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Well, I didn’t take a toddler to Paris but I did travel with three ages 5 and under for a year in Australia! Pausing to play tag in a park while on a road saved my sanity more than once. #travelwithkids #toddlerlife #familytraveling

Well, I didn’t take a toddler to Paris but I did travel with three ages 5 and under for a year in Australia! Pausing to play tag in a park while on a road saved my sanity more than once. #travelwithkids #toddlerlife #familytraveling

Yes, breastfeeding is the best choice when choosing how to feed a young infant… but sometimes it’s not the right choice or even not a possibility. We need to offer information on healthy options for families who aren’t breast-feeding, too. #newbornparent #infantdevelopment

Yes, breastfeeding is the best choice when choosing how to feed a young infant… but sometimes it’s not the right choice or even not a possibility. We need to offer information on healthy options for families who aren’t breast-feeding, too. #newbornparent #infantdevelopment

Infants need routines because predictable patterns help them feel safe and secure in a world that is still new and overwhelming. Consistent routines for feeding, sleeping, and play support healthy brain development by strengthening neural connections associated with regulation and trust. When caregivers respond in reliable, repeated ways, infants begin to anticipate what comes next, which reduces stress and supports emotional regulation. Over time, these repeated experiences build a foundation for secure attachment, self-control, and later independence. #infanteducarer #infantdevelopment #reggiobabies #parentingtips #newbornparent PS Spy me eyeing my dog under the edge of my desk, almost unplugging my light. Need to move around my new setup apparently!

Infants need routines because predictable patterns help them feel safe and secure in a world that is still new and overwhelming. Consistent routines for feeding, sleeping, and play support healthy brain development by strengthening neural connections associated with regulation and trust. When caregivers respond in reliable, repeated ways, infants begin to anticipate what comes next, which reduces stress and supports emotional regulation. Over time, these repeated experiences build a foundation for secure attachment, self-control, and later independence. #infanteducarer #infantdevelopment #reggiobabies #parentingtips #newbornparent PS Spy me eyeing my dog under the edge of my desk, almost unplugging my light. Need to move around my new setup apparently!

When timeouts are isolating actions forced on a child as a consequence of behavior that was undesirable to their caregiver, they don’t teach the skills we are hoping for. With toddlers, remember that behavior is communicating. Can you help them practice a more appropriate behavior for what they want to communicate? PS Self-chosen timeouts can be a great strategy for overstimulated adolescents and us adults, though! #3things #parenting #toddlers #allaboutearlyyears #momlife

When timeouts are isolating actions forced on a child as a consequence of behavior that was undesirable to their caregiver, they don’t teach the skills we are hoping for. With toddlers, remember that behavior is communicating. Can you help them practice a more appropriate behavior for what they want to communicate? PS Self-chosen timeouts can be a great strategy for overstimulated adolescents and us adults, though! #3things #parenting #toddlers #allaboutearlyyears #momlife

Infants need interaction with caring adults more than anything else. #3things #brainscience #infanteducator #attachment

Infants need interaction with caring adults more than anything else. #3things #brainscience #infanteducator #attachment

I forgot to teach my son how to build a fire. He is 16. Have you ever had something like this- where you are surprised that your child doesn’t know something? It’s impossible to teach your child every single thing you, and the world, need them to know. But you can teach them to have a growth mindset. Model being a lifelong learner. Teach them that it’s okay to say “I don’t know how” as long as you follow it with “but I can learn”. Oh- and yes, now my son can build a fire. Especially with those awesome little fire starters Mom buys. #worksmarternotharder😎 #Parenting #familywellness

I forgot to teach my son how to build a fire. He is 16. Have you ever had something like this- where you are surprised that your child doesn’t know something? It’s impossible to teach your child every single thing you, and the world, need them to know. But you can teach them to have a growth mindset. Model being a lifelong learner. Teach them that it’s okay to say “I don’t know how” as long as you follow it with “but I can learn”. Oh- and yes, now my son can build a fire. Especially with those awesome little fire starters Mom buys. #worksmarternotharder😎 #Parenting #familywellness

Trying something new here... yes, this video is AI 😂
But the message is 100% real.

