Wonder Child: The ECE Lab

Hello to all my wonderful parents and fellow educators! As a Canadian ECE with over 20 years of experience, I have often witnessed a beautiful yet delicate transition in many families: the arrival of a new sibling. While it is a time of great joy for parents, for the firstborn,  their sense of security can suddenly feel shaken.  I remember a father at my centre once shared that his toddler, who had always been so independent, suddenly started asking to be carried like a baby the moment they brought the newborn home. It wasn't misbehaviour; it was a heart-wrenching plea for reassurance.  The transition to becoming a big brother or sister is one of the most significant emotional milestones a child will ever face , and our role as caregivers is to provide the “emotional bridge” they need to cross it safely. Today, let’s explore how we can support our older children through this big change with empathy, patience, and thoughtful strategies. 1. Validating the “Loss” and Support...

Hello to all my wonderful parents and fellow educators! One thing I truly want parents to remember is this:  every behaviour has a reason behind it.  Sometimes that reason is frustration, exhaustion, sensory overload, hunger, jealousy, or simply the overwhelming feeling of wanting connection and attention. In early childhood settings, I often meet parents who feel overwhelmed when their normally sweet child suddenly has a meltdown. In those moments, it can be easy to assume a child is being “bad” or intentionally difficult. However, young children are still learning how to communicate complex emotions and unmet needs. I still remember one child at our centre whose mother had recently welcomed a new baby. The older child eventually gave the baby a small shove to climb back into their mother’s arms. This was not an act of malice; it was a child expressing a deep need for emotional security.  Behaviour is communication long before children have the emotional vocabulary to ex...

Hello to all my wonderful parents and fellow educators! Few moments in early childhood feel as overwhelming as a full toddler tantrum in the middle of an ordinary day. One moment, everything seems fine, and the next, your child is in tears because their name was written in blue marker instead of green. Moments like these can leave parents feeling exhausted, frustrated, or even embarrassed—especially in public spaces like grocery stores or busy playgrounds. Yet,  many tantrums are a normal and necessary part of early childhood development.  Young children are still in the early stages of developing self-regulation skills; they are learning how to manage strong emotions, communicate frustration, and cope with disappointment when things do not go as expected. While tantrums can feel intense in the moment, they also provide  vital opportunities to teach emotional regulation, connection, and problem-solving.  Today, let’s explore some gentle, developmentally supportive st...