Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by plants that grow in the most unexpected places, like the tree that grew up in the 1-inch metal pole of a stop sign on our corner and got big enough to provide a bit of shade until someone decided to cut the branches off. 

In our video series, My Emotions, we talk a lot about becoming shepherds to our own flock of feelings.  This is great symbolic language for children–this idea that we have all of these feelings that are roaming around inside of us, like sheep in a field.  

Teaching in early childhood is such a dynamic, complex, and creative process–with no two days ever truly the same. You have the joy of celebrating all sorts of milestones big and small, like losing the first tooth, first days of school and last days of school, learning to read, or feeling those lightbulb moments in each kiddo in the classroom. It can be exhausting and exciting all at the same time!

There is something remarkable about a mother’s love. It is unconditional, eternal and sacrificial, tender, generous, strong, and wise at its best. It is a refuge, something to trust, treasure, and celebrate.