Kids don’t need more screen time.
They need ramps, mud, and room to be curious. 💬

#earlychildhood #playbasedlearning #ece #preschoolteacher

Trying something new here... yes, this video is AI 😂
But the message is 100% real.

Kids don’t need more screen time.
They need ramps, mud, and room to be curious. 💬

#earlychildhood #playbasedlearning #ece #preschoolteacher

It takes years of studying and practical application to be an expert. However, it has never been easier to seek out accurate, research-based, tried-and-true information. Avoid the fads and remember that anyone can make a social media account and call themselves an “expert”. Personally, I prefer experts who have a degree AND experience- and who are willing to discuss, disagree respectfully, and continue learning. Like me ;) Also, you can show me all the research you want and I’m still not taking an ice bath. #earlyed #professorlife #highered #healthyliving #icebathrecovery #parentinglife #momofteens

It takes years of studying and practical application to be an expert. However, it has never been easier to seek out accurate, research-based, tried-and-true information. Avoid the fads and remember that anyone can make a social media account and call themselves an “expert”. Personally, I prefer experts who have a degree AND experience- and who are willing to discuss, disagree respectfully, and continue learning. Like me ;) Also, you can show me all the research you want and I’m still not taking an ice bath. #earlyed #professorlife #highered #healthyliving #icebathrecovery #parentinglife #momofteens

ZPD is my very favorite real life connection to theory. Thanks to Vygotsky and Sociocultural theory, we know that children have a “zone of proximal development” in which they can learn new concepts and skills with scaffolding (support) from their teachers. When we write lesson plans for our students, we must consider what their zone is and how we can guide them to an achievable goal… and then to the next achievable goal and then to the next. Yes, we need small class sizes to do this as well as the opportunity for teachers to learn to understand their students’ developmental level and to have the knowledge and freedom to adjust their curriculum accordingly. Also, we adults have a ZPD, too. #keeplearning #adulteducation #childdevelopmenttheory #zpd #sociocultural #vygotskyinaction #individualizedlearning #educationmatters #educationreform

ZPD is my very favorite real life connection to theory. Thanks to Vygotsky and Sociocultural theory, we know that children have a “zone of proximal development” in which they can learn new concepts and skills with scaffolding (support) from their teachers. When we write lesson plans for our students, we must consider what their zone is and how we can guide them to an achievable goal… and then to the next achievable goal and then to the next. Yes, we need small class sizes to do this as well as the opportunity for teachers to learn to understand their students’ developmental level and to have the knowledge and freedom to adjust their curriculum accordingly. Also, we adults have a ZPD, too. #keeplearning #adulteducation #childdevelopmenttheory #zpd #sociocultural #vygotskyinaction #individualizedlearning #educationmatters #educationreform

If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. If not, well, step away and find what is worth your time and energy. #humpdaymotivation #professorlife #educator

If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. If not, well, step away and find what is worth your time and energy. #humpdaymotivation #professorlife #educator

Happy International Women’s Day! I’ve been blessed to work with and learn from many amazing women in education. Together, we can do hard things. Oh, and celebrating my favorite female equine, too. #womensupportingwomen #internationalwomensday #womenineducation

Happy International Women’s Day! I’ve been blessed to work with and learn from many amazing women in education. Together, we can do hard things. Oh, and celebrating my favorite female equine, too. #womensupportingwomen #internationalwomensday #womenineducation

Water truly does have calming abilities. Maybe I can write-off a trip to the ocean as a medical expense…

Water truly does have calming abilities. Maybe I can write-off a trip to the ocean as a medical expense…

For Maddie and my 3358 students! 🥶 #texasicestorm

For Maddie and my 3358 students! 🥶 #texasicestorm

Throwback to Cali and a @singlemomstronginc fundraiser. Check out my story today for more info on this non-profit that’s near and dear to my heart. #throwbackthursday #galentinesday #singlemomlife @sacramento_life #nonprofitsofinstagram #volunteervibes

Throwback to Cali and a @singlemomstronginc fundraiser. Check out my story today for more info on this non-profit that’s near and dear to my heart. #throwbackthursday #galentinesday #singlemomlife @sacramento_life #nonprofitsofinstagram #volunteervibes

