques to keep your cool and respond with love, even on the most chaotic days.
Finding Small Moments of Connection in a Busy Day
Busy days can make it hard to connect with your kids. Find small yet meaningful ways to bond with them daily, even in the midst of a packed schedule.
Setting Realistic Expectations for Work, Family, and Personal Time
Balancing work, family, and personal time can feel impossible. Set realistic expectations and create a healthy balance that allows you to thrive in every aspect of life.
The Struggle of Parenting Guilt and How to Overcome It
Parenting guilt is real, but it doesn’t have to define you. Learn how to release guilt, embrace imperfection, and focus on being the best parent you can be.
How to Reassure Kids That They Are Loved, Even When You’re Busy
Even when life gets busy, your child needs to feel loved and secure. Discover simple but powerful ways to reassure your kids that they matter, no matter how hectic your schedule is.
Why Teaching Empathy at a Young Age Builds Stronger Relationships
Empathy is a skill that strengthens relationships and emotional intelligence. Learn how to help your child develop compassion and understanding for others through everyday experiences.
How To Teach Kids Gratitude for What They Already Have
Teaching kids gratitude helps them appreciate what they have and fosters happiness. Explore fun and meaningful ways to instill gratitude in children from an early age.
Helping Children Manage Their Emotions When They Feel Overlooked
When children feel overlooked, their emotions can be overwhelming. Find practical ways to help kids express their feelings, feel valued, and build emotional resilience.
Why Pretend Play Is Essential for Cognitive Development
Pretend play isn’t just fun, it’s crucial for cognitive development. Learn how role-playing and make-believe help children build social skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity.
The Power of Imagination in Childhood Learning
Imagination is a powerful tool in childhood learning, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and emotional growth. Discover how to nurture and encourage your child’s imaginative thinking.
Why Simple Moments Matter Most to Kids
Celebrate the small but powerful moments that matter most to kids reminding them they’re loved every day.
Why Kids Crave Comfort: The Power of a Hug (Even if You Only Have Two Arms)
Understand why kids crave comfort and how small acts of love, like a hug, create lifelong security.
Helping Kids Express Feelings Through Storytelling
Help children express their feelings through storytelling, fostering emotional intelligence and creativity.
What Would Life Be Like If Parents Were Superhuman?
Imagine a world where parents are superhuman and reflect on what kids truly need from their caregivers.
Teaching Kids Patience: How to Navigate ‘Wait for Me’ Moments
Teach kids patience with practical tips for navigating “wait for me” moments with empathy and love.
From Messy Kitchens to Bedtime Stories: Embracing the Chaos of Parenting
Embrace the beauty of imperfect parenting, from messy kitchens to joy of bedtime stories.
How to Handle ‘Why Can’t You Do Everything?’ Conversations with Kids
Discover strategies for handling kids’ tough questions about multitasking and why you can’t “do it all”.
Teaching Big Lessons with Simple Words: Writing for Young Readers
Learn how to write impactful children’s stories that teach big lessons using simple, relatable language.
Balancing Humor and Heart in Children’s Literature
Explore the art of blending humor and heart in children’s literature to create engaging and memorable stories.
Why Every Child Needs a Story About Love and Family
Understand why stories about love and family are essential for children and how they nurture emotional growth.
Crafting a Whimsical Tale: Behind the Scenes of Writing Children’s Books
Go behind the scenes of writing enchanting children’s books, from crafting relatable characters to whimsical narratives.
From Octopuses to Platypuses: How Animal Analogies Spark Imagination in Kids
Dive into the creative use of animal analogies in children’s books and how they inspire kids’ imagination.
The Role of Humor in Children’s Stories: Why Laughing Together Strengthens Bonds
Discover the power of humor in children’s stories and how laughing together strengthens family bonds.
How Kids Understand Love: Lessons from I Wish My Mommy Was an Octopus
Learn how kids understand and express love, with meaningful takeaways from I Wish My Mommy Was an Octopus.
The Magic of Imagination: Encouraging Creative Thinking in Kids
Unleash you child’s creativity with tips on encouraging imaginative play, inspired by whimsical storytelling.
The Funny Side of Parenting: Imaginative Wishes and What They Teach Us
Explore the funny and heartwarming lessons parents can learn from kids’ imaginative wishes about life and family.
Parenting Through a Child’s Eyes: What Kids Really Think About Busy Parents
Gain insights into how children perceive busy parents and how you can nurture your bond, even on the busiest days.
Why Kids Should Know How Much They’re Loved
Discover why it’s important for kids to feel loved and appreciated, and how this builds their confidence and emotional well-being.
What Kids Really Want: It’s Not About Having More Arms, It’s About Love
Kids don’t need superhero parents, they need love and presence. Discover what truly matters most to them in this insightful piece.
How Storytelling Builds Stronger Bonds Between Parents and Kids
Storytelling isn’t just fun, it’s a powerful tool to strengthen parent-child bonds and share life’s most important lessons.
