December transitions can bring up big feelings for young children — even when they’re excited. Simple, predictable goodbye rituals help preschoolers feel safe, grounded, and ready for what comes next. Here’s why these small moments matter: - Predictability lowers stress: Short, repeatable rituals tell little bodies, “You’re safe. This is what happens next.” - Closure supports memory: Naming “what we loved” and “what comes next” gives children a simple story to hold over the break. - Previewing reduces worry.: A calm “After the break, we’ll…” helps returning feel easier. - Small is enough: One consistent goodbye phrase or a simple countdown wins over long explanations. - Connection over perfection: Brief, warm moments regulate nervous systems more than packed plans ever could. 👉 Have a preschool director or admin in your circle? The Preschool Director Network is a free space designed just for preschool leaders, where we share practical resources and build a supportive, connected community for administrators.

Welcome to Metrics Monday, that time in the week where we (upon request of the members) pull back the curtains and show you behind the scenes of the Classifieds. Number of Members: 803 (+45) Number of Premium Members: 166 (+9) Percentage of members who are Premium : 20.7% no change About Page Conversion: 28.1 (-1.3%) Churn = 9 in December Discovery Ranking in Money: #31 (-1) Discovery Ranking Overall: #101 (-5) Highest Activity Day: 1264 on Tuesday Lowest Activity Day: 533 on Sunday What it all means: So, most of you know that we rose 16 places in the money category in a matter of about 48 hours due to our Black Friday Free For All. I was expecting a bit of a correction, but what surprised me the most was how long it took for that correction to occur. We were vacillating between #27 and #28 for most of the week, but then a dip in activity made the star flicker last night and then go off this morning when we settled into 31st place. Our activity has always been the lowest on the weekend, which makes sense as many of us choose to prioritize our families at that time. Another interesting number is the percentage of members who are premium, which has remained unchanged. I'm very happy with almost 21% of the members choosing to be premium, so this is a great number. You'll notice a new metric I'm tracking, which is churn. It's only reported for the month, so it's a bit of a weird one to track, but people have been interested in it. I'm not sure how long I will continue to report on it because, personally, I don't look at it. I think it's a normal part of running a community, especially one like this - sometime members leave because they are no longer Skool group owners... Anyway, in the future I'll make more of an effort to put prompts for posts in the community as it seems like this really inspires people to post and encourages great interactions, engagement, and sign ups in your communities. This past week has been a bit of a doozy for me with pink eye (thanks daycare!), laryngitis, and a chest cold/cough - and family visiting!!!

Holiday weeks in preschool bring big emotions for little humans—and for the adults who care for them. When kids are tired, routines are disrupted, and schedules are packed, the relationship between home and school becomes even more important. That’s why clear, compassionate communication between educators and parents matters so much: 1. It helps children feel safe. When teachers and families share consistent information, kids experience predictable care. Predictability = nervous-system safety. 2. It reduces misunderstandings. Short, clear updates help parents understand what their child experienced—without blame, shame, or overwhelm. Everyone stays on the same team. 3. It strengthens trust. Parents feel supported, not judged. Teachers feel respected, not questioned. That mutual trust is the foundation of every successful preschool. 4. It keeps small challenges from becoming big ones. When communication is steady and proactive, families can adjust routines, prepare their child, and partner with the school before frustrations build. The Preschool Director Network supports leaders with: - simple, brain-based parent communication strategies - tools that help teachers respond with clarity and connection - weekly printables and resources - a supportive community of directors who want what’s best for young children If your child’s preschool could benefit, would you share this with their director?

I'll be honest, I was reluctant to jump on the word of the year bandwagon. 2026 will be the 4th year in a row that I've chosen a word of the year and I am now EXCITED about my word of the year! I can look back at the 3 words from past years and see the trajectory of my business and this year feels super aligned. I'll share... but I want to hear from you!

Something I keep seeing in women everywhere, and in myself too… Whenever we start something new, we instantly feel like we are already behind. A new community A new course A new dream A new way of earning And suddenly we expect ourselves to move fast, know everything and keep up with some imaginary timeline that no one else can even see. But truly…no one is putting that pressure on you except you. (it's good but can be so bad too!) Life is real and full and sometimes overwhelming. We are moms, wives, partners, caretakers, business owners. We carry so much, and still we show up the best we can. Your pace is not wrong. Your pace is not too slow. Your pace is yours. And if you are craving a place where your pace is respected, where life is allowed to happen, where you can grow gently without judgment or pressure…Next Chapter to Success was created for you. It is a community for women who want to move forward without burning out. For women who want support, not just speed. For women who want to grow in a way that feels safe, steady and sustainable. If you are tired of trying to keep up with everyone else’s timeline, this is your sign to join a community that finally lets you grow on your own. Come join us inside Next Chapter to Success. Your next step does not need to be fast — it only needs to be yours.