I celebrate Lunar New Year with my children.
I grew up in an elementary school where we dyed eggs and hung them up, made banners saying Kung Hei Fat Choi, and wore red on “Chinese New Year”. I definitely thought every school did this but it turns out that my school had beautiful diversity in our families and that included a large number of children whose families celebrated the Lunar New Year. It has been important to me as a parent to move from a tourist approach to holidays which aren’t part of my children’s own culture to an educational and supportive approach. Simply talking with my kids about the difference is key now that they are old enough to understand! We take the opportunity to eat food from the culture we are celebrating and research where their traditions came from. And I still like to wear red and start the Lunar New Year with a clean house. Happy Year of the Rabbit and Hao Yun! #chinesezodiac #yearoftherabbit #redforluck

I celebrate Lunar New Year with my children.
I grew up in an elementary school where we dyed eggs and hung them up, made banners saying Kung Hei Fat Choi, and wore red on “Chinese New Year”. I definitely thought every school did this but it turns out that my school had beautiful diversity in our families and that included a large number of children whose families celebrated the Lunar New Year. It has been important to me as a parent to move from a tourist approach to holidays which aren’t part of my children’s own culture to an educational and supportive approach. Simply talking with my kids about the difference is key now that they are old enough to understand! We take the opportunity to eat food from the culture we are celebrating and research where their traditions came from. And I still like to wear red and start the Lunar New Year with a clean house. Happy Year of the Rabbit and Hao Yun! #chinesezodiac #yearoftherabbit #redforluck

No, this isn’t about my new haircut. #microlearning #virtualed #highered #faculty

No, this isn’t about my new haircut. #microlearning #virtualed #highered #faculty

It is so annoying when you get all settled in to work on your laptop… and then the duo alert pops up and you don’t have your phone next to you. Anyone else?! #reallife Yes, that’s my teenage son’s shirt on the floor in the living room at 6am. #momlife #professormom #singleparent #twofactoridentificationisannoying

It is so annoying when you get all settled in to work on your laptop… and then the duo alert pops up and you don’t have your phone next to you. Anyone else?! #reallife Yes, that’s my teenage son’s shirt on the floor in the living room at 6am. #momlife #professormom #singleparent #twofactoridentificationisannoying

Spring 2023 starts today! I was trying to think of the basics… can’t do the semester without a good computer and coffee! I think it’s the same for both students and faculty. What are your essentials? I hope you have a fabulous semester with zero nightmares about missing class! #collegelife #newsemester #spring2023 #facultylife #highered #virtualedition

Spring 2023 starts today! I was trying to think of the basics… can’t do the semester without a good computer and coffee! I think it’s the same for both students and faculty. What are your essentials? I hope you have a fabulous semester with zero nightmares about missing class! #collegelife #newsemester #spring2023 #facultylife #highered #virtualedition

So many quotes that could be shared today, the day we celebrate the life of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I have one of my favorites framed on the wall in my office and it reminds me that Dr. King’s desire was to live a committed life, guided by Jesus. He was committed to serving others and to speaking out against injustice… perhaps, things we can all work on this year. #2023 #mlkjr #mlkday #washingtondcmemorial

So many quotes that could be shared today, the day we celebrate the life of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I have one of my favorites framed on the wall in my office and it reminds me that Dr. King’s desire was to live a committed life, guided by Jesus. He was committed to serving others and to speaking out against injustice… perhaps, things we can all work on this year. #2023 #mlkjr #mlkday #washingtondcmemorial

I interrupt today’s work to bring you kisses from Lady! She’s so cute. I’m #workingfromhome this Saturday morning on my Spring courses. Taking breaks to bring treats to my horses is the absolute best ❤️ #selfcare #horsemom #learningtoranch #virtualeducation #professorlife

I interrupt today’s work to bring you kisses from Lady! She’s so cute. I’m #workingfromhome this Saturday morning on my Spring courses. Taking breaks to bring treats to my horses is the absolute best ❤️ #selfcare #horsemom #learningtoranch #virtualeducation #professorlife

Guess which horse is the messy eater? 😂 #howifeedmygoats #howifeedmychickens #ranchette #horselife #learningtoranch #goatmom

Guess which horse is the messy eater? 😂 #howifeedmygoats #howifeedmychickens #ranchette #horselife #learningtoranch #goatmom

The 2022 NAEYC Annual Conference! My Take-Aways:

Amazing form for planning PD from Barb & Star Karen
Stop, Collaborate, and Listen!
Who is being left out of the focus on “quality”?
“Sustainability Specialist”- great term!

