Think Like a Kid

Have you ever left a school meeting feeling like no one truly sees your child?Maybe the conversation focused on everything they're doing wrong. Maybe you walked away with more questions than answers. In this episode of Think Like a Kid, I sit down with school psychologist and special education advocate Mariah Choate to discuss how parents can advocate for their children confidently, effectively, and collaboratively without turning every school meeting into a battle.We also tackle one of the biggest misconceptions adults make when supporting children:What if the behavior isn't the problem?What if the real issue is a missing skill or an unmet need?In This Episode We Discuss:How to shift school conversations from deficits to strengthsWhat to do when every meeting seems focused on what's wrongWhy children often need support not punishmentHow reading struggles, executive functioning challenges, and emotional regulation difficulties can be mistaken for defianceWhat school psychologists wish parents knew about the special education processHow to tell the difference between "can't" and "won't"Key Takeaways1. Behavior is CommunicationInstead of asking:"Why won't they do it?"Try asking: "What's making this hard?"2. Ask for the DataIf you're receiving repeated calls or concerns from school, ask:What interventions have been tried?Which interventions helped?How is progress being tracked?3. Special Education is a Service, Not a PlaceOne of the biggest myths parents believe is that an IEP automatically means a separate classroom.It doesn't.4. Don't Be Afraid to Ask QuestionsYou don't need to understand every educational acronym or legal term.5. Lead With StrengthsMariah's advice was simple but powerful:Before anyone else can see the good in your child, you have to see it first.Free Resource: Prior Written Notice TemplateIf you've requested support from your school and aren't sure what to do next, Mariah shares a free Prior Written Notice template that parents can use when requesting evaluations and services.This resource helps you document concerns and understand your rights throughout the process.click here Want More Support?Mariah has created a comprehensive Special Education Advocacy System that walks parents through:Evaluations504 PlansIEPsScripts for difficult conversationsSpecial education lawDocumentation systemsAdvocacy toolsIf you've ever felt overwhelmed navigating the school system, this resource was created specifically for you.https://stan.store/Wholisticallypsyched/p/the-special-education-support-system- Mariah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholistically_psyched/

Do you ever feel responsible for keeping your child entertained all day long? Between summer break, sports, camps, screens, and endless activities, it's easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you need to be your child's personal cruise director.In this episode, I share why boredom is actually one of the most powerful tools for your child's development. We'll talk about how boredom builds creativity, problem-solving skills, and independence—and why giving your child space to figure out their own fun may be one of the best gifts you can give them this summer.In this episode, we cover: • Why boredom is beneficial for child development • The pressure parents feel to constantly entertain their children • How boredom builds creativity and critical thinking • The connection between boredom and executive functioning skills • Why screens can make boredom feel harder to tolerate • How to respond when your child says, "I'm bored" • Creating a boredom jar or activity menu • Why independent play is an essential life skill • Simple ways to encourage self-directed play this summerFeatured Resources Mentioned in this Episode: • Independent Play Guide Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week:The next time your child says, "I'm bored," resist the urge to solve the problem for them. Give them space to be uncomfortable, trust their creativity, and see what they come up with on their own.Recommended Episodes: • Episode 12: How to Challenge Your Child Without Overwhelming Them • Episode 11: Practical Emotional Regulation Techniques That You Can Teach Your Child Today • Episode 5: Why Behaviors Are CommunicationIf you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you're looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: https://stan.store/steammadesimple/p/the-steam-made-simple-preschool. It's the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play.You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

Have you ever wondered if you're challenging your child enough when it comes to learning? I recently received several questions from parents who were worried that their child was bored, frustrated, or simply not making progress.In this episode, I'm sharing one of my favorite teaching concepts: the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). I'll explain how to recognize the sweet spot where real learning happens, how to tell the difference between productive struggle and frustration, and four simple strategies you can use to help your child build confidence while learning at home.In this episode, we cover: • What the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is• The Goldilocks principle of learning• Signs your child is in their optimal learning zone• Productive struggle vs. frustration• Why children shut down when learning feels too hard• The 10-Second Rule before jumping in to help• Using hints instead of giving answers• The 3-to-1 Success Ratio for building confidence• Why praising effort matters more than outcomes• Simple ways to adapt activities to meet your child where they areFeatured Resources Mentioned in this Episode:• The STEAM Made Simple Preschool Curriculum • Play-Doh, shaving cream, and other hands-on learning tools• The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: Become a ZPD detective. Watch for signs that your child is productively struggling, and practice waiting 10 seconds before stepping in to help.Recommended Episodes: • Episode 11: Practical Emotional Regulation Techniques That You Can Teach Your Child Today• Episode 7: Understanding the Amygdala and Why Kids Melt Down• Episode 5: Why Behaviors Are CommunicationIf you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you're looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: https://stan.store/steammadesimple/p/the-steam-made-simple-preschool. It's the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play.You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

