Learning Without Borders

05/25/2026

This is Lyme Awareness Month! Important tips from a mom who’s experienced the cost of Lyme firsthand — prevention is the best defense! Share widely!

May is Lyme Awareness Month: Learn How To Prevent it!

05/11/2026

A recent Fox News segment sparked debate when an analyst called declining teen birth rates a "problem," arguing we shouldn't tell youth to wait for a "stable life situation."
At Learning Without Borders, this framing is disturbing. Since when is waiting for stability a "problem"? For a child to become a curious thinker, their environment must be rooted in safety. Learning is an act of vulnerability; it requires the security to wonder without the concern for survival.
I learned this early as a young child development student. I watched a young mother struggle to bond with her baby, her face tight with a stress I couldn't name. My supervisor didn't criticize her; she sent me back the next week with a bag of groceries and diapers. Once the fear of "how will I feed my baby?" was lifted, she finally had the emotional bandwidth to look into her child's eyes and smile. You cannot foster curiosity in survival mode.
65 years ago today, the FDA approved the first oral contraceptive. This milestone forever changed the "learning environment" of the home. When mothers have self-determination, they create the security net that allows a lifelong learner to emerge.
The success of this agency is staggering. Per the CDC's April 2026 report:
1991: 61.8 births per 1,000 (ages 15–19).
2025: A record low of 11.7.
That is an 81% decrease.
Some see a crisis; we see a triumph of autonomy. Forcing parenthood on those not yet ready doesn't build a stronger society—it creates barriers to the nurturing environment every child deserves. Education begins with a secure, chosen start.

Sources:
CDC NCHS: Births: Provisional Data for 2025 (April 2026)
Marc Siegel, Fox News (April 10, 2026)
May 11 History: Good News Network

05/10/2026

An early mentor and dear friend, Dorothy Werner, shared this with me over 25 years ago. Its call is as true and as urgently needed today as it was when Howe first penned it in 1870. Her words remind us that the longing for peace, dignity, and shared humanity is not new—it’s a legacy carried forward by generations of women who refused to be silent. It is time to use our voices and speak out for the world we want to see.

04/28/2026

I'm excited for Kathy's virtual launch of Luna's Light! Hope to see you there

Tomorrow’s the night! 🌙

Join me on April 29 at 6:30 PM CT for the free virtual launch celebration of Luna’s Light. I’d love to gather together for a cozy evening as we share the story, celebrate this new book, and shine a little light for the children we love.

Bring the kids for a bedtime story and dress in your favorite PJs!

Whether you’re a parent, educator, book lover, or someone who cares deeply about encouraging children, you are warmly invited.

Save your free spot here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunas-light-virtual-launch-party-tickets-1987850456226

02/19/2026

I don't usually post about "politics," but what is happening right now transcends party lines. It's about basic humanity.

The stories coming out of detention centers in Texas and elsewhere are devastating. We aren't just talking about "immigration enforcement"; we are talking about children being separated from parents and people held in conditions that can only be described as warehouses.

This hits close to home: My cousin, a teacher in St. Paul, shared that she is having conversations she never dreamed she'd have. She has 3–7 kids missing from every one of her classes. When I asked how I could help from afar, she told me, "Please keep us in the news."

As a play therapist, I know that "felt safety" is the foundation of a child's life. Right now, that foundation is being shattered for thousands of people. Whether it's the story of little Juan Nicolas, a sick 2-month-old deposited across the border, or the 3,800+ children still detained, we cannot look away.

Our children are watching us. They are watching how we treat the "stranger" and how we respond to cruelty. When a young boy is told on a school bus to "go back where he came from" despite being a U.S. citizen, he is reflecting the rhetoric he hears from adults in power. We are teaching a generation that some lives are inherently less valuable than others. At this time, I find myself holding onto that famous quote from Mr. Rogers: "In times of tragedy, keep looking for the helpers." I'm posting because I deeply care about children. I'm choosing to be one of those helpers, and I hope you'll join me in keeping these stories alive and demanding better for every child in this country. 🕊️💔.

12/26/2025

Joyous Kwanzaa Wishes from your friends at the World of Eric Carle!

12/20/2025

Supporting Neurodivergent Kids During the Holidays: What Families and Hosts Can Do

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been talking with many of the families I support, parents of neurodivergent children and children with disabilities, about how to make the holiday season feel more manageable.
Parents are already doing so much: preparing their children for transitions, maintaining familiar routines where possible, and creating sensory‑friendly options. These strategies echo recommendations from organizations like the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) and Child Mind Institute, which emphasize predictability, sensory awareness, and reducing demands during high‑stress times.
But families shouldn’t have to shoulder this alone. As hosts, relatives, and friends, we can play a meaningful role in making gatherings more inclusive and supportive.
Here are practical ways to help:
🎄 Honor food needs without commentary.
If a child brings their own meal, that’s a success,not something to question. The Child Mind Institute notes that reducing pressure around food can significantly lower stress for neurodivergent kids.
🎁 Offer a predictable, doable role.
A simple job like handing out napkins, greeting guests, feeding the dog can help a child feel anchored and included.
🏡 Create a quiet “escape space.”
ASAN and the National Autistic Society both highlight the importance of having a low‑stimulus area where a child can decompress when things get overwhelming.
🍽️ Keep participation optional.
Make activities invitational rather than expected. Flexibility around meals, games, and socializing helps kids regulate on their own terms.
🛡️ Run interference with well‑meaning relatives.
A gentle “We’re supporting them in the way that works best” can protect both the child and the parents from unsolicited advice.
🔊 Be mindful of sensory overload.
Lower background noise, dim harsh lights, avoid strong scents, and normalize the use of headphones or comfort items. These adjustments align with guidance from occupational therapy associations and sensory‑processing experts.
🧭 Preview the plan and the backup plan.
Let families know that early exits, late arrivals, or shorter stays are completely acceptable.
💬 Honor different communication styles.
Whether a child uses AAC, gestures, scripts, or needs extra processing time, modeling acceptance helps everyone else follow your lead.
⏳ Use gentle transitions.
Visual timers or simple countdowns can make shifting between activities smoother.
💛 Check in quietly with parents.
A quick “Anything I can do to support your child right now?” can make a world of difference.

12/14/2025

Such an important message from Mona Delahooke as we head into the holiday season with so many extra demands put upon children and families ❤️

When we shift from asking "How do I stop this behavior?" to "What is my child's body trying to tell me?" everything changes. Behaviors are messages from a child's nervous system about their experience in the world.
Think of challenging behaviors as the tip of the iceberg. What we see on the surface is a hint of what's happening beneath: the physical sensations, stress responses, and individual differences that shape how our children experience each moment.
This week, try approaching one challenging moment with curiosity instead of correction. What might your child's body be communicating?

12/14/2025

Hanukkah reminds us that even the smallest light can grow, guiding us through shadows with courage and care.

🕯️ Each candle we light is a symbol of perseverance, compassion, and inclusivity—welcoming all to the table of hope.

💙 As we step into 2025, may we carry forward Hanukkah’s lesson: resilience and kindness can spark renewal in our communities and beyond.

🌟 How will you inspire hope in the year ahead?