Nebraska Children and Families Foundation’s Post

ALERT: A transformative webinar is coming your way at NO COST! Many toddler teachers report they are burned out and ready to move up to other ages because of one huge stressor - toddler aggression. Having been in toddler classrooms for 15 years, I get this very real struggle! However, once I had the toddler-specific information and practical tools needed, I did better AND felt better. I love bringing these tools (and the real-life stories to help teach others) to toddler caregivers today. THRIVING TOGETHER, LLC and Early Childhood Investigations Webinars are collaborating to bring educators an important webinar that helps caregivers address toddlers' aggressive behaviors. Sign up and learn with educators world wide (7000 and counting) to gain tangible strategies with immediate application. Participants will walk away with proven methods to use during stressful moments to teach toddlers the self-regulation skills needed, diminish destructive behaviors, and ensure calm in your early childhood environment. Calming Terrific Toddlers: Evidence-Based Strategies That Reduce Aggression and Promote Self-Regulation October 24th 1:00-2:30pm CST Throughout this webinar, you will  *Identify several hidden triggers that can fuel hitting, biting, kicking, and other unwanted behavior in group settings. *Learn about the difference between an unhelpful and instinctual “power” approach and the contrasting “influential” response that will transform tense toddler moments. *Explore the four-step process and real-life coaching techniques you can use the moment an aggressive act occurs to help toddlers build critical self-control skills, cope with strong feelings, and learn appropriate actions they can use when toddlers experience aggressive impulses in the future. *Analyze videos of adults responding to unwanted behaviors in group settings to pinpoint helpful adult strategies.   Can't catch it live? No worries. Register before the deadline and you will be able to view the recorded version.   Can't wait - Need help right now? Check out our full self-paced course or our free resource blog today.    You Have Options! Check out this email to learn them and choose the one that is right for you: https://lnkd.in/gME3UbCj Toddler Webinar Testimonials: "I loved this webinar and will be using the things I have learned in my day-to-day classroom experience. Raelene made the information very easy to understand and are very engaging. I would love to take more of her classes!" Carmalita A., Childcare Provider "Enjoyed this and am so happy that I was able to get staff to attend. Excellent and well worth the time!" Daniela R., Center Director "Love all of Raelene's classes! They are very relevant to my job and give me a full toolbox of strategies to use right away! They are very organized and run very smoothly. Raelene is easy to listen to and gives great examples!" Tera N., Childcare Provider #Childcare #ECE #toddlerteachers

Yesterday, I shared a story about a student torn between her dreams and her mother's expectations. Today, I want to delve deeper into another aspect of our conversation, highlighting many children's silent struggles. This dialogue revealed the unseen gaps in what might seem like a perfect family setup. This student, an only child of highly educated and well-providing parents, expressed a profound sense of emptiness. Despite having access to everything she could ask for, she felt a void that material comforts couldn't fill. To cope, she turned to gadgets, spending hours on her mobile and TV—not out of choice, but necessity—to somehow feel less alone. Her words struck a chord: "They provide everything I ask for, but they don't have solutions to my problem... I feel bored, and I feel void." This highlighted a crucial issue: the difference between parental provision and presence. Her parents thought they were doing everything right by providing material things, but what she needed was their time—quality time. This conversation is a wake-up call to all parents. It's more than being there physically or providing the best gadgets and holidays. It's about being present, engaged, and connected. It's about filling the emotional void with moments that matter—those spent together as a family, truly engaging with each other. In response to this need for deeper understanding and connection, I have developed a 4-hour intensive program designed specifically for parents. This program will equip you with the knowledge and tools to bridge the gap between material provision and emotional presence. We'll explore strategies to engage more meaningfully with your children, ensuring that you're not just a provider but a pillar of support and understanding in their lives. Join me in this transformative journey to redefine what it means to support and nurture our children. Register now and start filling the void with moments that truly matter. I invite you to explore this transformation journey at our 4-hour intensive session on Sunday, July 14th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. https://lnkd.in/gm6FX-Xd Tomorrow, we'll delve into a critical aspect of our current education and coaching systems stifling our children's natural ability to become self-learners, self-reliant, and self-motivated. This next part of our discussion reveals how the prevalent spoon-fed approach limits their intellectual growth and diminishes their human intelligence and consciousness. What are the consequences of such an education system, and how can we, as parents and educators, shift towards empowering our children rather than merely instructing them? Prepare to challenge the norms and envision a new path that fosters authentic learning and independence in our students. Please stay tuned for a transformative discussion on how we can help our children for a brighter future.