My Favorite Moments:

Hanging out with @jennipat11
Running into Kirsten @natureexplore
Watching A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre in seats directly under Lincoln’s assassination box @fordstheatre #godblessusall
Awesome elevator buttons @bottomshelfbks
Oatmeal breakfast bar at my hotel 😋
Meeting @brighthorizons staff, especially Rachel Robertson!
Dinner with Tamera #welovetexas
And The Library of Congress. Whoa. Blown Away. Breathtaking building (that ceiling!), gorgeous photography exhibit, and all those books ❤️

The 2022 NAEYC Annual Conference! My Take-Aways:

Amazing form for planning PD from Barb & Star Karen
Stop, Collaborate, and Listen!
Who is being left out of the focus on “quality”?
“Sustainability Specialist”- great term!

My Favorite Moments:

Hanging out with @jennipat11
Running into Kirsten @natureexplore
Watching A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre in seats directly under Lincoln’s assassination box @fordstheatre #godblessusall
Awesome elevator buttons @bottomshelfbks
Oatmeal breakfast bar at my hotel 😋
Meeting @brighthorizons staff, especially Rachel Robertson!
Dinner with Tamera #welovetexas
And The Library of Congress. Whoa. Blown Away. Breathtaking building (that ceiling!), gorgeous photography exhibit, and all those books ❤️

Best part of NAEYC? Connections! These two amazing women also direct lab schools- one is the current director of my past lab school! I love that we support each other, give advice, and laugh together. We don’t have the same career path or even live in the same cities (or states) but we appreciate each other’s strengths and build each other up. Grateful for the opportunity to hug them last week- make those work connections, you never know where they may lead! #labschool #earlyed #girlboss #femaleleaders #naeycac @losrioscolleges

Best part of NAEYC? Connections! These two amazing women also direct lab schools- one is the current director of my past lab school! I love that we support each other, give advice, and laugh together. We don’t have the same career path or even live in the same cities (or states) but we appreciate each other’s strengths and build each other up. Grateful for the opportunity to hug them last week- make those work connections, you never know where they may lead! #labschool #earlyed #girlboss #femaleleaders #naeycac @losrioscolleges

Tips for the NAEYC Annual Conference Exhibit Hall:

More than one visit! And be prepared to bring home bags and freebie goodies (think first aid kits, stress balls, and pens). Hope you left room in your suitcase!

First time in is for the initial swoop where you collect all the goodies and see all the pretty new things. The best time for this is #openingnight. I like to attend the opening session and be the last of the crowd heading over but if you need to keep your steps down and still want to feel the social vibes of opening the expo, you could skip the plenary for a nap and then show up for Exhibit Hall opening.

Second trip is more targeted! Even if you aren’t looking to buy, ideas and connections are your goal! Check the map to make sure you don’t miss your favorites. @kaplanco booth is always a favorite, especially with Sandra Duncan’s new furniture. I get great ideas for reference books at the NAEYC booth (I take pictures and order them when I get home so I don’t have to lug more books home).

Don’t lug your laptop in here with you. #trustme

Don’t wear heels. #trustmeagain

Don’t miss @NAEYC hometown! Free coffee and a place to sit and look at the @communityplaythings catalog or add ribbons to your name tag.

Have fun!! Play!!

#naeycac #naeycstrong #play #ece #earlyed #labschool

Tips for the NAEYC Annual Conference Exhibit Hall:

More than one visit! And be prepared to bring home bags and freebie goodies (think first aid kits, stress balls, and pens). Hope you left room in your suitcase!

First time in is for the initial swoop where you collect all the goodies and see all the pretty new things. The best time for this is #openingnight. I like to attend the opening session and be the last of the crowd heading over but if you need to keep your steps down and still want to feel the social vibes of opening the expo, you could skip the plenary for a nap and then show up for Exhibit Hall opening.

