writing

When Kindly Keyin Beat Me to “The Talk”

/ Jessica / Leave a comment

Today was the day.
I had done my homework.
I had written the blog post.
I had prepped the talking points.
I was ready to have “THE TALK“
The “AI Talk”… with my kids.

I called my kids over. I had done my research and I had examples and I was ready. This was one of those big parenting moments and I was going to CRUSH IT.

“So…” I said casually, trying to sound cool but not too cool, “have you guys ever heard of AI?”

Without missing a beat, my son shrugged and said, “Yeah. It’s like Siri and Alexa… Or Google.”

I blinked.
Wait, what?
How did he already know that?

“Where did you learn that?” I asked, genuinely curious. And maybe a tiny bit panicked, because hello? I had a whole moment planned!

He looked at me like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“I heard it on Kindly Keyin,” he said.

Oh.
There it was.
The proof of what I had just been writing about:
If you don’t talk to your kids about important topics early, someone else will.

And today, that someone else was Kindly Keyin.
(Kindly Keyin, if you’re reading this: no hard feelings. But next time, maybe give a mom a little heads up, okay?)

I laughed to myself, because of course this would happen.
And honestly? It was the reminder I didn’t know I needed.

We think we’re ahead of the curve.
We think we’ll be the first voice they hear.
We plan the moment, the message, the memory.

But in today’s world, where a single YouTube video, a TikTok, a Roblox game can beat us to the punch… parenting isn’t about controlling every narrative.
It’s about being available for the conversations when they come up.

It’s about staying in the room even after Kindly Keyin has said his piece.
It’s about asking better questions and listening more than we lecture.
It’s about being a safe place where our kids feel comfortable enough to say, “Hey, I heard this thing… what does it mean?”

And maybe most of all,
It’s about not needing to have the “perfect” talk.
It’s about having lots and lots of imperfect, messy, hilarious, random ones over time.

Today, I got beat out by Kindly Keyin.
Tomorrow, it might be someone else.
But every day, I’m still showing up.
Every day, I’m still in the conversation.

And in the end, that’s what matters most.

💛 Check me out on Instagram for more @MonsterHillBooks

What If They Do Hear You… But Don’t Want to Listen?

/ Jessica / Leave a comment

By Jessica Dalton | Monster Hill Books

Here’s something I’ve been realizing lately in my own home:

Sometimes it’s not that my kids don’t hear me, it’s that they don’t want to do what comes next.

And honestly? That makes sense.

Sometimes they’re:

  • Deep in imaginative play
  • Zoned out with their favorite show
  • Totally immersed in the iPad
  • Avoiding what’s next (like brushing teeth… because bedtime = the end of fun)

I get it. I don’t love being interrupted either. And I definitely don’t love doing things I don’t want to do.

But when I assume they’re “not listening,” I think I miss the real reason they’re resisting…

… They’re not ready to let go of the moment they’re in.

What I’m Trying Instead

1. Acknowledge What They’re Doing First

Before jumping into a command or correction, I’m learning to start with connection.

“You’re really focused on that show, looks like you’re loving it.”
“I see you’re right in the middle of that game, it’s hard to pause when you’re having fun.”

That simple acknowledgment often diffuses the resistance.

2. Prep for the Shift

This is huge. Instead of surprising them with a demand, I’m trying to give a soft landing into what comes next. Which also requires me to stay on task and on time so I can give them notice when it’s realistically possible.

“We’re brushing teeth in five minutes. Want to brush now or finish this level and then pause?”
“You don’t have to stop right this second, but you do need to be ready in five minutes. Do you want to be in charge of the timer or would you lime me to?”

Timers, transitions, and reminders help all of us stay on task and make the shift feel less abrupt.

3. Validate the Feeling (Even If the Boundary Stays the Same)

Sometimes my kids don’t want to stop what they are doing because what’s next feels like a loss. And that’s valid.

“I know, it’s hard to end something you’re enjoying. I feel that way too when my favorite part of the day is over. You’re allowed to be upset. And it’s still time to get ready. Would you like to walk backwards or crab walk to the room to get changed?”

This isn’t permissive parenting. It’s connected parenting. The boundary stays the same, but the relationship stays intact.

