We have a whole host of myths circulating about the conditions necessary for learning and development…

Many early childhood professionals think that you need specialized knowledge to help kids who hit, kick, throw things or just don’t listen….especially when the behavior is extreme. But…

What most early childhood teachers never realize is that what you learned in school automatically sets you up for failure when it comes to challenging behavior.

Our son is on the autism spectrum and we have a tough time with him understanding and recognizing our emotions, as this is a struggle with most individuals on the spectrum.  

I began to use his favorite books and talked about how the characters were feeling and it helped!  

Just recently I had a magical moment at a difficult bedtime. 

Which of your daily tasks to you dread, avoid, or wait until the last minute to do?

In contrast, which things in your life have you jumping out of bed in the morning? Are there certain errands that you love to do like shopping for birthday cake ingredients cause you're excited to bake a cake or treating yourself to a new pair of workout pants? And, other errands that you dread and avoid like the plague - maybe it's to purchase cleaning products?

Actually, hey...

Is it possible that as early childhood educators we are not doing a good job at giving children directions? 

a reflection in 3 parts…

I’ve got one more question for you.

What does support looks like for you?

It could be about any area of your life but of course my goal is to support you in your work and specifically with the children that exhibit challenging behavior so feel free to include anything but especially your thoughts about what it would look like to feel supported at work….and with those kids, you know the ones.

I’M TAKING AN IMPROV CLASS!!!!

You know, improvised theater - unscripted theater where you make the characters, scenes, story line, plot, everything up as you go. Like you might see at a comedy club or on the old show Who’s Line Is It Anyway?

Do you remember last week I asked you what it would look like if you loved your job?

I’ve got a follow up:

what do you need to learn this year?

What would help you feel more confident and effective in what you do at work?

What if you LOVED your job?

I’m talking head-over-heels, can’t wait to see you, texting or calling you all the time, buying you small gifts and making you a mixtape kinda love. Feel thankful every day kinda love.