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Letters to My Hypothetical Children: Life Lessons, Making Mistakes, & Keeping it Real
I was trying to get pregnant, and having difficulty, when I came up with the idea for this book. I was deep in thought about what kind of parent I would become and I felt the need to share the life lessons I've learned with my hypothetical children. That's what a parent does, right? Guide their children based on their own experiences? The problem is, then I would have to admit to my mistakes and divulge information that I felt shouldn't necessarily come from a parent (at least not the ideal parent I imagined then). This is the important stuff and it should be shared, but I've always been better at writing, so this book is my way to communicate all these gems: lessons learned, mistakes I've made, and told in an honest, call-it-like-it-is manner.
Maya and Cami, this book is for you. Take these stories and do with them what you will. Some of these are things I wished my parents had told me, some of these would be regrets if I believed in regrets, and some of these stories will hopefully correct misinformation. These are my experiences, so take them with a grain of salt. You are different from me so you may never need the information in these pages. In fact, I hope you don't. But some pages you will need and if there is ever any doubt in your mind that I was once young or flawed, you will soon know otherwise. And I hope you will know from this book that you can talk to me about anything, no matter how difficult. Or, if you can't, write me a letter and I'll write back.
To my parents, you did a wonderful job raising me and you gave me so much. This is certainly not a negative comment on my childhood or your parenting skills. It's actually more about my fears as a parent and the standard that you set, because you set the bar pretty high. In fact, you will find some amazing memories in these pages. You are also wonderful grandparents and I hope that if my girls can't talk to me about something, they will be able to talk to you.
For everyone else who picks up this book: I hope you feel a little less alone and a little more hopeful. I hope you maybe even laugh a little. I've wondered if I'm screwing up my children. I've felt like a horrible parent. I have even felt like a horrible teenager! I hope that this book gives you the courage to talk to your kids about the hard stuff. I hope it starts a new conversation. Parenting today isn't what is was when my parents raised me. Kids have access to so much information and as parents we need to be a big part of the information pie. I even hope that some teenagers read this book so they can find the courage to talk to their parents. Every generation hopes that they can do things a little better than the generation before and I'm doing that the only way I know how, by writing.
Maya and Cami, this book is for you. Take these stories and do with them what you will. Some of these are things I wished my parents had told me, some of these would be regrets if I believed in regrets, and some of these stories will hopefully correct misinformation. These are my experiences, so take them with a grain of salt. You are different from me so you may never need the information in these pages. In fact, I hope you don't. But some pages you will need and if there is ever any doubt in your mind that I was once young or flawed, you will soon know otherwise. And I hope you will know from this book that you can talk to me about anything, no matter how difficult. Or, if you can't, write me a letter and I'll write back.
To my parents, you did a wonderful job raising me and you gave me so much. This is certainly not a negative comment on my childhood or your parenting skills. It's actually more about my fears as a parent and the standard that you set, because you set the bar pretty high. In fact, you will find some amazing memories in these pages. You are also wonderful grandparents and I hope that if my girls can't talk to me about something, they will be able to talk to you.
For everyone else who picks up this book: I hope you feel a little less alone and a little more hopeful. I hope you maybe even laugh a little. I've wondered if I'm screwing up my children. I've felt like a horrible parent. I have even felt like a horrible teenager! I hope that this book gives you the courage to talk to your kids about the hard stuff. I hope it starts a new conversation. Parenting today isn't what is was when my parents raised me. Kids have access to so much information and as parents we need to be a big part of the information pie. I even hope that some teenagers read this book so they can find the courage to talk to their parents. Every generation hopes that they can do things a little better than the generation before and I'm doing that the only way I know how, by writing.
232 pages, Paperback
Published April 23, 2021
About the author
Marcia Allyn Luke
3 books5 followersMarcia Allyn has a Master of Professional Education, Curriculum & Pedagogy from Western University, an Honours Bachelor in English from the University of Guelph, and a postgraduate Publishing Certificate from Ryerson University. Her favourite pastime is reading, and she can often be found with her nose in a book. Marcia has been a writer at heart from the very beginning, writing children’s books for younger grades at elementary school. Marcia has written and published "Letters to My Hypothetical Children", contributed to a #1 International Bestseller, "Silent Grief, Healing, & Hope", and has authored numerous articles for TWINS Magazine, New Dreamhomes Magazine, and Life in Multiples.
Marcia has a passion for education and lifelong learning, devoting her career to publishing educational resources, developing curriculum, and teaching at the post-secondary level. She has been teaching since 2017 and has taught courses such as Introductory Communications, Virtual Culture, Truth and Lies (Critical Thinking), Children's Literature, Professional Writing, College English, Copyediting, Academic Writing and Research, and Conspiracy Theories (Critical Thinking), at Fleming College, George Brown College, and Humber College. She has 17 years’ experience in post-secondary education and publishing in a variety of editorial, marketing, management, and sales positions, providing her with a unique, holistic perspective. Companies Marcia has worked with include: American Technical Publishers, McGraw-Hill Education, NELSON Education, and Harlequin Enterprises.