Here's something I think about a lot: we know, as parents and teachers, that kids aren't born knowing how to regulate their emotions and yet we still expect our two-, three-, and four-year-olds to just calm down on command. It doesn't work that way, and it never will. That's exactly why I'm pulling back the curtain on my bestselling Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids eBook and showing you what's actually inside.In this episode, I'm walking you through some of my favorite breathing techniques from Chapter 4 — "Stocking Your Toolkit" — and sharing how to introduce them to your child in a way that actually sticks. The trick? Timing, playfulness, and letting your kid lead.In this episode, we cover:Triangle Breathing: A simple visual technique where kids trace the sides of a triangle while breathing in, holding, and exhaling slowly.Five-Finger Breathing: Using their own hand as a guide, kids can even trace it with chalk or a dry-erase marker for extra sensory engagement.Star Breathing: A classroom favorite that uses the points of a star to guide a full breathing cycle.Square Breathing: An inhale-hold-exhale-hold pattern that pairs perfectly with a visual for self-regulation.Rainbow Breathing: A back-and-forth tracing technique that is genuinely calming — even for adults.Bunny Breaths: Three sharp, fast inhales followed by a slow exhale — perfect for kids who need a little more movement in their regulation.Featured Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids eBook — The complete guide featured in this episode, covering everything from your child's sensory profile and triggers to setting up a Calm Down Corner and the breathing techniques we discussed todayThe STEAM Made Simple Preschool Curriculum — The bestseller Danielle uses daily at home, now available with the Calm Down Corner Kit add-onYour "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week:Pick just one breathing technique from this episode and try it with your child during a calm moment — after breakfast, before bed, or anytime the energy is low-key. You don't even need to print anything yet. Grab a piece of paper, draw a triangle or a square, and trace it together while you breathe. Make it silly. Let them lead.Recommended Episodes:Episode 2: The Watchdog Brain (Why "Calm Down" Doesn't Work)Episode 6: Tantrums and Meltdowns with Courtney EnglishEpisode 7: The CCP Model: A Game Changer for High-Energy ToddlersIf you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you're looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum. It's the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play.You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