The Magic of Multitasking Moms: Real-Life Octopus Moments
Celebrate the incredible multitasking feats of moms everywhere with this fun and relatable tribute to their superhuman abilities.
Balancing Acts: How Parents Manage It All (or Try To!)
Parenting is a delicate balance of responsibilities and love. Learn how parents navigate life’s challenges while staying connected with their kids.
The Wisdom of Whimsy: Why Stories Like I Wish My Mommy Was an Octopus Matter
Whimsical stories teach kids profound lessons about love, gratitude, and perspective. Find out why these tales leave a lasting impact.
Helping Kids Understand ‘Busy Love’: When Parents Can’t Always Be There
Help your kids see the love behind your busyness with simple strategies for connection and understanding.
The Little Things Parents Do That Kids Never Forget
The smallest gestures leave the biggest impressions. Explore the meaningful little things parents do that create lifelong memories for their kids.
When Parents Feel Like They’re Not Enough: A Love Letter to Imperfect Parenting
Parenting isn’t about perfection. This heartfelt piece celebrates the beauty of “good enough” love and effort.
From Juggling to Hugging: How Busy Parents Can Create Meaningful Moments
Discover simple, impactful ways for busy parents to connect with their kids and create memories that last a lifetime.
Teaching Kids Gratitude: Finding Joy in Everyday Moments
Discover fun and practical ways to help kids appreciate the little things in life and foster gratitude for the love and care they receive.
Teaching Kids Gratitude: Finding Joy in Everyday Moments
Learn how kids’ whimsical dreams, like having an octopus mom, teach them to navigate emotions and unlock their creative potential
If Moms Were Octopuses: A Fun Look at Parenting Superpowers
What if moms had eight arms to juggle life’s chaos? Explore the humor and heart in imagining octopus-like multitasking superpowers for busy parents.
How to Handle Busy Days as a Parent Without Losing Connection
Get practical tips on maintaining strong bonds with your children while managing the daily demands of parenting.
From Imagination to Gratitude: Lessons from I Wish My Mommy Was an Octopus
Discover the heartwarming journey from playful imagination to meaningful gratitude in Erin Shular’s I Wish My Mommy Was an Octopus.
How Stories Like I Wish My Mommy Was an Octopus Teach Empathy to Kids
Learn how whimsical tales like I Wish My Mommy Was an Octopus help children develop empathy and gratitude for their parents.
The Power of a Hug: How Small Moments Show Big Love in Parenting
Explore the profound impact of simple gestures like hugs in strengthening the parent-child bond and showing unconditional love.
Celebrating Moms: Learning to Appreciate the Love in the Chaos
Discover how to embrace and celebrate the love and care that moms bring, even amidst the busyness and chaos of everyday life.
What Makes “I Wish My Mommy Was An Octopus” The Perfect Children’s Bedtime Story
Discover why this charming tale is the ultimate bedtime story, blending humor, love, and creativity to delight children and parents alike.
Why Mother-Daughter Books Are Essential for Family Reading
Learn how mother-daughter books strengthen relationships, inspire meaningful conversations, and enrich family reading time. Read more here.
A Heartwarming Tale That Perfectly Defines Bond Between Mother and Child
Celebrate the unbreakable bond between mother and child with a story that warms hearts and inspires connection.
The Power of a Mother’s Attention: Shaping Young Minds Through Love
Explore the profound impact of a mother’s love and attention on a child’s emotional and intellectual development. Click here to read more!
Magical Beginnings: Unique Ideas for Your Next Children’s Book
Unlock your creativity with these inspiring ideas for children’s books that captivate little minds and encourage a lifelong love of reading.
Bringing Stories to Life: Creative Tips for Illustrating Children’s Books
Discover expert tips and techniques to create captivating illustrations that bring children’s stories to life and inspire young imaginations.
Together in Storytime: Heartwarming Stories for Kids and Parents to Read Together
Enjoy heartwarming stories that bring kids and parents closer through shared reading moments. Read the article to learn more.
Stories of Love and Imagination for Kids by Erin Shular
Explore enchanting tales filled with love and creativity, perfect for sparking kids’ imaginations. Read more about Erin Shular’s works.
The Role of Playful Storytelling in Building Family Bonds
Find out how playful storytelling can deepen family connections and foster lasting memories filled with joy and learning.
Sleep Tight: Cozy Bedtime Storybooks by Erin Shular for Kids
Unwind with cozy bedtime stories that lull little ones to sleep with warmth and charm. Read the article for Erin Shular’s best picks.
Emotional Connections: Heartfelt Books about Mothers and Children by Erin Shular
Celebrate the bond between mothers and children with touching stories by Erin Shular. Read more to discover these heartfelt books.
Mommy Moments: Best Books for Kids about Mommy by Erin Shular
Cherish special mommy moments with delightful stories that kids will love. Read the article to explore Erin Shular’s top books.