| {Lowe, Brenda} | 06:58:24 pm | Hi Sherry |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 06:58:39 pm | Goodness the system was really slow trying to log in today |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 06:59:19 pm | Hi Karlene |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 06:59:25 pm | Hi Everyone! |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 06:59:26 pm | Hello Brenda! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 06:59:41 pm | How is everyone tonight |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:00:11 pm | Doing well. It was a busy day. The children are excited for Halloween |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:00:25 pm | Oh goodness yes |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:00:41 pm | Not too bad considering its a holiday week. Kiddos always have a bit extra energy! lol |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:00:43 pm | It must be the energy in the air cuz it feels like it's been a busy week and it's only Tuesday |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:01:06 pm | at least it's on a Friday this year! The day after is always something else! |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:01:27 pm | That is the BEST part Brenda |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:01:39 pm | is anyone doing parties or something fun in classrooms? Not everyone does I know |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:02:20 pm | We do not have school Friday either. So our routine is off. I have 10 children in my program with special needs and I notice when they have a varying schedule |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:02:35 pm | Hello everyone. |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:03:00 pm | Hellooo |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:02:40 pm | mine are too little for an actual party, but we do some kind of activity each day. We stamped trick or treat bags yesterday, pumpkin pancakes tomorrow |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:03:00 pm | We had pajama day today and our licensor showed up! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:03:02 pm | Hi Courtney |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:03:28 pm | We are doing spirit week and trunk or treat on thursday |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:03:16 pm | Courtney that makes me giggle. I think that is perfect |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:03:20 pm | We are doing the same. Just some craft projects, games, and costumes |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:03:23 pm | Thats always fun Courtney.....lol |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:03:26 pm | that's so fun Karlene |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:03:35 pm | Darlene that is so fun |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:03:38 pm | It has been quite the week-I was in the metro for a leadership training all weekend and need to catch up on laundry, work, and all the fun things |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:04:20 pm | all the things!!!! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:04:30 pm | Let's use that for an icebreaker......* |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:04:37 pm | * |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:04:41 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:05:09 pm | What is 'a thing' that you accomplished for yourself - your family - or your classroom over the past week? |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:06:26 pm | * |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:06:11 pm | Updated training, connected with my daughters, worked on observations for my crew |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:07:02 pm | I have organized my schedules, my finances etc. |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:06:44 pm | I also cleaned out my closet and donated some things so I can feel less stressed standing in there! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:06:45 pm | This is great Sherry |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:06:47 pm | Hello everyone.! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:06:50 pm | Darlene perfect |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:06:53 pm | I am presenting to the county tomorrow for a shared service and support co-op and have put together all of the materials and have providers lined up to come. I am connecting with center providers and hoping to connect with more family providers as well so it can be co-created to create a provider community that supports each other and shares resources. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:06:58 pm | Hi Luis! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:07:09 pm | that is wonderful Courtney |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:07:27 pm | Two things - on saturday I taught 3 separate classes in Two Harbors. I stayed after and say outside by the lake with a cup of coffee and a quilting magazine then treated myself to dinner. Sunday I spent 7 hrs cleaning my mudroom and bringing outdoor plants inside |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:07:28 pm | you all had a little bit of work and a little bit of home as part of your accomplishments |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:08:02 pm | Oh Karlene that sounds lovely. How was Two Harbors? Is the fall colors magnificent or not yet? |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:08:07 pm | A cleaned out closet sounds great Sherry |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:08:28 pm | I agree Karlene - usually last on everyone's to do list! |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:08:44 pm | Its past color season up there but it was a beautiful sunny afternoon with the light reflecting off the water |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:09:05 pm | ahhh ok yes that's right they are ahead of the cities with colors |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:09:09 pm | Courtney...you have your days full!! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:09:18 pm | well light off the water is always tranquil |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:09:25 pm | * |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:09:37 pm | * |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:09:43 pm | * |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:09:45 pm | Karlene, I certainly am not bored |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:09:47 pm | * |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:10:01 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:10:13 pm | Ok a little housekeeping... I was just in marking those down who completed discussion board. If you have not you have the board still open til tonight |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:10:56 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:10:36 pm | Then next your written reflection is due Thursday 10/30th |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:10:45 pm | You can email it to be brendadlowe@gmail |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:10:51 pm | got it |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:11:16 pm | Thanks for the reminder! