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    20+ yrs training early educators. A stroke changed my path, not my passion! Now a children’s book author. Click below to buy ⬇️ 📚
    After 20 years in child development, one thing I'v After 20 years in child development, one thing I've learned is this: Emotional growth doesn't happen all at once. 💛 Just like children don't learn to read, write, or ride a bike overnight, they don't develop emotional skills overnight either. Skills like: • recognizing feelings • managing frustration • showing empathy • solving problems • working with others develop gradually over many years. That's why preschool teachers focus less on perfection and more on progress. Children learn emotional skills through: • repetition • practice • supportive relationships • everyday experiences A child who struggles with frustration today may be learning important coping skills. A child who needs help solving conflicts today may be building relationship skills for the future. Growth often happens in small moments that are easy to miss when we're focused on the challenging behavior. Progress may not always be fast. Progress may not always be linear. But every opportunity to practice is helping build important social-emotional skills. Relationships matter. Connection matters. And progress matters more than perfection. Save this perspective for later 💛 #childdevelopment #socialemotionallearning #preschoolteacher #parentingtips #emotionaldevelopment
    One of the most common questions parents ask is: One of the most common questions parents ask is: **"Is this behavior normal?"** 💛 When children have big emotions, strong reactions, or challenging behaviors, it's natural to wonder if something is wrong. But many of the behaviors parents worry about most are actually part of typical development. Young children are still learning how to: • manage emotions • handle frustration • communicate needs • wait their turn • solve problems • cope with disappointment Because these skills are still developing, it's common to see: • tantrums • tears • impulsive behavior • difficulty sharing • struggles with transitions • strong emotional reactions That doesn't mean every behavior should be ignored. But it does mean that development matters. A behavior that seems concerning at one age may be completely expected at another. When we understand what skills are still developing, it becomes easier to respond with patience, guidance, and realistic expectations. The question isn't always: "How do I stop this behavior?" Sometimes the better question is: "What skill is my child still learning?" Understanding development doesn't remove limits or expectations. It helps us teach the skills behind the behavior. Share this with a parent who needs reassurance + explore my books for teaching emotional skills 💛 #childdevelopment #socialemotionallearning #parentingtips #preschoolparenting #bigfeelings
    Many parents think self-regulation starts when a c Many parents think self-regulation starts when a child learns how to calm down. But regulation actually starts much earlier than that. 💛 Before children can manage emotions independently, they first need to: • recognize what they're feeling • understand emotions • receive support from caring adults • practice emotional skills repeatedly This process is called co-regulation. When a child is overwhelmed, they often need a calm adult to help them work through those feelings before they can do it on their own. Over time, children begin to internalize the skills they experience through co-regulation: • taking a deep breath • using words to express feelings • asking for help • using coping strategies Self-regulation isn't a skill children suddenly master. It develops gradually through support, practice, and experience. And like all development, progress isn't always linear. Some days children will show incredible growth. Other days they may need more support. Both are part of the learning process. The goal isn't perfection. The goal is helping children build the skills they need one step at a time. Save this reminder for later 💛 #selfregulation #socialemotionallearning #childdevelopment #parentingtips #bigfeelings
    Have you ever wondered why your 3-year-old seems t Have you ever wondered why your 3-year-old seems to think everyone should want the same thing they do? 💛 It's not because they're selfish. It's because they're still learning to understand that other people can have different thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. This skill is called perspective-taking, and it develops gradually throughout early childhood. At age 3, many children are beginning to: • notice other people's emotions • recognize that others have feelings • develop empathy • learn about sharing and cooperation But understanding that someone else may think, feel, or want something different is still a developing skill. That's why you might hear: • "But I want it!" • "That's mine!" • "I was using it!" These moments are often opportunities to teach, not signs that something is wrong. Perspective-taking grows through: • conversations • play experiences • reading books • modeling empathy • discussing feelings Over time, children begin to understand that two people can experience the same situation very differently. This understanding becomes the foundation for empathy, friendships, cooperation, and problem-solving. What may look like selfishness is often a child learning to see the world through someone else's eyes. Save this perspective and follow for more child development insights 💛 #childdevelopment #socialemotionallearning #empathy #preschoolparenting #parentingtips
    One of the biggest questions parents ask is: **"I One of the biggest questions parents ask is: **"Is this behavior normal?"** 💛 When emotions are big, it's easy to worry that something is wrong. But many behaviors that feel concerning are actually part of typical development. Young children are still learning how to: • manage frustration • handle disappointment • wait their turn • communicate their needs • cope with big emotions Because these skills are still developing, it's normal to see: • meltdowns • strong emotional reactions • difficulty waiting • impulsive behavior • challenges with transitions That doesn't mean every behavior should be ignored. It means context matters. How old is the child? How often is it happening? What skill might still be developing? Emotional skills take years—not weeks—to build. When we understand what's developmentally expected, it becomes easier to respond with patience, realistic expectations, and support. Understanding development doesn't excuse behavior. It helps us teach the skills behind it. Save this reference for later 💛 #childdevelopment #parentingtips #socialemotionallearning #preschoolparenting #bigfeelings
