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Even the most loving parents can unintentionally send mixed messages to their children. In this post, I share two real-life stories from my years in the classroom that reveal how good intentions, like offering choice or celebrating success, can sometimes miss the mark. By listening closely and zooming out, we can better align our intentions with the messages our children actually receive. If you’ve ever second-guessed a parenting decision, this one’s for you.

Even the most loving parents can miss the mark—especially in the moment. In this post, I share real stories from the classroom that reveal how small choices shape our kids and how a simple shift in awareness can change everything.

5 Tips for Raising Confident, Resilient Children: A Guide for Parents and Educators Building confident, resilient children starts with a strong partnership between parents and educators. In this post, I’m sharing 5 powerful tips to help foster emotional regulation, independence, and a love for learning. From mindful tools to creating connection routines, these strategies not only empower kids but also strengthen the bond between home and school. When we work together, we set

Even the most loving parents can lose sight of the long view. As a teacher, I’ve seen how small, everyday choices shape a child’s sense of self, honesty, and connection for years to come.

As a veteran early childhood educator, I’ve spent over 15 years teaching children from a wide range of backgrounds—urban and suburban, public and private, affluent and underserved. Across all of these settings, one thing has become clear: parenting is changing. And while many of these changes stem from love and good intentions, they’re not always translating well in the classroom.

The world in which our children are growing up is changing faster than ever. As parents, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the decisions you face each day, especially when the stakes feel higher than they did when we were kids. However, alongside the challenges, there’s also more support, knowledge, and tools available to help raise confident, adaptable children for whatever the future holds. In this post, we explore how to prepare your child to thrive in a world that’s co

Teaching your child self-regulation skills early on can make a huge difference in how they handle big emotions. By recognizing patterns in their behavior, offering choices, and using strategies like visual timers and a token system, you can help your child manage their feelings when things don’t go their way. The key is consistency, patience, and providing tools that empower your child to navigate emotional challenges with confidence.

Supporting your child’s success in kindergarten starts at home. Partner with the teacher, read together, and encourage play, both with peers and independently. Sports teach teamwork, while fine motor activities build skills for writing. Establish a consistent bedtime and create an organized space for their belongings. Small efforts like these help your child build confidence, self-regulation, and the skills needed for a successful kindergarten year.

By Kellie Smith | Little Learning Table As a teacher with over fifteen years of experience working with hundreds of children and...

Throughout my teaching career, I’ve seen firsthand how much technology has evolved—and how it’s changed the way we support young learners.

These are my top 5 phrases to help you become a more effective parent and educator when communicating with young children. Children want to feel seen and heard, and they also crave a sense of agency. By using thoughtful, clear language and reasoning with them, you’ll find that you foster better understanding and cooperation. This approach not only strengthens your relationship but also empowers them to make positive choices and engage more fully in their learning and growth.

Big feelings are part of growing up—and children need safe, supportive ways to manage them. A Calm Down Corner is a cozy, intentional space where kids can go to regulate their emotions and practice healthy coping strategies. In this post, you’ll learn how to set one up at home or in the classroom, what to include, and how to introduce it in a way that builds emotional awareness and self-regulation.