Children's mental and emotional wellbeing often takes a backseat, overshadowed by busy schedules, academic pressure, and digital distractions. Yet, prioritising their emotional health is of paramount importance for their holistic development. When children learn to navigate their thoughts and emotions effectively, they lay a strong foundation for a resilient future. The M.Y.T.E. programme, empowers children by equipping them with the skills necessary to manage their emotions constructively. Their vision extends beyond just guidance; it’s about inspiring children to face their fears, build unwavering confidence, nurture resilience, and place trust in their innate abilities. Such empowering teachings enable children to not only cope with challenges but to thrive amidst them. Key benefits of embracing the M.Y.T.E approach include: Reduced anxiety: Children become more adept at handling stressful situations, leading to a more relaxed and peaceful mind. Boosted confidence: As children learn to manage their emotions, they start believing in themselves, which reflects in their academic and social interactions. Enhanced emotional self-regulation: Better control over emotions helps in forming and maintaining healthier relationships with peers and adults alike. For parents and educators, the onus lies in fostering an environment that nurtures children's mental and emotional ecosystems. It's about creating spaces—be it classrooms or homes—that encourage open dialogue and emotional expression. By making children's wellbeing a collective priority, we can guide them towards becoming balanced, harmonious individuals. Click on the link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/efyGqjTq

Addressing this problem takes more than well-intentioned gestures, such as annual care packages or single-day well-being fairs. Instead, school leaders need to create and sustain a safe and supportive work environment every day of the school year. This involves changing structures, policies, and practices that impact teachers’ daily lives to address some of the root causes of stress. The goal is to foster and sustain a work environment that is more welcoming and conducive to personal and professional growth. 8 STEPS TO CREATE A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT 1. Start with educators’ voices. Trying to address educator well-being without educator voice is a losing proposition. The first step for creating a more supportive work environment is to engage staff in discussions. Staff’s input and insights will help you develop a road map. Ask your staff to develop a list of glows and grows pertaining to their current work environment. The glows are the structures, policies, and practices that are working for them now—you want to keep those! The grows are recommendations about changes they would like to see. As you lead this activity, it’s good to emphasize the need for realistic and sustainable changes. For the other 7 steps, read the article by Shai Fuxman, a mental and behavioral health expert, who leads initiatives promoting the positive development of children and youth at the Education Development Center. https://lnkd.in/guCFGyRn #emotionintoart #motivation #motivational #motivationalspeaker #motivationalspeaking

Embracing April: A Message for Parents and Students As we bid farewell to March and welcome the refreshing embrace of April, it's time to invigorate our spirits and set new intentions for the month ahead. For parents and students alike, April brings with it a sense of renewal and opportunity. Let's embark on this journey together with enthusiasm and a commitment to growth. Embracing Change: April marks a transition period, both in nature and in our lives. As the seasons shift and flowers bloom, let's embrace the changes around us with open hearts and minds. For students, it's an opportunity to adapt to new challenges and explore fresh perspectives in their studies. Parents, too, can use this time to support their children in navigating transitions and fostering resilience. Setting Goals: With the start of a new month comes the chance to set fresh goals and aspirations. Encourage your children to reflect on their achievements from the previous month and set realistic yet ambitious goals for the weeks ahead. Whether it's academic, personal, or extracurricular, goal-setting instills a sense of purpose and direction, guiding students towards success. Cultivating Creativity: April is a month bursting with creativity and inspiration. Encourage your children to explore their passions and express themselves through various creative outlets. Whether it's writing, art, music, or STEM projects, nurturing creativity fosters innovation and problem-solving skills essential for future success. Prioritizing Well-being: As the academic year progresses, it's crucial to prioritize the well-being of both parents and students. Make time for self-care activities and family bonding moments amidst busy schedules. Encourage open communication and support each other through challenges. Remember, a healthy mind and body are the foundation for academic and personal growth. As we step into the month of April, let's approach it with a sense of optimism and purpose. Together, parents and students can navigate this journey, embracing change, setting goals, nurturing creativity, and prioritizing well-being along the way. Let's make April a month of growth, learning, and meaningful experiences. Welcome to April – let's make it extraordinary! For more tips and inspiration on navigating the journey of parenting and education, visit www.lifeisamays.com