Have you ever felt like you were forcing a lesson, a conversation, or even just homework on your child, only for it to completely fall flat? When I started STEAM Made Simple, I realized that I had to simplify complex concepts not just for my students, but for myself. Out of that necessity, I developed the SIMPLE Framework. It is the exact blueprint I follow for every single thing I teach, whether it’s a high-level STEAM experiment or a foundational literacy skill.In this episode, I’m breaking down each letter of the framework: Start with the brain, Invite curiosity, Meet them where they are, Practice through play, Link to emotion, and Encourage independence. I’ll even walk you through a real-life example of how to use this framework to teach letter sounds without a single worksheet in sight.In this episode, we cover:S - Start with the Brain: Why no learning happens if a child isn't regulated and "online".I - Invite Curiosity: Using play invitations and novelty to open up learning pathways.M - Meet Them Where They Are: The vital importance of adjusting tasks to a child’s individual level rather than a textbook standard.P - Practice Through Play: Why playful exploration is the brain’s favorite way to build neural pathways.L - Link to Emotion: Using stories and purpose to turn short-term learning into long-term memory.E - Encourage Independence: Strengthening self-awareness and confidence by giving kids ownership over their learning.Featured Resources Mentioned in this Episode:The STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: My fully launched curriculum that uses the SIMPLE Framework to build a strong foundation for four- and five-year-olds.AI Tool Tip: How to use ChatGPT to create personalized, emotion-linked stories for your child’s specific interests.Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week:Try applying the SIMPLE Framework to one thing you want to teach this week. If it's letter sounds, don't reach for a worksheet. Instead, Invite Curiosity with a "Sound Hunt". Present it with excitement, like "instant dopamine" and have them find objects that start with a specific sound, like "mm" for mommy.. Remember to Start with the Brain by doing a playful wall push or a deep breath before you begin.Recommended Episodes:Episode 2: The Watchdog Brain (Why "Calm Down" Doesn't Work)Episode 4: The Power to Choose: Turning Power Struggles into Problem SolvingEpisode 5: STEAM for the Future: Raising Problem Solvers in an AI WorldIf you loved this conversation, make sure to follow and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you’re looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my The STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum. It’s the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play.You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the transition from "sweet little kids" to the "big kids" in upper elementary, this episode is for you. I’m joined by my lifelong teaching mentor and 5th-grade expert, Maura Vivona, to debunk the stigma that older kids are "mean" or "scary".We dive into the magic of the "House System" inspired by the Ron Clark Academy and how it builds an undeniable sense of belonging and peer accountability in an entire school.In this episode, we cover:The 5th Grade Stigma: Why older kids still want to be liked by their teachers and how their "edge" is often just a cover for big transitions.The Ron Clark House System: How implementing houses with colors, mascots, and bragging rights can transform attendance and student engagement.The Power of Individual Motivation: Finding the "one thing" from 4th-grade teacher visits to Pokemon cards that builds a bridge to the "difficult" student.Empathy in the Classroom: Thinking like a student during an institute day to remember how hard it is to sit "bell to bell" without movement or creativity.Featured Resources Mentioned in this Episode:The STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: Start building those critical thinking muscles early so they thrive by the time they hit 5th grade.Maura Vivona’s Contact Info: Reach out to Maura for mentorship or questions on implementing a House System in your school: [email protected] Book Recommendation: The Essential 55 by Ron Clark https://store.ronclarkacademy.com/products/essential-55 The Ron Clark Academy: https://www.ronclarkacademy.com/ Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: Maura’s challenge for adults with "big kids" is to remove the shame from growing up.This week, when your older child or student expresses an interest in something "grown-up" (like a crush or a new style), don't dismiss them or say they are too young. Instead, acknowledge and honor where they are. Try saying, "I get that you're feeling that way; let's talk about it".Recommended Episodes:Episode 4: Why Your Lesson Plan Doesn’t Matter If You Skip SELEpisode 5: STEAM for the Future: Raising Problem Solvers in an AI WorldEpisode 2: The Watchdog Brain (Why "Calm Down" Doesn't Work)If you loved this conversation, make sure to follow and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you’re looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my The STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum. It’s the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play.You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) might be a trendy term in schools today, but it’s actually the heartbeat of everything I’ve ever done as a teacher and a mom. In this episode, I’m getting real about my early teaching days even including the time I was actually shamed for "wasting" instructional time by letting my students talk about their feelings. I’m sharing why I refused to stop, and how those moments of connection are the only reason the academic lessons ever actually "stuck".We’re diving into the practical ways you can lead with connection instead of just instruction, whether you are in a classroom of 30 or at home with your own kiddos.In this episode, we cover:The Foundation of Learning: Why an unregulated or emotionally overwhelmed child literally cannot process an academic lesson.The "Waste of Time" Myth: My personal story of being told to "stick to the PowerPoint".Discreet Connection Tools: How to use morning check-ins and Google forms to find out what your kids are actually carrying before you start the day.Morning Meetings & Closing Circles: Simple, silly, and low-pressure ways to build a sense of belonging through "Would You Rather" games and shared stories.Featured Resources Mentioned in this Episode:The STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: Built on the foundation of connection and emotional safety so real learning can happen.Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids eBook: My deep-dive guide into the regulation strategies that help you connect with your child on an emotional level.SEL Book Recommendations: I love using books to help kids see themselves and their big feelings in characters. Here’s a bunch of my favorites: https://www.amazon.com/shop/steammadesimple/list/13AB070HTU58I?ref_=aipsflist Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week:Try leading with Connection before Instruction today. Choose just one of these four phrases to use with your child or student when you notice they are struggling:"That looks really frustrating"."I can tell something’s off today. Do you feel that too?"."Do you want me to sit with you for a second before we start, or do you want to be alone?".Recommended Episodes:Episode 1: Why I Didn't Like School (My "Why")Episode 2: The Watchdog Brain (Why "Calm Down" Doesn't Work)Episode 3: Anxiety, Perfectionism, and the “Smoke Detector Analogy”If you loved this conversation, make sure to follow and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you’re looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my The STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum. It’s the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play.You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

