Welcome to my blog!
This is where I share my thoughts, ideas, and activities to support the emotional growth of children.
My mum’s hairy legs
One of the ways we can support children and youth on their journey to discovering themselves and becoming comfortable being their unique selves, is by being comfortable with who we are. So, I thought I would share a little story about me in grade 8 and how my mum's...
Why keeping kids’ attachments on the same side matters: dedicated to my childrens’ stepmom, Sherry
I’d like to start by sharing my personal experience with this. I am separated from my first two children’s father. Separation is hard. There are usually many feelings involved. Hurt. Blame. Pain. Loss. Anger. Sadness. The list goes on. Their father and I separated...
The Arts: Moving us towards one another
This weekend I went to the Handel's Messiah sing-a-long and I sang my heart out for two and half hours. As I sat there, surrounded by so many voices in harmony, I was reminded of how good it feels to sing in community. I realized how long it has been since I sang with...
Behaviour — what we see is often what we get: Seeing our way to new possibilities
School is back this week and for many kids (and us) this comes with lots of feelings. There may be nerves, hope, dread, happiness, alarm, relief, excitement and more. I watched my youngest son get ready for his first day of high school this week. He chose his...
When Kids Clamor for Your Attention: The power of getting there first
Kids clinging to our legs. Incessant questions and interruptions. Constant over-the-top silly, disruptive or challenging behaviour. Needy. Needy. Needy. Attention-seeking is just what it sounds like: seeking attention. What we often forget is that we seek attention to...
Which leaf am I? Expressive play activity for children
This is a great activity for children ages four to ten. (These ages are approximate and are suggested guidelines only.) What’s the benefit? This activity can help a child to: release pent up energy engage sensorially with the world around them learn through embodied...
Heading Back to School – Finding Emotional Safety in Times of Stress
stress Backpacks are filled. New runners are bought. And lunch kits are once again on the counter. There is always a familiar feeling in the air as children head back to school. Nerves. Dread. Hope. Excitement. Worry. Who will my teacher be? Will I be in the same...
Emotional Safety: Why kids need a safe space to feel, learn, and grow
Emotional safety is foundational to learning and growth. It is the container that holds the space that allows children to feel, to be curious, to care, and to emerge as their unique selves. It can be hard to grasp what this looks and feels like in practical terms. It...
Resisting the Pressure to Make Play ‘Productive’
It’s Spring break and my son has two glorious weeks off of school. It’s been interesting for me to witness how our current culture’s values of ‘production and outcomes’ crept up on me. I have found myself having to be grounded again in what I know to be true: free...
Room Required – Feelings Getting too Big: The importance of making space for teens’ thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
My elderly parents are currently clearing out their house and, in the process, they found an old Creative Writing scribbler of mine from grade 7. This week I sat down and re-visited my 12-year-old self. What a gift it was to read back through my thoughts, feelings and...