What I’m Learning…

When I stop assuming “they’re not listening” and start asking, “What are they holding onto? What are they avoiding?” everything softens.

It doesn’t mean I always get cheerful cooperation. But it does mean fewer power struggles, more empathy, and better transitions.

And like everything in parenting, I’m still learning. Still practicing. Still growing.

One moment. One pause. One small shift at a time.

Have you noticed this with your kids, too? What helps you support them through transitions when they’re deep in their own world?

Thanks for sticking through this with me, it means more than you know.

Until next time 🙂

Why I Chose Traditional Publishing Over Self-Publishing

/ Jessica / Leave a comment

There are many paths to becoming a published author today. Self-publishing has created space for countless voices to be heard, and there’s no shortage of inspiring stories about authors who took matters into their own hands and found massive success. In fact, I believe Mel Robbins originally self-published before her work became a global phenomenon. So why did I choose to pursue traditional publishing instead?

The short answer? Time, support, and strategy.

I’m a mom. A wife. A full-time corporate leader. And I’m halfway through my master’s degree program. Time is not something I have in excess right now, and everything I’ve learned about self-publishing tells me that it requires a lot of time and energy—not just to write the book, but to market it, design it, distribute it, and manage every detail. That’s not something I can take lightly.

I’m also a researcher at heart. When I decide to pursue something, I go all in. So I’ve listened to every podcast, watched hours of YouTube videos, and dug into article after article comparing self-publishing to traditional publishing. I’ve learned from people who have done both. I’ve heard success stories and horror stories from each side.

In the end, I chose traditional publishing because I want the guidance and the backing of a team that knows the industry inside and out. I want to learn from professionals who have walked this road before and who believe in my work enough to help bring it to life. I want the marketing support, the editorial expertise, and the momentum that comes from being part of something bigger.

That’s also why I hired a coach. I want to take this seriously. I want to be taken seriously. And I believe that investing in the right help now will pay off in the long run. I’m currently working with my coach to finalize my very first story and prepare to query literary agents. It’s a process, but it’s one I’m committed to.

Traditional publishing may take longer, but for me, it feels aligned with my long-term vision. I don’t want to rush it. I want to do it right. I want to build something meaningful and lasting…

And I’m so excited to take you with me on this journey.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here.

Follow my Instagram for more  @MonsterHillBooks.

Why Did I Start an Instagram Page Before Publishing a Single Book?

/ Jessica / Leave a comment

You might be wondering why I started an Instagram page for Monster Hill Books considering I don’t have a single book available for purchase… It’s a fair question, and the answer is simple: I didn’t want to quit.

I’ve written six children’s stories that I’m incredibly proud of. They live on my laptop, but they’re also alive in my heart. And I knew that if I kept them hidden, safely tucked away, they would stay there forever.

Starting an Instagram page was my way of saying, “I’m doing this, I’m going for it.” It was my way of creating accountability, momentum, and overcoming fear. When you publicly declare a dream—even in its earliest stage—it’s a powerful motivator to keep going.

That’s also why I hired an author coach. I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know how to become a professional author. I don’t know how to navigate the publishing world. But I do know how to take a dream seriously. And for me, that meant investing in someone who could guide me through this process and keep me on track. Having the accountability of a coach has made all the difference.

Right now, I’m working with my coach to finalize the first story I ever wrote. It’s the story that started it all, and it’s the one I hope will be the first to get traditionally published. While it’s still unpublished, it’s very much in progress—and sharing that journey on Instagram helps me stay connected, inspired, and encouraged. And hopefully, I can motivate a few others to go after their dream as well.

So no, I don’t have a book to sell (yet). But I have a vision. I have stories. I have purpose. And I believe that showing up, even before the dream is fully realized, is part of what makes it real.

Know this: you don’t have to have it all figured out before you begin. Sometimes, the act of starting is what keeps the dream alive.

Follow me on Instagram @MonsterHillBooks.

Letting Go to Create: How Writing Children’s Books Changed My Life

/ Jessica / Leave a comment

If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d become a children’s author, I’m not sure I would have believed them. Not because I didn’t want to write, but because I didn’t see myself as creative. I was the structured one, the planner, the professional. Creativity, I thought, was for someone else. Someone braver. Someone who could handle the vulnerability.