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:10:58 pm | or you can upload it in the system. If y ou get stuck uploading then just email it to me |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:11:12 pm | Sounds good |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:11:13 pm | I'm turning in final grades for completing this class on Friday I think |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:11:17 pm | I had a tough time getting mine to work, but I did it before class on my iPad instead of my computer |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:11:37 pm | Courtney the discussion board or written assignment? |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:11:48 pm | The discussion board |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:12:02 pm | ahh, ok. no worries, try again after class |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:12:24 pm | Speaking of - does anyone have any questions for me before we dig into questions? |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:12:51 pm | No, not yet |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:13:15 pm | Nope |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:13:20 pm | ok great. as we go along tonight and one pops up for you go ahread and ask away. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:13:48 pm | can you believe its our last week together alraeady - wowza we are almost done |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:14:02 pm | It went fast |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:14:08 pm | it did for me too |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:14:16 pm | ok here we go.... What does wellness and well-being mean to you? What contributes to your wellness? What makes you well? Take a moment to reflect on your responses. |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:14:42 pm | Wellness and well-being mean living in alignment with my values while sustaining the physical, emotional, social, and professional energy to show up fully each day. I feel well when I’m rested, moving my body, eating nourishing foods, and practicing brief mindfulness moments that quiet my nervous system. Trusted relationships, purposeful work, and clear boundaries around time and technology protect my focus and morale. Creative hobbies, time outside, and gratitude practices restore joy and perspective. Reflecting on this, I’m reminded that wellness isn’t a finish line, it’s a daily set of choices that keeps me grounded, resilient, and able to serve others well. |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:15:46 pm | Wellness and well-being mean feeling balanced, healthy, and at peace in body, mind, and spirit. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:16:13 pm | I like Sherry how you named them...physical, social, professional, social energy |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:16:20 pm | Wellness, to me, is feeling grounded, mentally, physically, and emotionally. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:16:23 pm | Darlene yes the key word is balanced |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:16:45 pm | Oh Courtney I like that too... grounded feels like we can hold onto it and have some sense of control |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:17:09 pm | For me it means being in optimal condition to face any challenge with good spirits and in the best way. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:17:12 pm | These are strong and meaningful power words that you are all coming up with |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:17:39 pm | Darlene, I like how you mentioned balanced. |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:17:43 pm | What contributes to it is time with my kids, quiet time, listening to books, talking to friends, and more…. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:18:00 pm | Luis I loved that....both the optimal condition (wherever that may be on the spectru m for that season of life) and good spirits |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:18:03 pm | This is a series of questions being asked around our house for 3 yrs now, ever since my teenager ended up bed ridden from Long Covid. We have had to re-define it many times. Sometimes wellness is just resting when its needed or its finding a way to accept what can never be again. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:18:19 pm | Courtney I like that those are goal focused and attainable |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:18:45 pm | The things that make me well are laughter, times of peace, taking walks, feeling useful and fighting for fairness, kindness, and care. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:18:49 pm | hmmm Karlene. I think redefining it over and over again is a helpful coping mechanism |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:19:08 pm | Sherry - boundaries truly are an essential part of wellness. Often one we can forget |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:19:15 pm | Courtney and these are things you can do any day multiple times a day if needed |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:19:15 pm | Luis, I like how you describe the optimal condition to face any challenge with a positive approach. It takes self-care to get there. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:19:35 pm | Agreed |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:19:39 pm | * |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:19:43 pm | * |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:20:15 pm | * |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:19:57 pm | * |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:20:03 pm | * |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:20:12 pm | Social media breaks help me maintain mental wellness |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:20:14 pm | I'm loving these questions. I love just sitting and rellecting on better caring for myself |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:20:19 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:20:21 pm | yesssss Karlene yesssss |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:20:26 pm | When are you feeling mentally distracted the most? In these moments are you providing attentive and responsive care to infants and toddlers in your care? |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:21:34 pm | When I am managing multiple demands at once, such as balancing communication with families, completing documentation, maintaining daily routines, and training in the evening. In