In addition to teaching, Marcia has her own publishing business, Twin Horseshoes, providing editing, self-publishing, and marketing services to individuals, helping them fulfill their dream of being a published author. Twin Horseshoes has published titles in: nonfiction sales and selling; memoirs, including a travel memoir; children's picture books/series; and fiction fantasy. Twin Horseshoes publishes in ebook, paperback, and hardcover formats and distributes to bookstores, retailers, and libraries as well as direct to consumers. The first French translation is coming in 2022!
Marcia is currently the Vice President, National Executive Council for Editors Canada. Marcia also likes to volunteer for causes related to health awareness, children’s and women’s rights, and donates blood on a regular basis. Outside of work, Marcia is a mom to twin girls. She likes to spend time with family and friends, and participate in any activity outside. Marcia loves coffee, Harry Potter, and puppy snuggles.
Marcia has a passion for education and lifelong learning, devoting her career to publishing educational resources, developing curriculum, and teaching at the post-secondary level. She has been teaching since 2017 and has taught courses such as Introductory Communications, Virtual Culture, Truth and Lies (Critical Thinking), Children's Literature, Professional Writing, College English, Copyediting, Academic Writing and Research, and Conspiracy Theories (Critical Thinking), at Fleming College, George Brown College, and Humber College. She has 17 years’ experience in post-secondary education and publishing in a variety of editorial, marketing, management, and sales positions, providing her with a unique, holistic perspective. Companies Marcia has worked with include: American Technical Publishers, McGraw-Hill Education, NELSON Education, and Harlequin Enterprises.
In addition to teaching, Marcia has her own publishing business, Twin Horseshoes, providing editing, self-publishing, and marketing services to individuals, helping them fulfill their dream of being a published author. Twin Horseshoes has published titles in: nonfiction sales and selling; memoirs, including a travel memoir; children's picture books/series; and fiction fantasy. Twin Horseshoes publishes in ebook, paperback, and hardcover formats and distributes to bookstores, retailers, and libraries as well as direct to consumers. The first French translation is coming in 2022!
Marcia is currently the Vice President, National Executive Council for Editors Canada. Marcia also likes to volunteer for causes related to health awareness, children’s and women’s rights, and donates blood on a regular basis. Outside of work, Marcia is a mom to twin girls. She likes to spend time with family and friends, and participate in any activity outside. Marcia loves coffee, Harry Potter, and puppy snuggles.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 2, 2021
The stories and lessons Marcia shares are moving and her strength shines through. It is clear that the words that fill these pages come from genuine feelings and in reading them I found hope, humour, and a connection. I love how Marcia points out that shit isn’t perfect and we don’t have to be perfect to live, to love, to learn, and to parent. We just have to be who we are.
How many times as parents do we look in the mirror and ask our reflection if we are getting this parenting business right? Are we doing the best we can for these developing souls? I had no idea before becoming a parent myself that there was so much uncertainty wrapped into the role of parenting. Looking back at memories of growing up is a bona fide way to not only help ourselves parent, but to help our children thrive; parenting really is ‘making mistakes and keeping it real.
How many times as parents do we look in the mirror and ask our reflection if we are getting this parenting business right? Are we doing the best we can for these developing souls? I had no idea before becoming a parent myself that there was so much uncertainty wrapped into the role of parenting. Looking back at memories of growing up is a bona fide way to not only help ourselves parent, but to help our children thrive; parenting really is ‘making mistakes and keeping it real.
July 18, 2021
Are you looking for a friend to lean on, a confidante to listen to your inner heart, a pal to hit the bars with? Then grab Marcia Allyn Luke's newest book 'Letters to My Hypothetical Children' and get ready to meet your new bestie.
Marcia weaves together tales from her life, from growing up, thru university days, and beyond that are relatable and will strike a chord with many. She is a mom to multiples and frames this book as life lessons to her girls, but invites you to come along too.
Whether you have had heartache, life challenges, question yourself and where you are going, this book will touch you and remind you that you are not alone. And having a friend along the way in life sometimes makes the journey a little easier.
Great little read!
Marcia weaves together tales from her life, from growing up, thru university days, and beyond that are relatable and will strike a chord with many. She is a mom to multiples and frames this book as life lessons to her girls, but invites you to come along too.
Whether you have had heartache, life challenges, question yourself and where you are going, this book will touch you and remind you that you are not alone. And having a friend along the way in life sometimes makes the journey a little easier.
Great little read!
June 17, 2021
Part memoir and part advice book, Marcia Allyn Luke takes us on a journey through her life, openly sharing situations—good and bad—that led her to becoming the hardworking, creative, and loving woman she is today. The life lessons she shares shows compassion for herself and for all people parenting. We can see ourselves in her stories of tough situations, joyful times, and fears. Her resiliency and hope for her children can be a touchstone for everyone, parents and non-parents alike.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews