Beyond the stories #6 with Sophie Pierce and Rebecca Callahan

Send us Fan MailWhat does a worn-out pair of ballet slippers have to do with emotional development, attachment theory, and raising resilient kids? More than you might think. In this week's Beyond the Stories, host Rita sits down with Sophie Pierce — the real-life dance teacher who inspired Sophie's Slippers — and Rebecca Callahan, a marriage and family therapist in training. Together, they unpack the layers beneath the story: what transitional objects really mean for children, how we as caregivers can sit with big feelings instead of rushing past them, and why the magic we try to give our kids has always lived inside them.IN THIS EPISODE The conversation moves from attachment theory to real-life parenting moments — including a moving story about a lost cat named Iris, a family ritual on a balcony, and how one five-year-old's perspective shifted grief into something unexpectedly beautiful. Rita, Sophie, and Rebecca explore: - What a transitional object is — and why losing one matters more than we think- How our culture conditions us to move on too fast, and what that costs our children- The difference between fixing feelings and truly being with a child in them- Why children's books work so differently than words from a parent- What empathy actually looks like in practice (hint: it's not fixing or doing)- How emotional capacity — not credentials — is what will make our kids stand out --- MEET THE GUESTS Sophie PierceDance teacher, studio owner, and the real inspiration behind Sophie's Slippers. Sophie grew up with two kindergarten teacher parents who modeled unconditional love, creativity, and the belief that every child carries a light worth finding. She brings that same spirit to her dance studio, which teaches students from 18 months through 18 years old. Rebecca CallahanMarriage and family therapist trainee and mother. Rebecca explores how attachment theory, transitional objects, and emotional co-regulation show up in everyday parenting — and how the stories we read with our children can become powerful tools for connection, empathy, and growth."People are not going to remember what you're wearing, where you went to school, or how many degrees you have. But they will remember how you made them feel." — Rita & SophieCOMING UP Stay tuned for more episodes of Once Upon a Feeling and Beyond the Stories. Each week, a new story, a new conversation, and new tools for the caregivers raising the next generation.🌟 EXPLORE THE GOOSHI WORLDFree expert-reviewed digital stories and resources to help families support children through big feelings and life's transitions. Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the Gooshi app.👉 linktr.ee/gooshi_world💌 WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOUDid this episode resonate with you? Have a topic you'd love us to explore, or feedback to share? Send us a message — we read every one.Are you a children's book author, early childhood educator, child psychologist, or family therapist? We'd love to have you on the show. Reach out through our links — we'd be honored to have your voice in this conversation. 👉 linktr.ee/gooshi_world#transitionalobjects #childrensemotionalhealth #parentingpodcast #attachmenttheory #socialemotionallearning #earlychildhoodeducation #bigfeelings #empathy #onceuponafeeling #gooshi #childdevelopment #consciousparenting #storiesforchildrenYou can explore Gooshi's ecosystem here:https://linktr.ee/gooshi_world