
Ep 163: The Child Who Felt Invisible - and the Superpower That Changed Everything
From TAKING THE HELM with Lynn McLaughlin by Lynn McLaughlin
March 11, 2026 · 34 min · Season 6 · Episode 163
About this episode
The episode discusses the importance of recognizing children's strengths, particularly those who feel invisible, through the lens of humor and the role of grandparents.
Some children shine in obvious ways. Others quietly wonder if anyone truly sees them. Guest Host Kathryn Colins speaks with Dr. Mark Perloe , a retired IVF specialist and grandfather, whose relationship with his two grandsons inspired him to write his first children’s book. One grandson is highly focused and neurodivergent. The other sometimes feels invisible -but uses humour as his superpower to connect. We explore: 💥 How children who feel unseen can discover their own strengths 💥 The power of humour, empathy, and kindness in building confidence 💥 The unique role grandparents and adults can play in nurturing emotional well-being 💥 Why noticing and valuing every child creates stronger families and communities 💥 How Milo's story has helped to build a connection between siblings. How did Mark and his cousin work together to make publishing Milo's Superpower possible? Mark worked as a doctor specializing in IVF for 32 years.Now retired, Mark’s favorite thing to do is spend time with his two grandsons. He is thrilled to be writing his first children’s book! Mark's co-author, is his cousin Justine Perloe. She is a 2nd grade teacher and loves sharing stories with her students! She…
People in this episode
Host: Lynn McLaughlin
Guests: Kathryn Colins, Dr. Mark Perloe
Topics covered
- emotional well-being
- children's literature
- neurodiversity
- humor as a superpower
- grandparenting
- building confidence
Keywords
- invisible children
- superpower
- empathy
- kindness
- family
- siblings
- confidence
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Milo’s Superpower
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