If you feel like you are constantly putting out fires and stuck in a "hamster wheel" of survival mode with your toddler, this episode is for you. I’m sharing the raw truth about my own journey with an extreme high-energy child. A battle that led me to develop a proven system called the CCP model. This isn't just another set of Pinterest crafts; it’s a brain-based approach to channeling that "superpower" energy into confident, independent play.We dive into why toddlers are obsessed with control and how giving it to them appropriately through "Choice, Choice, Play" can transform your daily routine.In this episode, we cover:Extreme High-Energy vs. "Typical" Toddlers: Why some kids need a more specific, high-intensity approach to regulation and play.The CCP System Explained: Breaking down the acronym: Choice (Snack), Choice (Connection Choice), and Play (Independent Play).Regulation Through Oral Input: How a simple crunchy snack choice organizes the nervous system before learning starts.Child-Led Connection: The vital importance of 5–15 minutes of uninterrupted, adult-followed play to fill their emotional cup.Transitioned Independent Play: Using open-ended "play invitations" to build critical thinking and STEAM skills without adult direction.Featured Resources Mentioned in this Episode:High Energy Toddler Activity Guide: My complete guide featuring 52 play invitations and the exclusive CCP visual system.The STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: For parents ready to build a strong foundation of independent learning through hands-on exploration.Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: Implement the CCP Model at home today, even if you just use items you already have.S (Snack Choice): Offer two crunchy, healthy options.C (Connection Choice): Set a timer for 10 minutes, put your phone away, and follow their lead in whatever they want to do! No directing allowed.P (Play): Set up a "Splish Splash Car Wash" a bucket of soapy water, a few sponges, and their favorite waterproof vehicles. Phrase it as a question to pique their interest, like "I wonder how we could get all these dirty cars clean?" then step back and let them take the lead.Recommended Episodes:Episode 2: The Watchdog Brain (Why "Calm Down" Doesn't Work)Episode 4: The Power to Choose: Turning Power Struggles into Problem SolvingEpisode 5: STEAM for the Future: Raising Problem Solvers in an AI WorldIf you loved this conversation, make sure to follow and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you’re looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my The STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum. It’s the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play.You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

When our kids are having an epic meltdown, our first instinct as adults is usually to start talking, rationalizing, or explaining. But what if trying to teach a lesson during a tantrum is actually making things worse? In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend Courtney English, a pediatric occupational therapist and mom of two.Courtney explains that talking to a dysregulated child is like trying to have a casual conversation with a fearful flyer during heavy airplane turbulence—their brain simply cannot process your words because it is focused on survival. Instead, we dive into the magic of proactive regulation, how to properly transition your kids after a long day at school, and how to use "heavy work" to ground a disorganized brain.In this episode, we cover:The Airplane Analogy: Why trying to teach a lesson or logic with a child during a meltdown is perceived as a threat to their nervous system.The After-School "Recipe": Why kids fall apart the second they get home and how to lower the demands using crunchy snacks and connection.The Power of Heavy Work: How active movements like jumping and crashing provide proprioceptive input, sending clear signals of safety to the brain.Connection Through Play: Why getting down on their level for just five minutes of child-led play can fill their cup and completely shift the tone of your day.The 3-Step Bedtime Circuit: A simple red, yellow, and green sensory circuit to help transition your child from high-arousal energy to a calm state.Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: Try Courtney’s 3-Step Bedtime Sensory Circuit tonight!Red (Meet the Need): Make a Blanket Parachute. Put some stuffed animals on a blanket and shake it together to get that last bit of high energy out.Yellow (Organize): Toss the stuffed animals onto the bed. Having a visual target starts to slow down their brain and organize their system.Green (Calm): Finally, tuck them in. Use the stuffed animals to give your child deep pressure squeezes on their arms or legs to down-regulate their nervous system for sleep.Recommended Episodes:Episode 2: The Watchdog Brain (Why "Calm Down" Doesn't Work)Episode 3: Anxiety, Perfectionism, and the “Smoke Detector Analogy”Episode 4: The Power to Choose: Turning Power Struggles into Problem SolvingFeatured Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Connect with Courtney English: Follow her on Instagram and check out her website for incredible, easy-to-understand regulation tips.Courtney's Regulation Posters: Grab her visual guide posters to help identify Red (meet the need), Yellow (organize), and Green (calm) activities.The best way to build strong foundational skills for 4 and 5 year olds through hands-on play.Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids eBook: A deeper look into the regulation strategies that help you connect with your child on an emotional level.

