Hey Alexa, add Blue Hyundai Palisade to my cart. So it looks like Amazon just made shopping for your childcare center that much easier. Crayons…✅. Diaper cream…✅. Paint easels for art…✅. Enough Goldfish and juice boxes to last 14.5 years…✅ and ✅! Now the question is, how are you going to haul all your supplies from point A to point B? Well, Bezos strikes again! No need to worry as now you can easily buy a brand new Hyundai car through Amazon. This new shopping experience is being rolled out across 48 cities in the US to start. Don’t have enough Amazon gift cards to cover the cost? Don’t sweat it! They offer financing as well. Not sure how you add that to your cart, but I’m sure they found a way. I’m just wondering, can they fit the Hyundai in the back of those new electric delivery trucks?

Beyond Academics: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in a Changing World

When was the last time you had a disagreement with a co-worker or a parent? How did you handle it? Did you have a fit? Did you throw toys at them? (If you did, I hope there is a video…) Of course not! You’re an ECE professional and handled it like a, well, a professional! 💪🏻 But those skills and thick skin that guided you through it start at a young age. Recently, there has been a lot more focus on Emotional Resilience—the ability to bounce back from challenges, adapt to change, and thrive when things get tough. Why? And why does starting in early childhood education matter?

As much as it may pain us, it’s not about shielding children from challenges but rather helping them develop the strength and strategies to overcome them. In today’s rapidly changing landscape—marked by distractions and tech “easy buttons” 📲 everywhere, kids need to learn how to adapt and not just swipe at a screen. And the research is out. It can really help prevent psychological disorders.

As the world around us changes, the role of ECE leaders to help build this resilience is that much more important. Here are some thoughts on how to think about emotional resilience and incorporating it into your ECE programs.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Kids need a sense of safety and belonging. 🤗 It drives confidence. We’ve seen it firsthand. Children thrive when they feel supported by the adults around them—teachers, parents, and caregivers alike.

• Establishing Trust: Open communication and consistent support help children feel secure. When they feel secure, they are more confident to try new things.

• Encouraging Exploration: Allowing children to take risks and make mistakes fosters independence and self-confidence.

• Modeling Resilience: Demonstrate how to handle challenges gracefully. Whether it’s staying calm during a stressful moment or showing perseverance, they watch us and learn from our actions. Here are some more resources to help.

Teaching Emotional Awareness

Before children can manage their emotions, they must first understand them.

• Naming Emotions: Teach children to identify their feelings—“I feel frustrated” 😣 or “I’m excited” 🤩 —and validate those emotions.

• Mindfulness Practices: Simple exercises like deep breathing, yoga, or guided meditation help children stay grounded.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Encourage children to think through challenges, consider solutions, and make decisions independently.

Building a Growth Mindset

Resilient individuals see challenges as opportunities to learn rather than insurmountable obstacles. Kids can too.

• Praising Effort, Not Outcomes: Celebrate persistence and hard work rather than just achievements.

• Normalizing Failure: Help children understand that mistakes are a natural part of learning.

• Encouraging Self-Reflection: Guide children to analyze their experiences and recognize their growth.

Strengthening Social Connections

Hey, we’re inherently social creatures, and like being part of a group. Strong relationships are key to resilience.

• Promoting Collaboration: Group activities and team projects teach children how to work together and support each other. 👩🏻‍🤝‍👨🏿

• Encouraging Empathy: Role-playing and storytelling can help children understand and appreciate others' perspectives.

• Celebrating Diversity: Exposing children to different cultures and ideas helps them embrace differences and build inclusive communities.

Adapting to the Digital Age

While technology offers incredible opportunities, it also presents unique challenges. Teaching digital resilience is crucial in today’s world:

• Managing Screen Time: Encourage healthy habits and balance between online and offline activities. 👩🏽‍💻

• Navigating Social Media: Teach children to critically evaluate online content and build their self-worth beyond “likes” and “follows.” Better yet, prolong any social media until 16.

• Cyberbullying Awareness: Equip children with strategies to handle negative interactions online and seek help when needed.

The Role of Caregivers

Parents, teachers, and mentors play a pivotal role in cultivating resilience. But kids spend the day with you and the ECE environment is critical. So creating environments where children feel safe, valued, and understood can lay the groundwork for emotional strength. But let’s also not forget, you should also prioritize YOUR own well-being. Because if you’re resilient and tough, you’re that much better equipped to nurture resilient children. As the old adage goes, when you fall off the horse, get back in the saddle. Let’s teach the kids just how to do so.

Staffing Corner Tips

Childcare has historically suffered with high turnover, which not only impacts the children and their families, but also impacts your business. The Center for the Study of Child Care Employment estimates that turnover costs can reach up to 33% of an early childhood teacher's salary. That ain’t cheap! So keeping an eye out on some common behavioral trends can help you identify burnout or lack of engagement.

Here are some common signs to watch out for when working with your staff:

Physical Signs

• Feeling tired

• Headaches and pains

• Change in appetite

Emotional Signs

• Detachment

• Decreased motivation

• Self-doubt

Behavioral Signs

• Isolation

• Calling off of work

• Withdrawing from responsibilities

If you see any of these signs, don’t wait! Reach out and work with the team member. See what you can do to help them feel better and get them re-engaged with your team, kids, and families.

YOUR VOICE COUNTS

Is there a topic you want more info on or want to share a funny story? Then let us know! Shoot us a quick email at [email protected]. This newsletter is for you, and well, you should have a say, don’t you think?