✏️ What 24 Years in Early Childhood Taught Me About Parenting
💡 Presence Over Perfection
After 24 years of working with hundreds of children as a kindergarten teacher, one thing I know is clear: kids don’t need perfect parents — they need present ones.
I say this with an open heart as I recall countless experiences with little ones who simply wanted a piece of my time, a listening ear, a smile, a hug.
Here’s what I’ve learned over the years while interacting with my little learners.
1️⃣ Consistency is Magic ✨
One of the very first things I did at the beginning of every school year was establish rules and routines for our classroom. And we repeated and practiced them every single day until my students could recite and execute them on their own.
That consistency created a sense of safety and security. So much so, that if our schedule was off or I switched a learning time out of necessity, the children were sure to let me know!
At home: create predictable routines to help your child feel secure. Knowing what comes next gives them peace of mind and helps reduce anxiety.
2️⃣ Play Really Is Learning 🎲
No matter what anyone says, play is learning. Watching children interact through play, I saw them:
Apply academic knowledge in real-life situations
Learn social norms
Build vocabulary
Practice emotional regulation
Solve problems
Play isn’t “just fun” — it’s the foundation of deep learning. And sometimes play is messy, loud, or even frustrating — and that’s okay. That’s where the growth happens.
3️⃣ Patience Grows Patience 🧘🏾♀️
You are being watched! Children pick up on facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice even when we think they aren’t paying attention.
When big emotions are present — theirs or ours — they are learning how to process and respond. Staying calm and modeling patience helps them grow their own.
4️⃣ Small Moments Count 💛
I can’t tell you how many hugs, smiles, and “I love you’s” I’ve heard simply because I complimented an outfit, admired a drawing, or listened closely to a story about their weekend.
The little moments matter. Spending a few minutes acknowledging your child’s efforts or interests creates happy memories that stick — and you’ll be rewarded with love and hugs in return.
5️⃣ Independence Builds Confidence 🚀
“Can I help you, Ms. Uzzell?” I heard this almost daily. My students loved helping, and whenever it was safe, I let them.
Passing out papers, being the calendar helper, or pouring glue for our glue sponges all helped them learn responsibility and independence. And with every small success, their confidence grew.
At home: if your child asks to help, say yes when you can. They’re not just helping — they’re learning that they can.
❤️ Closing Thoughts
These aren’t rules for being a “perfect parent” — no one is perfect. They’re simply observations from a teacher who’s spent 24 years watching children grow, thrive, and flourish.