    Age 2 is a time of incredible growth—and some very Age 2 is a time of incredible growth—and some very big feelings. 💛 Many parents worry when their toddler has frequent meltdowns, struggles with transitions, or reacts strongly to frustration. But emotional development at age 2 is still very much a work in progress. At this age, children are learning to: • recognize emotions • communicate their needs • cope with disappointment • manage frustration • begin developing self-control The challenge is that their feelings are often much bigger than their ability to express or manage them. That's why you may see: • tantrums • tears • yelling • refusing • difficulty waiting These moments can be exhausting, but they are also opportunities for learning. Toddlers don't need adults who make the feelings disappear. They need adults who help them understand those feelings and guide them through them. Big emotions are not a sign that your child is failing. They are often a sign that important emotional skills are still developing. Support, patience, and repetition help children build those skills over time. Save this for the toddler years + explore my social-emotional books for ages 2–5 💛 #toddlerdevelopment #age2 #socialemotionallearning #childdevelopment #parentingtips
    Age 2 is a season of BIG emotions—and that's compl Age 2 is a season of BIG emotions—and that's completely developmentally normal. 💛 Two-year-olds are experiencing feelings that are often much bigger than their ability to communicate or manage them. At this age, children are still learning: • how to express emotions with words • how to wait • how to handle frustration • how to cope with disappointment • how to calm down with support This is why emotions can sometimes show up as: • tantrums • tears • yelling • throwing • refusing These behaviors don't automatically mean something is wrong. More often, they are signs that important social-emotional skills are still developing. Self-control is just beginning to emerge, and communication skills are still growing. The goal isn't to eliminate big feelings. The goal is to help children learn what to do with them over time. Support, connection, and repetition are some of the most powerful teaching tools during the toddler years. Big feelings don't mean you're failing. They mean your child is learning. Save this guide for later 💛 #toddlerdevelopment #age2 #socialemotionallearning #parentingtips #childdevelopment
    Mornings can feel chaotic with young children, esp Mornings can feel chaotic with young children, especially when everyone is trying to transition quickly. The biggest reason this happens is not behavior, it is a lack of predictability. Young children rely on routine to understand what comes next. When mornings feel rushed or unclear, it can lead to resistance, frustration, and overwhelm. Creating a simple, consistent routine helps your child feel more in control and reduces stress for everyone. Even small changes, like repeating the same steps each morning, can make a big difference over time. Follow for simple routines + explore my books 💛 #love #routines #parents #learning #mornings
    Many parents focus on helping children calm down. Many parents focus on helping children calm down. But children can’t manage feelings they don’t recognize first. 💛 Before children can develop self-regulation, they need self-awareness. Self-awareness is the ability to: • recognize emotions • identify feelings • notice what is happening in their body • understand emotional experiences This is why teaching feelings matters so much in the early years. When children learn words like: 😊 excited 😟 worried 😠 frustrated 😢 disappointed they begin building the foundation for emotional regulation. Self-awareness is one of the five core social-emotional competencies and an important skill that develops over time through practice, conversation, and support. Simple things like naming emotions, talking about feelings, and reading books about emotions help children strengthen this skill every day. Children can’t manage emotions they don’t understand. Recognition comes first. Regulation comes later. Save this guide + explore my books 💛 #socialemotionallearning #selfawareness #emotionalregulation #childdevelopment #parentingtips
    Social-emotional skills aren't built in a single c Social-emotional skills aren't built in a single conversation—they grow through practice, repetition, and real-life experiences. The Buddy the Bulldozer series helps children learn and apply the powerful **Stop, Breathe, and Think** strategy through engaging stories they can relate to. From learning the skill, to practicing it, to helping friends use it, each book builds on the last to strengthen emotional regulation, problem-solving, resilience, and friendship skills. These stories are tools I created to support children in developing the skills they need to thrive—at home, in the classroom, and beyond. 💛 📚 Swipe through to learn about each book. ✨ Available now on my website (link in bio). #SocialEmotionalLearning #EmotionalRegulation #ParentingTools #SchoolReadiness #PositiveParenting
    Many parents focus on helping children calm down. Many parents focus on helping children calm down. But children can't manage feelings they don't recognize first. 💛 Before children can develop self-regulation, they need self-awareness. Self-awareness is the ability to: • recognize emotions • identify feelings • notice what is happening in their body • understand emotional experiences This is why teaching feelings matters so much in the early years. When children learn words like: 😊 excited 😟 worried 😠 frustrated 😢 disappointed they begin building the foundation for emotional regulation. Self-awareness is one of the five core social-emotional competencies and an important skill that develops over time through practice, conversation, and support. Simple things like naming emotions, talking about feelings, and reading books about emotions help children strengthen this skill every day. Children can't manage emotions they don't understand. Recognition comes first. Regulation comes later. Save this guide + explore my books 💛 #socialemotionallearning #selfawareness #emotionalregulation #childdevelopment #parentingtips
