How Rural Life and Family Inspire Her Children’s Books
Lynn McLaughlin shares her journey through illness, her advocacy for mental health, and her dedication to empowering children with emotional literacy through her writing, podcast, and community involvement.
We are thrilled to present an insightful interview with Lynn McLaughlin, a distinguished educator and celebrated author whose work has touched the lives of many. With a career spanning roles from Superintendent of Education to teaching at various levels, Lynn has dedicated her life to the well-being of children and youth. Her passion is evident not only in her educational endeavors but also in her writing, community involvement, and her podcast, “Taking the Helm.” Through these platforms, Lynn provides invaluable resources and support to parents, clinicians, and school communities, making a significant impact on mental health awareness and emotional literacy.
Lynn McLaughlin’s literary contributions are nothing short of inspiring. Her best-selling book, “Steering Through It,” offers a raw and honest account of her journey through a life-threatening illness, providing readers with a profound sense of hope and resilience. Her ability to weave personal experiences with universal themes of courage and healing has resonated deeply with audiences. In “Jackson,” Lynn tackles the complexities of mental health within families, offering a dual perspective that enriches the narrative and provides comfort to those facing similar challenges. Her children’s book series, “The Power of Thought,” co-authored with her niece Amber Raymond, is a testament to her commitment to fostering emotional literacy in young readers. By creating engaging and educational stories, Lynn empowers children to understand and manage their emotions, laying the groundwork for healthier futures. Her work is a beacon of light for those navigating the often turbulent waters of life, and we are honored to share her insights with our readers.
“Journaling is the one place where I can pour out my deepest fears and thoughts without the worry of burdening or hurting those I care about.” – Lynn McLaughlin
Your first book, Steering Through It, details your journey through a life-threatening illness and its impact on you and your loved ones. How did writing this book help you process your experience, and what do you hope readers take away from your story?
Journaling is the one place where I can pour out my deepest fears and thoughts without the worry of burdening or hurting those I care about. It became a lifeline for me the day I received my diagnosis of a brain tumour. It allowed me to process overwhelming emotions and find a sense of clarity, even in the face of my greatest uncertainties. Those journals are what drove the publishing of the book, Steering Through It, but with an added twist. I asked my family members to write about the moments that were most poignant for them, recognizing that each of us faced my illness in our own unique way. This book delves into tough, honest questions, allowing every reader to find a connection to their own life – whether they are a patient, a loved one, or someone navigating their own challenges.
As the host of the podcast Taking the Helm, you’ve interviewed many individuals who have turned crises into opportunities. What common themes have you discovered in their stories, and how have these conversations influenced your own approach to adversity?
Since I began hosting the podcast over 4 years ago, I have been in awe of the strength and courage each of our guests have shared. Many had no voice and spoke out for the first time on my show, with vulnerability and resilience, reinforcing my belief in the strength of the human spirit. I learn something from every guest, as unique as their stories may be. There are universal truths that bind us, and I have applied many of these lessons in my own life, while continuing to share these powerful stories to inspire others.
For the past 18 months, our podcast has shifted its focus to the well-being of children and youth, viewing it through a proactive lens. These conversations have been powerful and often heart-wrenching, reminding us that what we teach our children now can shape their ability to thrive or struggle later.
“Many had no voice and spoke out for the first time on my show, with vulnerability and resilience, reinforcing my belief in the strength of the human spirit.” – Lynn McLaughlin
Mental health awareness is a central theme in your book Jackson. What inspired you to write this deeply personal story, and how has it resonated with readers who may be facing similar challenges within their families?
Several signs in my life inspired me to write Jackson. As an educator, I saw how anxiety was affecting students and staff, and I heard similar struggles from friends and family. I felt driven to tell this story from both a mother’s and son’s perspective. In Jackson, I tackled the delicate balance between helping and inadvertently causing harm, a challenge many parents face, driven by love but fraught with difficult decisions. The most well-intentioned actions can have unintended consequences. Writing from the son’s perspective was particularly challenging, so I sought the guidance of Yvonne Marrs, a respected author and chronic illness sufferer. Her insights were crucial in capturing the son’s emotional journey with authenticity and empathy.
Your children’s book series The Power of Thought, co-authored with your niece Amber Raymond, focuses on teaching emotional literacy to children. What motivated you to create this series, and how do you envision these books being used by parents and educators?
My motivation for writing The Power of Thought struck me during a walk—an ‘AHA’ moment that led me to collaborate with my niece, a new Master of Social Work graduate. I realized that rather than waiting for children to struggle, we should teach them proactive strategies. As a lifelong educator, I’ve seen how early interventions can transform a child’s life. Our thoughts, feelings and actions are all connected. The series and accompanying resources give readers concrete tools they can practice and use right away. Ultimately, I know these books are laying a foundation for healthier and more resilient futures in today’s kids.
“There are universal truths that bind us, and I have applied many of these lessons in my own life, while continuing to share these powerful stories to inspire others.” – Lynn McLaughlin
You are actively involved in several community organizations, including the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and Kingsville Southshore Rotary. How do these volunteer efforts align with your mission of advocacy and helping others meet their full potential?
Volunteerism builds stronger, more connected communities, and raises awareness about social issues. We see through firsthand experiences the tragedies and crises that people are enduring. It changes our perspective. My mantra today is, “If that’s the biggest problem I have to face today, then life is pretty awesome”.
When 100 women come together four times a year to award a non-profit community organization with $10,000 in funding, it’s a different approach. The result is a ripple effect that makes a direct impact, bringing contagious joy to donors and recipients alike.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” (Mahatma Gandhi)
With The Power of Thought series, you incorporate unique elements such as characters named after crystals and the concept of emotions being visually represented. How do these creative choices enhance the learning experience for children, and what feedback have you received from young readers and their families?
We had an incredible time collaborating with our illustrator to bring The Power of Thought series to life with combined creativity. Our goal was to teach children in a way that was both meaningful and fun, beaming readers off to a fictional planet where child-like beings glow in the colours of their feelings. Each character, named after a crystal, embodies a different emotional trait. This, in combination with the illustrations make the plot and characters easy for children to see, understand, and interact with.
Readers, including grandparents, have raved about The Power of Thought series which makes complex feelings fun and easy to understand. It’s more than just a set of books—it’s an adventure that empowers children to identify, articulate, and manage their feelings using proven strategies. Kids are not only learning about their feelings, but also gaining essential skills for well-being, including resilience, self-confidence, empathy, problem solving and social skills.
