Kid Routine & Play

Helping young children manage big feelings is an important part of every day in my home daycare. Children experience many emotions as they learn, play, and interact with others. They may feel excited, frustrated, disappointed, worried, or overwhelmed, sometimes all within the same day. Over the years, I have found that children learn emotional regulation best when they are given simple visual supports and opportunities to practice coping skills in a positive way. Three tools that have become a regular part of our routine are social stories, breathing charts, and coloring activities. These tools work together to help children understand emotions, build self-regulation skills, and learn positive ways to respond to challenges. Understanding Big Feelings in Early Childhood Young children are still learning how to identify emotions and communicate their needs. When they experience frustration, anger, sadness, or anxiety, they often need guidance and support. Rather than expecting childre...

Throwing toys is something almost every toddler tries at some point. Whether it’s out of frustration, boredom, or even excitement, it can be tricky for young children to manage those big bursts of energy. That’s why I created this gentle, visual social story — to help toddlers understand  why  they feel like throwing and what they can do instead. If you’ve ever found yourself saying “Please don’t throw that!” again and again, this free printable story might be just what you need.           📥 Download the Free Story  Why Do Toddlers Throw Toys? Toddlers are still learning how to handle their emotions, and they often don’t have the words to explain what they’re feeling. Throwing a toy can be a quick way for them to express something they don’t yet know how to say. It might mean: “I’m overwhelmed.” “I want attention.” “I’m done playing with this.” But the truth is, thrown toys can hurt people, damage objects, or cause big disruptions — es...

  As a home daycare provider and parent, I’ve seen how big feelings can overwhelm little ones. One emotion I notice often is fear. It can happen when things are too loud, too fast, or just unfamiliar. Sometimes a child’s heart starts beating fast and they want to hide. Sometimes they freeze when someone comes too close. And sometimes, they simply don’t have the words to say what they’re feeling. That’s exactly why I created this new printable tool: “When I Feel Scared” (A Toddler-Friendly Social Story with a Calm-Down Plan) Why I Made This Story This story comes from real moments I’ve seen in my daycare. I’ve worked with children who feel scared during loud sounds, busy transitions, or sudden touches. Fear is a normal feeling, but toddlers need help understanding it and knowing what to do. So I created a simple, calm story with gentle visuals and supportive steps like: I can stay near someone I trust I can say “no” or “stop” if I need more space I can cover my ears or hug a toy ...