    Before children can manage their emotions, they fi Before children can manage their emotions, they first need to recognize them 💛 Many parents focus on helping children calm down when emotions become big. But self-regulation actually starts with self-awareness. Self-awareness is the ability to: • notice feelings • identify emotions • understand what is happening inside their body Children who can recognize emotions like frustration, disappointment, excitement, or worry are better able to learn healthy ways to respond to those feelings over time. That's why naming emotions, reading books about feelings, and having simple conversations about emotions are so important in the early years. The goal isn't for children to never have big feelings. The goal is to help them understand what they're feeling so they can gradually learn what to do with those emotions. Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional regulation. Save this guide and explore books that help children identify and talk about feelings 💛 #socialemotionallearning #selfawareness #emotionaldevelopment #parentingtips #preschoolparenting
    There are days when I just don’t feel strong enoug There are days when I just don’t feel strong enough to open social media. I’m learning to live with FND (Functional Neurological Disorder), a condition where my brain and body struggle to communicate. Some days I move independently, and other days I need support—and that’s okay. I don’t normally let people in, but I’m learning to. Opening up is hard, but sharing this part of my journey feels important. Thank you for being here and walking alongside me. 💙 #ThisIsMe #FND #FunctionalNeurologicalDisorder #DisabilityAwareness #ChronicIllness
    Small daily moments shape emotional development mo Small daily moments shape emotional development more than we often realize 💛 Children build emotional skills through: • everyday conversations • consistent support • feeling safe and connected • watching how adults respond to hard moments • repeated opportunities to practice The small moments — comforting after tears, talking through feelings, staying calm during frustration, reconnecting after hard days — are what help children build emotional skills over time. You do not have to be perfect. Consistent, supportive connection makes a lasting impact. Share this with a parent who may need this reminder + explore my books 💛 #connection #love #suppoert #family #children
    Reading books about emotions isn’t just a nice act Reading books about emotions isn’t just a nice activity—it’s practice for real life. Try this while you read: • Pause and ask: “How do you think they feel?” • Connect it back: “Have you ever felt that way?” • Model language: “That looks like frustration.” These small moments build big emotional skills 🤍 Follow for simple tools + explore my books for more support 💛#learn #teach #feelings #lessons #family
    Emotional regulation develops through co-regulatio Emotional regulation develops through co-regulation first 💛 Before children can calm themselves independently, they need repeated experiences of calm support with a safe adult. That’s why simple calm-down routines matter: • breathing together • quiet connection • comfort tools • predictable support These small moments help build the emotional skills children use for life. Save this routine + explore my books 💛#calmdown #emotions #calm #learn #teach
    Public meltdowns aren’t bad behavior—they’re overw Public meltdowns aren’t bad behavior—they’re overwhelmed nervous systems. When your child melts down in public, try this: • Get low and close (reduce stimulation) • Use a calm, simple voice: “You’re safe. I’m here.” • Focus on connection before correction Your calm becomes their calm over time 🤍 Follow for simple, real-life tools + explore my books for more support 💛#learn #preschool #toddler #parents #help
    When your child has a big feeling, they don't auto When your child has a big feeling, they don't automatically know what to do with it 💛 Feeling frustrated, disappointed, angry, worried, or overwhelmed can be hard for young children to manage. That's why emotional coaching matters. When we help children: • notice what they're feeling • name the emotion • feel understood • learn healthy ways to respond we are building skills they will use for a lifetime. Emotional regulation isn't something children magically learn on their own. It's something they develop through repeated support, practice, and connection. The goal isn't to stop the feeling. The goal is to help children learn what to do with it. Save this parenting tool for later + explore my books 💛 #socialemotionallearning #parentingtips #emotionalregulation #preschoolparenting #bigfeelings
    Your child is learning how to calm down by watchin Your child is learning how to calm down by watching what you do during hard moments 💛 When children are overwhelmed, frustrated, or upset, they borrow our calm before they can find their own. That doesn't mean you have to be perfectly calm all the time. It means that each time you: • take a deep breath • speak in a calm voice • stay present through big feelings • repair after a hard moment you are teaching emotional skills in real time. Children learn emotional regulation through repeated experiences with supportive adults. The goal isn't perfection. The goal is showing them what calm, repair, and resilience look like over time. What's one thing that helps YOU calm down on hard days? Comment below ⬇️ Follow for daily parenting tools + explore my books 💛 #emotionalregulation #parentingtips #socialemotionallearning #consciousparenting #familylife
    I’d like to share some exciting news! 🎉 My books I’d like to share some exciting news! 🎉 My books are now available in their very first retail location! I am so grateful to Calico Kids for believing in my books and giving them a place on their shelves. Today, I also had the honor of participating in storytime, and it was such a joy to share these stories with local children and families. Moments like these remind me why I started this journey in the first place. 💛 If you’re local, stop by Calico Kids and check out the books in person! If you’re not nearby, you can always purchase them through my website—the link is in my bio. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. Seeing these books reach more families means the world to me. ✨📚 #ChildrensBooks #PictureBooks #CalicoKids #StoryTime #centralcoastcalifornia
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