those moments, my attention can shift away from being fully present with the infants and toddlers in my care. I recognize that when my mind is divided, it affects my ability to provide the calm, responsive interactions that young children need to feel secure. By pausing to center myself, taking a breath, resetting priorities, and returning focus to the child in front of me, I can realign my attention and ensure that my care remains consistent, nurturing, and developmentally responsive. |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:21:35 pm | I would give myself a C grade when I am feeling that way. I'm doing my best in the moment to meet basic needs, but I am definitely not at my best |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:22:13 pm | Karlene I completely get that. You are being the best version of yourself in that moment |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:23:02 pm | I feel mentally distracted the most when I’m overwhelmed, tired, or trying to manage too many tasks at once. In those moments, it can be harder to give my full attention and be as responsive as I’d like to the infants and toddlers in my care. Recognizing this helps me pause, take a deep breath, and refocus so I can be more present and provide the warm, attentive care they need. |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:22:43 pm | I feel mentally distracted the most when there are a lot of things happening in my world. Especially if my personal world is crazy and my work world is crazy, which feels like a lot of times. I am not often in the classrooms anymore, but I know that I have to be more intentional in all of my interactions so that I am still engaged and grounded. Sometimes I have to re-center myself. This happened today where I got overwhelmed on a call and was getting really frustrated. I had to step back and take a couple deep breaths. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:23:09 pm | Sherry just today I was in a meeting and found myself drifting my attention away unstead of staying present. I remeinded myself to 'be present' and was able to 'tap back in' which felt good. in control. |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:23:11 pm | Pausing and breathing is definitely a strategy I use as well Sherry. I also like to "shake it out". |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:23:38 pm | I think this goes in ebbs and flows. There are times I am fine shuffling all of my responsibilities and other times it is a challenge |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:23:54 pm | Courtney me too. When I need to schedule tons of things and then I get overwhelmed withthe over schedlule. That's my cue to do some work on me |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:24:08 pm | I agree Sherry |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:24:10 pm | Karlene, now I have Taylor Swift singing Shake It off in my head! 🙂 |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:24:35 pm | I have done that too Karlene. It's a great strategy |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:24:46 pm | * |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:24:49 pm | hahaha! Taylor is our top requested artist |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:25:18 pm | * |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:25:06 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:25:09 pm | 🤣😂 |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:25:10 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:25:24 pm | How do you advocate for your mental health needs? |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:25:53 pm | By setting clear boundaries, communicating openly about my workload, and working on self-care as a professional responsibility rather than a luxury. I try to schedule regular breaks, seek out supportive peers and mentors who understand the demands of early childhood care, and participate in trainings that strengthen my emotional resilience. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:26:34 pm | Sherry yes and to NOT feel guilty about those boundaries or self care opportuniteis, breaks, etc |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:27:07 pm | This is something that I struggle with but am always working on this. I do try and close things down and spent time with my family when I can. I am trying to set better boundaries but there are so many things that I want to do that sometimes I let that overrule my need for care. |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:27:35 pm | I advocate for my mental health needs by staying calm in every situation and understanding that not every day will be good, and not everyone will think the same way I do. Accepting this helps me stay balanced and protect my peace of mind. |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:27:27 pm | I say, "speak your need". Which I also have to do as well. I am getting much better at letting myself do "unproductive things'. Right now I have a huge jigsaw puzzle on the table around me. My third this month:) |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:28:10 pm | Darlene, that is great! It can be hard to remember not everyone sees things the same as we do |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:28:25 pm | Courtney I think it's a work in progress for all of us because we have to be so intentional about it. If you think about it....we are so used to taking care of others we forget us |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:28:37 pm | I do like to talk through some of the things happening with friends or my husband. It has been good to say sympathy or suggestion and making sure that I know what I need so I don’t get mad if I am getting suggestions and I just need someone to listen to me. 🙂 |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:28:39 pm | The guilt is difficult. We seem to be nurturing professionals and it is hard to put ourselves first sometimes |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:28:46 pm | Oh Darlene I love that. I wish I was better at that |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:29:18 pm | right - talking to your peoples - your safe space. An outlet |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:29:29 pm | exactly Sherry |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:29:39 pm | * |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:29:45 pm | I read your messages to get a better idea of how to maintain a balance with all the options I'm reading here. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:30:04 pm | 😍I love that Luis |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:30:07 pm | I like that Courtney. Ask for what you need. |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:30:32 pm | * |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:30:35 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:30:40 pm | Share your perspective on the following terms: “teacher guilt”, “teacher burnout”, and “compassion fatigue.” What do you think is causing these mental complexes to occur in early childhood educators? |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:31:40 pm | They reflect the emotional toll of working in early childhood education. I feel like teacher guilt arises from the pressure to meet every child’s need perfectly, while burnout results from chronic stress, long hours, and limited resources. Compassion fatigue develops when constant caregiving drains emotional reserves and empathy. These challenges are often caused by systemic factors such as low pay, high expectations, and minimal support for educators’ own well-being. Together, they highlight the need for stronger mental health awareness, supportive work environments, and a balanced approach to caring for both children and the caregivers who serve them. |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:32:38 pm | Teachers burden huge expectations of care, education, and more. They are doing it for very little pay, disparaging narrative around what they do, and with little support from their communities. It is so hard to watch and see the things we ask of such an amazing group of humans. We do everything we can to keep our teachers mentally supported, but with little resources ourselves, it is incredibly difficult. |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:33:42 pm | “Teacher guilt,” “burnout,” and “compassion fatigue” happen when educators give so much of themselves that they forget to care for their own well-being. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:33:22 pm | Sherry you mentioned so many important factors. One that stood out to me was the perfection. I say this over and over again about the perfectionism getting in the way, almost tying someone's hands up with how to respond appropriately |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:34:01 pm | I agree Darlen |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:34:05 pm | Courntey you just called it out. the resources are thin and when our staff are also thin it's a volcano waiting to erupt |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:34:06 pm | I agree on the perfectionism, but I think our system sets them up for that. With licensing being so punitive and this fear of citations for any little thing, it is taking away from the love of teaching. |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:34:09 pm | Society has expectatons of ECE professionals to always be "Miss Honey", so it is pretty easy to transfer some of that onto ourselves as well. These unreal expectations, long hours and the physical requirements of our work can lead to us feeling like we aren't enough. We aren't measuring up. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:34:40 pm | Oh Darlene, yes....they give so much of themselves til there is nothing left to give |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:35:06 pm | I agree Cortney |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:35:23 pm | Sherry, we need you in the legislature! You speak to our fields needs so suscintly |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:35:25 pm | and Courtney think about those newer teachers who have not learned how to juggle, have not learned all of those rules of saftey and expectrations so it's another layer of burden and fear of failure. |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:36:23 pm | Yes Brenda, it is so hard to navigate and balance and many of them are young parents as well so they are going home to their own families exhausted and burnt out as well. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:36:23 pm | hmmm Karlene I like to call it 'roses and butterflies' that is what everyone think of when they think of our field. then they look behind the curtain (like the wizard of oz) and it's shocking! |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:36:39 pm | I like that Brenda |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:36:43 pm | Courtney yes exactly |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:36:55 pm | 😍 |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:37:08 pm | *we're cruising tonight |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:37:08 pm | "Roses and butterflies". that's great Brenda |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:37:39 pm | I am passionate about Early Childhood Education and Child Development and try to talk to legislators every chance I get! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:37:44 pm | this next one is a tough question* |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:38:16 pm | * |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:37:54 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:37:55 pm | yes Sherry so important!!! |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:38:01 pm | * |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:38:03 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:38:07 pm | What preventative measures should program administrators and leaders take to support the early childhood professionals in their establishments? |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:39:08 pm | This one is near and dear to my heart. In family childcare programs, administrators and community leaders can support educator’s well-being by recognizing the unique challenges of working in isolation and balancing both business and caregiving roles. Preventative measures include creating local peer networks or support groups where providers can share experiences, problem-solve, and reduce feelings of isolation. Offering access to affordable mental health resources, reflective supervision, and wellness-focused professional development can help providers manage stress and prevent burnout. Leaders can also advocate for fair compensation, realistic licensing expectations, and business supports such as time management tools or technology grants. Most importantly, fostering a culture that values self-care, flexibility, and professional respect reminds family childcare providers that caring for themselves is an essential part of caring for children and families. |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:39:16 pm | Sorry that was so long! |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:39:43 pm | ChatGPT said: Program administrators and leaders should provide emotional support, regular breaks, professional development, and open communication. They should also promote a positive work environment, encourage teamwork, and make sure staff feel valued and heard. Supporting mental health and work-life balance helps early childhood professionals stay motivated and well. |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:39:31 pm | Wow, this is a hard one because we only have so many resources ourselves. The things that we do are creating a positive, open, and supportive culture. Understanding that they are humans caring for other humans and with that