Psst...the cat's out of the bag. My colleague Amanda Ly, Ph.D, BCBA-D, IBA and I wrote a book, and it's going to print! It was quite a journey, and we are proud of our work. Here's a little more about it. Told through a series of real-life stories and hard-learned lessons, Amanda Ly and Lori Boll share the challenges in special education relationships experienced through the lens of a special educator, a parent of a son with profound disabilities, and a child psychologist. Ideally, teachers, therapists, and parents working with students with special needs should form a cohesive team. However, these three parties often function as separate entities with different goals and objectives. Over the past 25 years, the authors have observed a consistent pattern of miscommunication and overlooking the importance of the mental and physical well-being of each team member, which contributed to poor collaboration. This book takes readers on a journey through the process of discovering whether you have, or are working with, a student with special needs; navigating how to best work with the student and other members of the team; and lastly, discussing ways to empower the reader and all members of the team. The authors posit that if we understand one another's perspectives, learn how to communicate more effectively, and focus on self-care, we will increase Collective Efficacy and become the collaborative team our students need us to be. As the first book to connect the concept of Collective Efficacy to special education, this is a must-read for teachers, therapists, and parents aiming to grasp the complexities of relationships in special education teams and better understand how mental health influences the effectiveness of each individual’s role. -And a bonus...the foreword is written by the one, the only Katie Novak, Ed.D.! Does this sound like something your school PD library would benefit from having? Why not pre-order (starting March 11th) while it's on sale? And please tell a friend. Amanda and I are so thankful to our publishers for taking the chance on us and to all our test readers, friends, and family who have supported us along the way. April 1 is the big day! Link to book:

P.A.C.E Training🌟 We are thrilled to offer comprehensive training on the PACE Model (developed by Dan Hughes) designed to transform your approach to therapeutic parenting and understanding trauma. Join us to explore and understand how PACE can positively impact young people's behaviors and brains. 🧠💡 👩🏫 What You'll Learn: 🔹 The fundamentals of the PACE Model. 🔹 How trauma influences behaviors and the importance of therapeutic parenting. 🔹 The profound effects of PACE on brain development and emotional regulation. 🔹 Implementing PACE in daily interactions with young people to foster trust and connection. 🔹 Understanding and navigating the consequences when applying PACE principles. 🔹 Incorporating PACE strategies into a child's documentation to ensure a consistent, supportive environment. 🌟 Why Choose Our Training? Our program is designed for caregivers, educators, and professionals who work with young people, providing you with the tools and knowledge to make a real difference. By adopting the PACE Model, you will learn to create a safe, nurturing space that encourages growth, healing, and positive change. 📅 Register your interest Today! Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and support young people in their journey towards healing and resilience. Click the link to find out more: https://lnkd.in/eMK78GdJ 🌐 #TherapeuticParenting #PACEMethod #TraumaInformedCare #DanHughes #ChildDevelopment #PACETraining #SupportYoungPeople #PositiveParenting