If we continue to parent and teach the same way we were raised, we are preparing our children for a world that no longer exists. With AI and automation rapidly changing the landscape, our goal has to shift from memorizing cold facts to teaching kids how to think. That is exactly what STEAM is all about and it is far simpler than you think.In this episode, we break down why the "A" in STEAM (Arts) is the missing piece of the puzzle and how we can start wiring our kids' brains for resilience and innovation before they even turn six. I’m sharing how a simple shift in your questioning can transform a standard block tower into a lesson in engineering, and why I actually want my own kids to feel comfortable breaking the rules and making mistakes.In this episode, we cover:What STEAM Actually Is: It is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, but it’s really about teaching creativity and resilience.The "Jobs of the Future": Why teaching foundational thinking skills matters more than academics when preparing kids for jobs that don't even exist yet.The Sponge Years: Why the most critical window for building confidence and problem-solving skills is between birth and age six.Unlearning the "Right Answer": Moving away from the "sit still and get it right" culture to a mindset that encourages questioning and risk-taking.Featured Resources Mentioned in this Episode:STEAM Made Simple Website: My online business where I help you teach foundational skills to kids at the earliest ages.The STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: The ultimate tool for parents who want to give their child an educational advantage through play.Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids eBook: Learn how to nurture the emotional regulation needed for kids to bounce back from failures.Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week:Try a "No-Model STEAM Challenge." Give your child an assortment of blocks, tape, paper, and recyclables. Give them one simple prompt: "Let’s see what you can make". The hard part for you? Do not build it for them, do not tape things for them, and do not show them a "right" way to do it. Just wait it out and watch their creativity grow as they struggle through the process.Recommended Episodes:Episode 1: Why I Didn't Like School (My "Why")Episode 2: The Watchdog Brain (Why "Calm Down" Doesn't Work)Episode 4: The Power to Choose: Turning Power Struggles into Problem SolvingIf you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you’re looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum. It’s the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play.You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

Do you ever feel like your day is just one long power struggle? Whether it’s over a favorite plate or a standard request, kids crave a sense of control. When they feel powerless, that "watchdog brain" we’ve been talking about takes over, and that's where the rebellion starts.In this episode, we’re talking about how to flip the script by giving kids agency before they demand it. I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite resources the What Should Danny Do?Series to show you how to help your child rehearse big decisions before emotions take over. By removing the child from the situation and letting them choose the path for a character, the learning actually sticks.In this episode, we cover:Control vs. Discipline: Why kids struggle because they lack a sense of control, not necessarily discipline.The "Safety" of Choice: How agency and appropriate choices calm the amygdala and improve regulation almost immediately.The Power to Choose: Using the "Ultimate Superpower" to teach impulse control and confidence through neutral, non-judgmental language.Natural Consequences: Letting kids see the "negative path" in a safe, story-based environment without being shamed.Featured Resources Mentioned in this Episode:The STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: The best way to build strong foundational skills for 4 and 5 year olds.Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids eBook: A deeper look into the regulation strategies that make these choices possible.Book Series: What Should Danny Do? and What Should Darla do? by Adir and Ganit Levy. Link: https://a.co/d/06XVl7q7 Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week:Instead of a "good choice/bad choice" lecture, try the "Two-Choice Neutral" strategy. When you see a conflict brewing, calmly offer two neutral choices: "You can choose to [action A], and then [consequence X] will happen, or you can choose to [action B], and then [consequence Y] will happen." Use a neutral tone for both. You are giving them the power to navigate the situation rather than forcing compliance.Recommended Episodes:Episode 2: The Watchdog Brain (Why "Calm Down" Doesn't Work)Episode 3: Anxiety, Perfectionism, and the “Smoke Detector Analogy”Episode 6: The CCP Model: A Game Changer for High-Energy ToddlersIf you loved this conversation, make sure to follow and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you’re looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my The STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum. It’s the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play.You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