comes a lot of things. We have created teacher teams in our rooms so one person doesn’t bear the burden of being a “lead. They are all contributing and all supporting each other and the children to success. |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:40:28 pm | Darlene, ChatGPT was correct. |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:40:28 pm | Take care of themselves so they can care for their staff. Find and use any and all resources available |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:40:39 pm | Sherry I'm just loving the passion inside you. I'm glad you brought up reflective supervision. This is a powerful tool that not all programs know about |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:40:50 pm | I also am working hard on breaking down many of the walls that exist: between center providers and family providers, parents and providers, schools and providers-we are all trying to care for kids and support families, this can be done so much better when we work together instead of against each other |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:41:02 pm | Every single person that cares for a child matters. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:41:16 pm | exactly Darlene - our programs are home away from home for our staff and so we want that warm welcoming feel even in the chaos |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:42:03 pm | SORR I TRANSLETE WITH CHAT GPT |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:41:58 pm | exactly Courtney. this is the reason I love having these chats so we can have these open discussion s and share ideas |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:42:03 pm | Darlene no problem!!! |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:42:14 pm | Reflective supervision is a tool not used often enough and it's so highly effective. time and $$ make it harder to use |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:42:43 pm | Courtney I love team teaching! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:42:43 pm | I agree and especially the time. It's hard enough to get breaks covered |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:42:47 pm | Love that Courtney! We all care for the same kiddos |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:43:06 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:43:08 pm | last question |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:43:12 pm | * |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:43:13 pm | Karlene, it is so true and all of us are needed. Families and kids need different things and need choices that support that. |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:43:13 pm | * |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:43:16 pm | * |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:43:45 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:43:30 pm | List what kinds of things are within their control, and what kinds of things are beyond or outside of their control in your early learning space. How does ‘control’ affect how you regulate your emotions? |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:44:03 pm | Oh, I love the control circle. I sometimes forget to use it myself but I remember my therapist sharing it with me! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:44:17 pm | I forget to use it too and have to pull out the visual |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:44:34 pm | I can control what food is offered, but not how much is eaten. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:44:53 pm | good one |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:45:00 pm | In my family childcare program, I can control how I plan routines, create a positive environment, and respond calmly to children and families. What’s outside my control includes family circumstances, illness, policy changes, and enrollment shifts. Understanding this difference helps me regulate my emotions, focusing on what I can influence keeps me grounded, while accepting what I can’t control allows me to respond with flexibility and compassion instead of stress. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:45:15 pm | yessssss Sherry |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:45:28 pm | I like the forgiving flexibility |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:45:39 pm | I will often comedically ask myself what vegetable I would like to throw away today:). |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:45:54 pm | I will try that one lol |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:45:54 pm | We can control how we react to things, how we care for ourselves and make sure that we are showing up fully grounded. We can’t control what is happening in the federal government, but we can control how we are handling it and reacting. We can control being kind to our neighbors and friends, we can’t always control how they will receive those things |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:46:01 pm | Yes Karlene!! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:46:04 pm | how we react to things is a great reminder |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:46:14 pm | Well speaking of control - we are out of time |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:46:24 pm | I have enjoyed your voices in this class so much |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:46:25 pm | Wow, that went fast |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:46:31 pm | it really did |
| Greiner, Courtney | 07:46:41 pm | Thank you for your guidance and leadership in this space. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:46:48 pm | remember to finish your discussion boards and writtten reflection |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:46:57 pm | Thank you Courtney |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:47:01 pm | This was a great course! Thank you! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:47:06 pm | you are so welcome |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:47:22 pm | Have a great rest of your week and remember to do something special for yourself this week |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:47:30 pm | maybe a chocolate treat...hmmmmm! |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:47:30 pm | I hope I connect with all of you again sometime! |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:47:32 pm | This class, discussions and resources have been just the reminders I have been needing! Thank you all and thanks Brenda:) |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:47:36 pm | Thanks Brenda .!! |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:47:53 pm | Have a great night |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:47:58 pm | You are welcome. Good night everyone |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:48:07 pm | I miss personal connection too Sherry! Hopefully soon:) |