But something shifted.

To start writing children’s books, I had to completely let go of who I thought I was, and who I thought I was supposed to be. I had to quiet the inner voice that told me I didn’t belong in that world. And I had to do something truly uncomfortable: I had to let my heart lead.

The stories came rushing out. They didn’t ask for permission. They poured out of me, full of rhythm, truth, and the lessons I wanted to share with my children. These books weren’t just ideas, they were little pieces of my soul wrapped in rhyme.

And that’s the thing about creativity: it’s deeply personal. It’s also wildly vulnerable. Sharing your art with the world means opening yourself to criticism, rejection, and misunderstanding. I’ve come to realize that artists aren’t just creative, they’re incredibly brave.

I’m not a published author yet. I’m currently working with a coach to refine my stories and prepare to query literary agents, with the ultimate goal of becoming traditionally published. It’s a journey filled with learning, stretching, and a lot of faith.

Now, as I work with my coach, I’m stepping into a new phase of growth. Learning how to improve something I’ve poured my heart into is both humbling and rewarding. It’s not always easy, but I believe that the more we grow, the more we can give.

If you’re standing at the edge of something new, something that both excites and terrifies you, know this: it’s okay to let go of who you were. It’s okay to not have all the answers. And it’s okay to begin before you feel ready.

The world needs your story.

You were made for this.

And just maybe, like me, you’ll find that your greatest transformation comes the moment you let go.

Follow my Instagram @MonsterHillBooks.

Why Stories Matter: The Power of Personal Development Books for Kids

/ Jessica / Leave a comment

I still remember the first time a story made me feel. It wasn’t a lecture or a life lesson someone handed me; it was a book. A simple story with characters who stumbled, struggled, and eventually triumphed. That book made me believe that maybe, just maybe, I could too.

Now as a mom, an author, and a woman on a mission, I see that same spark in my children when they hear stories that speak to their hearts. That’s why I created Monster Hill Books. So I could write children’s picture books that do more than entertain. These books are designed to build confidence, nurture emotional intelligence, and empower kids with real-life tools for personal growth.

The Mission Behind Monster Hill

Monster Hill Books isn’t just a brand, it’s a movement. Rooted in faith and positive psychology, my stories tackle big feelings in kid-friendly ways. We use rhyme, rhythm, and relatable characters to show kids that they are never alone, that their feelings matter, and that they can overcome challenges with the right mindset. Whether it’s learning how to take a time-out to calm down, discovering the inner coach within, or realizing that failure isn’t the end of the story, each book is a stepping stone in a child’s emotional development.

Why Kids Need These Stories More Than Ever

Let’s face it: childhood today is not what it used to be. With social pressures, technology overload, and growing mental health challenges, kids need stories that ground them in truth, love, and hope. Personal development books for kids act like gentle guides, helping them understand their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies. In a world full of noise, stories become a safe space.

One of the most powerful examples of this is the classic book Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. My mom used to read this book to me, and she would sing the song from the story in a soft, sweet tune that I can still remember to this day. There’s a reason this book brings tears to the eyes of so many. It’s not just about a mother’s love, it’s about the passage of time, the bond between parent and child, and the bittersweet reality of watching your children grow. That simple refrain, “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living my baby you’ll be,” carries deep emotional weight. It stays with you. And that’s the magic of storytelling. It reaches deep into our hearts and becomes part of who we are.

The Power of Storytelling in Shaping Identity

Stories shape who we are. They give children words for what they feel and models for what’s possible. When a child sees a character face fear and still try, they internalize that courage. When they see a character struggle and grow, they begin to believe in the power of “yet.”

As parents and educators, we have the incredible opportunity to shape young minds not by preaching, but by placing powerful stories in their hands. These aren’t just books, they’re seeds. Seeds of confidence, kindness, and self-worth.

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Stories are one of the most meaningful ways we can guide our children down that path.

Join the Monster Hill Movement

If you believe in the power of stories to shape hearts and minds, I invite you to join me. Follow my Instagram @MonsterHillBooks. Let’s inspire the next generation, one page at a time.