EPISODE · Sep 12, 2025 · 42 MIN
#207: Adaptability in Early Childhood: Humanizing Practice, Real Resilience, and Kindness with Kisa Marx
from The Everything ECE Podcast · host Carla Ward
What does it look like to truly humanize early learning? In this rich conversation with Kisa Marx. We unpack why adaptability is now a core competency for educators and families. We explore how belonging builds real resilience, why “good job” falls short, the power of the pause, and how to hold safety, advocacy, and kindness at the same time.You’ll hear:Humanizing practice defined—and how adult-centred habits get in the wayBelonging before resilience: sanctuary, safety, and why “toughness by suffering” is a mythLanguage shifts that matter: encouragement over praise, “the pause,” and listening fullyAdapting after 2020: grieving what was, keeping what works, and teaching for the world we’re inBoundaries and advocacy: speaking up while staying safe in your contextPerfect for ECEs, leaders, and families rebuilding culture through play, nature, and authentic connection.KISA MARXKisa is a child advocate, practitioner, and founder of The Play Lab Foundation a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide access to high-quality, self-affirming care for every child regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, ability or neurotype.Website: https://playlaboakpark.org/Instagram: @theplaylabfoundationSUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE. See you next week!CONNECT WITH CARLAEmail Newsletter: Click HereThe ECE Experience- LinkWebsite: elfoundations.comInstagram: @elfoundations
What this episode covers
What does it look like to truly humanize early learning? In this rich conversation with Kisa Marx. We unpack why adaptability is now a core competency for educators and families. We explore how belonging builds real resilience, why “good job” falls short, the power of the pause, and how to hold safety, advocacy, and kindness at the same time.You’ll hear:Humanizing practice defined—and how adult-centred habits get in the wayBelonging before resilience: sanctuary, safety, and why “toughness by suffering” is a mythLanguage shifts that matter: encouragement over praise, “the pause,” and listening fullyAdapting after 2020: grieving what was, keeping what works, and teaching for the world we’re inBoundaries and advocacy: speaking up while staying safe in your contextPerfect for ECEs, leaders, and families rebuilding culture through play, nature, and authentic connection.KISA MARXKisa is a child advocate, practitioner, and founder of The Play Lab Foundation a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide access to high-quality, self-affirming care for every child regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, ability or neurotype.Website: https://playlaboakpark.org/Instagram: @theplaylabfoundationSUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE. See you next week!CONNECT WITH CARLAEmail Newsletter: Click HereThe ECE Experience- LinkWebsite: elfoundations.comInstagram: @elfoundations
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#207: Adaptability in Early Childhood: Humanizing Practice, Real Resilience, and Kindness with Kisa Marx
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