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The Morning Preview Plan: Why Mornings Are Hard for Kids—and How a Little Preview Can Help
For many families, mornings don’t start calmly — they start urgently. There’s a clock to watch, places to be, and a long list of things that need to happen before everyone can walk out the door. And yet, this is often the exact moment when children seem to slow down, fall apart, or resist in ways that feel confusing and frustrating. Shoes suddenly feel unbearable. Clothes feel “wrong.” Simple requests turn into tears, silence, or shutdown. It’s easy in these moments to assume
educatingyouthserv
4 min read


Acknowledging Emotion While Staying Attentive to Safety and Respect
Parenting often feels like a balancing act—holding hopes and worries at the same time, moving between connection and exhaustion, doing our best while knowing we will miss things along the way. The pressure to get it right can quietly settle in, even when no one is asking for perfection. This reflection offers a pause from the idea that parenting requires fixing or flawless control. Instead, it turns toward steady presence—toward noticing what is happening beneath the surface
educatingyouthserv
4 min read


Micro-Habits for Emotional Regulation
10 Micro-Regulation Moments for Reflective Parents Emotional regulation is often talked about as something we should have —a skill we’re expected to master before emotions get big. But real life doesn’t work that way, especially for parents. Regulation rarely happens in ideal conditions. It happens when you’re already tired. When a child is melting down. When plans change. When you’re trying to stay patient while managing your own stress, responsibilities, and emotions at the
educatingyouthserv
4 min read
A Different Way of Thinking About Parenting
Parenting advice is everywhere. What to say. What not to say. What to fix. What to do better next time. And while guidance can be helpful, many parents I work with—and many parents I am —share something quieter beneath all that information: A longing for space. For understanding. For permission to pause before being told what to do next. Over time, I’ve noticed that the most meaningful growth for parents doesn’t come from collecting more strategies. It comes from learning how
educatingyouthserv
2 min read


This Week, Let’s Explore: The One-Word Check-In
A parent recently shared how their daughter said, “I don’t know what I feel — everything is mixed up.” It was such an honest and vulnerable moment, and it reminded me how often children experience layered emotions they simply don’t have the words for yet. When feelings blur together, kids can become overwhelmed not because the emotion is “too big,” but because it’s too undefined. What stood out most was that this child wasn’t shutting down or refusing to talk — she was reachi
educatingyouthserv
2 min read


Confidence is Quiet: Understanding Children’s Emotional Transition Back to School
By late September, the shine of new backpacks and first-day photos is fading. The routines of school have settled in, but that doesn’t...
educatingyouthserv
2 min read


A Simple Way to Practice Social Skills with Kids (Free Download Inside!)
These 5 Social Skills Help Kids Connect with Confidence Social skills don’t come naturally to every child — but they can be learned with...
educatingyouthserv
2 min read


The Power of Friendship and Social Skills
Fostering strong friendships is crucial. In today’s fast-paced world, fostering strong friendships is crucial for children’s emotional...
educatingyouthserv
3 min read


Catch a quick Wave of Joy
Vitamin Sea - Watch Now! In just 60 seconds, let this little girl and boy remind you how powerful play can be. With sandy toes, salty...
educatingyouthserv
1 min read


Facing Fears: A Parent’s Guide to Nurturing Bravery in Children
Prefer to listen instead? Click here to hear this article narrated aloud. Fear protects children from danger Fear is a natural and...
educatingyouthserv
3 min read


Taking Happy Breaths: Kids and Families Learning Together
Have you ever noticed how your breath changes when you feel different emotions? When you're excited, it might get fast and quick. When...
educatingyouthserv
3 min read


Coping Toolbox
COPING TOOLBOX Big emotions can feel overwhelming, but having a Coping Toolbox helps kids manage stress in a healthy way! A coping...
educatingyouthserv
1 min read


Gratitude Practices for Kids: Thankfulness Year-Round
Gratitude is much more than a polite response – it’s a powerful habit that helps children develop emotional resilience, empathy, and a...
educatingyouthserv
5 min read


The Importance of Mental Health Counseling for Children and Teens
In today's fast-paced and often stressful world, the mental health of children and teens is more important than ever.
educatingyouthserv
2 min read
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