Offering Calm to Children Who Need It Most
- ekatwrites
- Feb 17
- 3 min read
Educators are facing unprecedented challenges as policies threaten marginalized students, LGBTQ+ rights, and access to inclusive education. In my latest article for Prism & Pen, "As a Queer Mom and Teacher, Offering Calm to Children Who Need It Most," I explore how, from the reversal of Title IX protections for transgender students to increasing book bans and barriers for immigrant children, the classroom has become a battleground. As a lifelong public school educator and mom, I’ve seen firsthand how these attacks impact students’ confidence, well-being, and ability to learn.
Yet, amidst the challenges, teachers continue to show up—guiding students through fear, confusion, and uncertainty. They need more than just our gratitude; they need active support. That means standing with teachers’ unions, creating inclusive classroom spaces, and advocating for policies that protect our most vulnerable students.
Read the full article here.
It also means ensuring that every child has access to emotional support tools that help them navigate big feelings.
That’s why, every month during 2025, ONE lucky newsletter subscriber will win a Calm Corner Book Bundle.
This bundle includes:
A signed copy of A Rainbow Inside My Body.
Four signed Early Reader Yoga with Eleonora books by E. Katherine Kottaras.
Here’s the best part:
🏡 One bundle for YOU to create your own Calm Corner!
📚 One bundle donated to a classroom of your choice!
💌 How to Enter: Simply subscribe to my newsletter via katherinekottaras.com
In times of uncertainty and turmoil, children need a sense of calm more than ever. Thank you for supporting this work!
🎉 Rules and Details: Stay subscribed! Winners are chosen from active subscribers. U.S. subscribers only. Giveaway runs monthly. Winners will be selected on the 1st of each month and notified by email. To participate, you must be subscribed to the newsletter by the last day of the previous month. U.S. residents only. Classroom donations will be coordinated with the winner for proper delivery.
Self-Care is World Care
In order to support others, we can't forget to give ourselves the care we deserve, too. If this is something you struggle with, last month I was interviewed for an article on breathing techniques to help you relax and stay grounded, no matter the season.
A heartfelt thank you to Heidi Frankel at FYI50+, an inspiring publication that highlights the vibrant, fulfilling lives of those 50 and beyond, reaching readers across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Check out their latest issue— and the article—here!
Mark Your Calendar! Come meet me at Yoga Expo
I'm going to be an exhibitor at The Yoga Expo Los Angeles 2025 - "Believe"! The event was scheduled to happen at the beginning of January, but due to the current crisis in L.A., it's been rescheduled for Sunday, April 13 at the Pasadena Convention Center. Mark your calendar, and stay tuned for opportunities for free tickets--coming soon!
I will be there to introduce attendants to my books for children and young adults, and to the Slow Down School, the space I'm hosting for creatives who feel like they don't have the energy/time/space/will/focus to sit down and write. If you're going to be there, come see me at booth 402!
Support and Calm in Challenging Times
We can all help foster safer and more inclusive environments where children feel respected, understood, and empowered to handle challenges with compassion. If you are seeking small actions you can take today, here are some ideas:
Check in on your breaths, your loved ones, your circles.
Send a thank you note to a public school teacher. They’re some of the most the hardest-working defenders of science, fact, equity, and love.
Bonus: send a thank you note to your public librarian, too!
Email or call your local political representatives, including your local school boards and community college boards, and demand that they work as hard as possible to defend the rights of those who have been historically marginalized and continue to be attacked every single day.
And you? Be kind to yourself today. Get some rest. We need to be ready for tomorrow.
With love and gratitude,
Katherine
Download your copy of the FREE Yoga When I'm Feeling Mad eBook:
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