I think one of the biggest misunderstandings about children is assuming the loudest emotions are always the deepest ones.
Sometimes the children struggling the most are actually the quietest in the room.
The child who says “it’s okay” too quickly.
The child who avoids asking for help.
The child who seems mature for their age.
The child who feels things deeply but struggles to explain why.
Those children often carry so much internally.
And because they’re not disrupting the classroom or constantly expressing big emotions outwardly, adults can sometimes assume they’re coping better than they really are.
But children communicate in so many different ways.
Sometimes through behaviour.
Sometimes through silence.
Sometimes through imagination.
And sometimes through the stories they connect to.
I’ve always believed children are drawn to the stories they emotionally need.
Not just the stories they enjoy.
A child who feels uncertain may connect deeply with stories about courage.
A child who feels lonely may hold tightly to stories about friendship.
A child who feels overwhelmed may find comfort in quieter worlds where emotions are handled gently.
That’s one of the reasons I care so much about storytelling.
Not simply as entertainment, but as emotional connection.
As adults, we often focus on teaching children how to read.
But I think sometimes we forget how important it is to help children feel something when they read.
To feel safe.
To feel understood.
To feel hopeful.
To feel less alone inside their own thoughts.
When I created The Adventures of Morish, I knew I wanted the story to feel adventurous, but also emotionally calm.
I wanted children to step into the forest and feel wonder, curiosity, uncertainty, and comfort all at once.
Because real emotional growth rarely happens loudly.
Most of the time, it happens quietly.
Through small moments.
Small choices.
Small acts of courage.
Morish doesn’t suddenly become fearless.
She learns gradually.
She questions herself.
She feels afraid sometimes.
But she continues forward anyway.
And honestly, I think many children need to see that version of courage more often.
Especially children who are naturally thoughtful or emotionally sensitive.
I think parents and teachers are carrying enormous emotional responsibility right now. Children are navigating so much stimulation, pressure, comparison, and emotional noise every single day.
Which is why I believe gentle stories matter more than ever.
Not stories that avoid difficult emotions.
Stories that help children move through them safely.
Stories that remind children they do not have to become louder to become stronger.
That softness and resilience can exist together.
And that being deeply feeling in this world is not a flaw.
It’s part of being human.
🌿 If you enjoy thoughtful children’s storytelling, reflections on emotional resilience, reading, and imagination, you can subscribe below to follow future posts and adventures from Morish Press.
I’m always grateful to share this little corner of the forest with you.
Elorine