As we celebrate independence today, I've been thinking about what independence really looks like for children. It usually doesn't happen because we push harder. It grows when children feel safe enough to try. When they know someone believes in them. When they have the support they need to practice, make mistakes, and try again. Whether that's learning to take a bite of a new food, put on their shoes, solve a problem with a friend, or explore through play, real independence is built on connection first. Sometimes the bravest thing a child does isn't doing something alone—it's feeling confident enough to take the next small step. Where have you seen your child (or a child you work with) show a little more independence lately? I'd love to celebrate those wins with you. ❤️ Wishing you a safe, relaxing, and joy-filled Fourth of July!

Hello @Sara Greene and welcome! We'd love to hear about you, your preschool, anything you'd like to share. Take a look in the classroom for the first part of the Ultimate Preschool Playbook program and catch up with us on our next live call (we're currently making big plans for the start of the school year so it might be a little quiet around here right now... but we're here if you'd like to chat!) We're glad you're here!

Hello @Luisa Balsom and welcome! We'd love to hear about you, your preschool, anything you'd like to share. Take a look in the classroom for the first part of the Ultimate Preschool Playbook program and catch up with us on our next live call. We're glad you're here!

For a lot of sensory kids, I've found that words don’t work if they don’t match what the body is feeling. Saying “I’m okay” when your body feels overwhelmed? Ridiculous. I've been working on phrases that meet the body where it is: “I can trust myself. My body gives me clues, and I’m learning how to listen.” This kind of language helps kids slow down, notice what’s happening, and feel a little more in control. That’s what supports flexibility—whether it’s with food, noise, textures, or transitions. This is actually a big part of what I’m talking about in the Raising Confident Kids in an Overstimulated World summit—how the nervous system has to come first before strategies (like affirmations) can actually work. The summit starts tomorrow and there are 30+ speakers covering emotional regulation, parenting, and what actually works for today’s kids. If this way of thinking about behavior feels different, you’ll want to be there. 👉 What does “overwhelmed” look like for your children?

You know those moments… ✔️Leaving the park ✔️Turning off the iPad ✔️Starting something new And suddenly it’s a whole thing. Big emotions Refusal Or a full shutdown And you’re left thinking…“Why is this so hard?” We know: Transitions aren’t just about behavior. They’re about how quickly your child’s body is being asked to shift. From one thing… to another From one expectation… to the next And for a lot of kids, that shift is happening faster than their nervous system can keep up with. So what you’re seeing might look like: • resistance • big reactions • or shutting down completely Not because they won’t… but because their body isn’t ready yet. It’s really easy to focus on getting through the transition. But what often helps more is supporting your child before and during the shift. That might look like: • a simple heads up (even just a minute or two) • slowing things down instead of rushing • keeping the next step really predictable • staying close and helping their body feel supported through it When the transition feels more manageable in their body… you’ll usually see less pushback. This isn’t about finding the perfect strategy. It’s about helping your child feel safe enough to move from one thing to the next. 💬 I’m curious—what transitions feel the hardest right now? If this weekend felt like a lot… you’re not the only one feeling that way. So many of the challenges around transitions and big emotions come back to the nervous system. That’s exactly what I’m talking about in my upcoming session for the Raising Confident Kids in an Overstimulated World free summit— April 14-16: How movement, rhythm, and the body play a huge role in helping kids shift and regulate. It’s simple, practical, and maybe not what you’ve been told before 💗 👉 Sign up for the summit here (I’m an affiliate for this summit—if you decide to upgrade, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you)