Last night my husband and I went to a new restaurant.  This place is well known for their unique menu and superb food.  There aren’t many choices on the menu, but the choices you have are really something special!  We went with a huge group of friends and it was so much fun! I had […] Read more…

As you may have read in my last post, connection is the key to cooperation… BUT it’s so much MORE than that! The connections we build with children through loving rituals and traditions help us set aside a sacred space to create a climate of love and acceptance–A time to focus on what really matters! […] Read more…

Think about the last time you went to Walmart or your local department store.   Did you get a warmer greeting from the people there than you do when you enter your home, classroom, or office? I know for myself that I have to be very intentional about getting up from my desk or whatever […] Read more…

Stopping is hard. Think about it.  Have you ever tried to stop smoking, stop eating chocolate, stop watching Netflix, stop speeding, or stop drinking coffee? It’s just not easy is it?!? I think one of the biggest mistakes we make when we are making transitions with children is that we forget what it is like […] Read more…

Whether you’re a teacher or parent you’ll agree that your day is full of transitions.  Parents and teachers alike have told me over the years how challenging transitions can be whether in the classroom or home. This post is the first of a series of posts about strategies you can use regardless of your environment […] Read more…

Let’s face it, teachers love STUFF! I remember when I was growing up how often my mom and the other teachers I knew collected STUFF!  They saved everything from egg cartons, shoe boxes and toilet paper tubes to pie pans, rubber bands, and Pringles cans!  For heaven’s sake don’t throw away the Christmas cards!  🙂 […] Read more…

This is one of my favorite pictures of my little girl.  When she was little her favorite part of the Christmas celebration at our church was seeing baby Jesus.  Although this photo was taken several years ago, it is still a great reminder of what the season is all about–LOVE!  Taking time to connect and […] Read more…

STOP touching her!  Keep your hands to yourself! How many times have you heard yourself saying these things to one of your children? I remember when I was a child and we would all load up in the family station wagon to head out for a vacation.  There were three of us kids and I […] Read more…

I LOVE to use children’s books to help teach many skills.  One of my favorites is Social-emotional skills.  There are so many creative ideas you can use!  I have compiled a list of helpful books and resources on the handout that you find when you follow this link.  I had the opportunity to share this information with teachers […] Read more…