Empowering Our Kids: Nurturing Problem-Solving Skills! As our children grow, it's crucial to equip them with problem-solving skills to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience. Whether you have toddlers or preteens, here are some tips to help you foster problem-solving skills in your children: 1. Encourage Critical Thinking: Encourage your children to think critically and analyze situations from different perspectives. Ask open-ended questions that prompt them to consider various solutions and weigh the pros and cons. 2. Promote Independence: Allow your children to tackle problems independently whenever possible. Resist the urge to solve problems for them and instead, offer guidance and support as they navigate challenges on their own. 3 Teach Decision-Making: Teach your children how to make informed decisions by discussing options, consequences, and potential outcomes. Encourage them to think about the long-term effects of their choices and consider the needs of others. 4. Model Problem-Solving: Be a positive role model by demonstrating effective problem-solving skills in your own life. Let your children see you approach challenges with a calm and rational mindset, and involve them in the decision-making process when appropriate. 5. Provide Opportunities for Practice: Create opportunities for your children to practice problem-solving skills in everyday situations. Encourage them to brainstorm solutions to minor problems they encounter, such as conflicts with friends or school assignments. 6. Celebrate Effort and Persistence: Celebrate your children's efforts and persistence in problem-solving, regardless of the outcome. Praise their creativity, resourcefulness, and willingness to try new approaches, even if they don't succeed on the first try. 7. Use Real-Life Scenarios: Incorporate real-life scenarios into problem-solving exercises to make them more relevant and engaging for your children. Discuss common challenges they may encounter, such as time management or peer pressure, and brainstorm strategies together. 8. Reflect and Learn from Mistakes: Encourage your children to reflect on their problem-solving experiences and learn from their mistakes. Help them identify what worked well and what they could do differently next time to improve their approach. By fostering problem-solving skills in our children, we empower them to navigate life's obstacles with confidence and resilience. Let's support their growth and development every step of the way!  #ProblemSolvingSkills #ParentingTips #EmpoweredKids

Is it a teacher? No…it’s not just a teacher! Is it a school nurse or bus driver? No… 💯It’s a counselor, confidant, role model, friend, and so much more… Teachers and school staff play a crucial role in the lives of their students, often extending far beyond their responsibilities as educators. Their influence can shape a child's future, providing support, guidance, and encouragement that may be absent elsewhere. As we all gear up for the new school year, it's important to highlight initiatives that support the mental health and well-being of both students and staff. 📚One such initiative is the How Right Now Campaign, which offers resources and strategies to help people cope with the challenges of everyday life, particularly during times of stress and uncertainty. Reflecting on my own experiences growing up, I faced many adverse childhood experiences that could have easily derailed my path. During those challenging times, it was the compassion and dedication of my teachers and school staff that made a significant difference. Their small yet meaningful gestures, whether it was a heartfelt compliment, words of encouragement, corrective counseling, or even a simple acknowledgment, had a profound impact on me. These acts of kindness and support not only helped me navigate through difficult periods but also left a lasting impression that I carry with me to this day. Special shout out to 🌟Atlanta Public Schools.🌟 This quote from Solveiga Jaskunas, really resonates with me. It encapsulates the essence of what it means to be an educator and the powerful role they play in shaping the lives of their students. 🥰 I believe, "Teachers have three loves: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together." I am deeply grateful to the teachers and staff who went above and beyond to support me, and I hold their contributions close to my heart.💗 🙌 As we embark on a new school year, let's take a moment to appreciate and acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of teachers and school staff. Their commitment to their students' well-being is invaluable, and their impact can last a lifetime. By supporting campaigns like How Right Now, we can ensure that both students and educators have the resources they need to thrive. #howrightnow #futurehealthnow #workplacewellness #wellschools

My hope for 2024 is that more and more educators will feel empowered, inspired and supported in creating thriving spaces for themselves and their students. Rooted in Wonder is a small group cohort for teachers looking for an opportunity to recharge and refresh their practices. Each week will include: ❤Restorative Practices for Self-care & Personal Development. What fuel do you need to find JOY in your personal & professional environment and light the fire for others? 💡Inspiration & Ideas that you can implement at home & at work. Less is more. We'll look at ways to tweak your current practices to better fit the needs of you and your students while also establishing new strategies and routines in manageable way. 🌳Deepen Understanding with strategies that support development of healthy humans. We'll dive into the WHAT, WHY and HOW so you have the confidence to implement practices that empower yourself and your students. 🌞Reset & Reflect, practice and play between sessions with an action plan that includes hands-on experiences, materials lists, and resources to use in your own setting. You can find more information at https://lnkd.in/edsdtyE7 ____________________________________________________ #teacherdevelopment #teacherburnout #outdoorlearning #teachersupport #selfcare #teachers #teachersoflinkedin #teachertraining #educationinnovation #childdevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #earlychildhood #earlylearning #earlychildhooddevelopment #educationempowerment #vermont #parenting #homeschool #unschooling