Second trip is more targeted! Even if you aren’t looking to buy, ideas and connections are your goal! Check the map to make sure you don’t miss your favorites. @kaplanco booth is always a favorite, especially with Sandra Duncan’s new furniture. I get great ideas for reference books at the NAEYC booth (I take pictures and order them when I get home so I don’t have to lug more books home).

Don’t lug your laptop in here with you. #trustme

Don’t wear heels. #trustmeagain

Don’t miss @NAEYC hometown! Free coffee and a place to sit and look at the @communityplaythings catalog or add ribbons to your name tag.

Have fun!! Play!!

#naeycac #naeycstrong #play #ece #earlyed #labschool

Hope you find yourself a view that makes you pause this morning, too! Then take a deep a breath and go wake the teenagers for church. ☕️ #gowithgod #ranchettelife

Hope you find yourself a view that makes you pause this morning, too! Then take a deep a breath and go wake the teenagers for church. ☕️ #gowithgod #ranchettelife

Loving my new digs. Soon I’ll be correcting your papers out here! #happyprofessorhappygrades #teacherlife #konacoffee #hawaiianfamily

Loving my new digs. Soon I’ll be correcting your papers out here! #happyprofessorhappygrades #teacherlife #konacoffee #hawaiianfamily

It’s grading time! Taking finals is stressful for students- but grading everything is stressful for professors, too! I like to add a mindfulness component to my courses when possible and at this time in the semester, the mindfulness exercises I’ve done along with my students really come in handy. Breathing exercises, time in nature, and yoga all help to center me. I’m also grateful to have a relationship with God, whom I ask for support and peace in prayer. And— not having papers in my courses due at the grading deadline is key to success in May! #highereducation #graduationtime #classof2022🎓 #earlyeducationprofessor #coffeeforthewin

It’s grading time! Taking finals is stressful for students- but grading everything is stressful for professors, too! I like to add a mindfulness component to my courses when possible and at this time in the semester, the mindfulness exercises I’ve done along with my students really come in handy. Breathing exercises, time in nature, and yoga all help to center me. I’m also grateful to have a relationship with God, whom I ask for support and peace in prayer. And— not having papers in my courses due at the grading deadline is key to success in May! #highereducation #graduationtime #classof2022🎓 #earlyeducationprofessor #coffeeforthewin

Never stop learning! This past year, I had the opportunity to complete an online course focused on teaching higher education courses virtually. I’ve had training in the past but I believe we can always learn more. This program had an incredible amount of relevant content and I look forward to continuing to implement it in my courses. I also think it was a good reminder of what my virtual students are handling; a little empathy is a good thing ;)
I finished it despite some serious challenges this semester! I absolutely know it will continue to make me a better educator and I hope my future students appreciate my supportive kiddos at home who cooked more dinners this year than ever before… now the question is, how should we celebrate?! @ace_edu #acuecertified #highered #eachoneteachone #childdevelopmentspecialist #infantspecialist

Never stop learning! This past year, I had the opportunity to complete an online course focused on teaching higher education courses virtually. I’ve had training in the past but I believe we can always learn more. This program had an incredible amount of relevant content and I look forward to continuing to implement it in my courses. I also think it was a good reminder of what my virtual students are handling; a little empathy is a good thing ;)
I finished it despite some serious challenges this semester! I absolutely know it will continue to make me a better educator and I hope my future students appreciate my supportive kiddos at home who cooked more dinners this year than ever before… now the question is, how should we celebrate?! @ace_edu #acuecertified #highered #eachoneteachone #childdevelopmentspecialist #infantspecialist

Being outside is required for both physical and emotional health! We are naturally more physically active when we play outside… and did you know playing outside during the day promotes better sleep at night? It reduces stress, too- children who play outside more have been shown to be happier overall. I would bet that extends to adults as well! I’ll be playing outside this weekend… will you?

Being outside is required for both physical and emotional health! We are naturally more physically active when we play outside… and did you know playing outside during the day promotes better sleep at night? It reduces stress, too- children who play outside more have been shown to be happier overall. I would bet that extends to adults as well! I’ll be playing outside this weekend… will you?

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