Anxious tendencies and perfectionism often live in the same "safety system" of the brain as the watchdog we discussed in the last episode. For many high-capacity kids, making a mistake isn't just a small error, it actually feels like a total loss of control and a "danger, danger" signal to their entire system. This can lead to kids who refuse to even pick up a crayon or start a task because they can't guarantee a perfect outcome.In this episode, we talk about why "logic" doesn't work when a child is in the middle of a perfectionist meltdown and why we have to wait for a calm, proactive moment to build resilience. I’m sharing a simple book and a few playful "monster truck" hacks that help rewire the brain to see mistakes as a safe part of the process.In this episode, we cover:The Safety System: Why anxiety and perfectionism are actually internal alarms meant to protect, even when there's no real fire.The Smoke Detector Analogy: Understanding that a child’s anxiety can’t always tell the difference between a house fire and some burnt toast.High-Capacity Avoidance: Why smart kids would often rather not start a task at all than risk a failure.Purposeful Mistakes: Using tools like the book It Looks Like Spilt Milk to give kids a new perspective on accidents.Baby Steps (Exposure): How to use "micro-steps" to help a child's brain feel safe enough to try again.Featured Resources Mentioned in this Episode:STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: The best head start for early learning that prioritizes curiosity and hands-on play.Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids eBook: My roadmap for navigating big feelings and understanding your child's watchdog brain.Book Recommendation: It Looks Like Spilt Milk by Charles Shaw: https://a.co/d/0iOcVvhD Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week:Your challenge this week is to find opportunities to make "safe" mistakes in front of your child. Whether you drop a piece of mail or "accidentally" spill some milk, model a calm reaction and show them how you can make a "beautiful mistake" out of it. You can also try Monster Truck Art: tape a marker to a toy car or send a truck with painted tires down a slide onto paper. It teaches their brain that they aren't the one "failing" they're just playing!Recommended Episodes:Episode 1: Why I Didn't Like School (My "Why")Episode 2: The Watchdog Brain (Why "Calm Down" Doesn't Work)Episode 7: Why Your Lesson Plan Doesn’t Matter If You Skip SELIf you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you’re looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out The STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum. It’s the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play.You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

"Your goal is not to fix the behavior. Your goal is to make their brain feel safe again."In this episode, we dive into a concept I believe every child has a right to know. We explore why emotional intensity is developmentally normal, but often overstimulating for the adults in the room. By giving children a picture of what is happening in their brains, we help them feel more connected to themselves rather than alienated.In this episode, we cover:The Watchdog Metaphor: The Amygdala's only job is to keep your child safe, but it often gets confused and barks at things that aren't actually dangerous.Logic is Offline: Why the "reasoning" part of the brain (the prefrontal cortex) is closed for business while the watchdog is barking.Deep Awareness: Why "intense" kids are often just deeply aware of tone, facial expressions, and transitions.Co-Regulation Strategies: How to use predictability, a calm tone, and eye-level connection to bring the watchdog back to a simmer.Featured Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids: This is your roadmap for understanding the sensory seekers, avoiders, and triggers we discussed today. Purchase the eBook HereYour "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week:Introduce the Watchdog to your child during a calm, playful moment:Draw the Watchdog together: Let your child give it a name and make it super silly.Explain its job: Tell them, "It's here to protect you, but sometimes it barks when you don't even need protecting."Spot it in real time: When things start to get heated, calmly wonder out loud, "Hmm... I wonder if your watchdog is barking?"Recommended Episodes:If you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you’re looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum. It’s the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play. You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

"I was the 'she's fine' kid. The one who wasn't failing, but certainly wasn't thriving."In this inaugural episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on why I became a teacher and why I’m so obsessed with helping you understand the kid in front of you. I didn’t grow up dreaming of a classroom; I grew up feeling invisible in a system that didn't know what to do with "average".Today, I’m sharing how a psychology degree and a "lightbulb moment" changed everything, leading me to a career dedicated to connection-based learning and sensory-aware parenting. We're talking about why "one-size-fits-all" is a myth and how you can start Thinking Like a Kid today to make life a whole lot easier.In this episode, we cover:The "She’s Fine" Danger Zone: Why being average in school can lead to adult anxiety.Connection Before Correction: Why real learning only happens when a child feels seen and safe.The 3 Magic Questions: A simple exercise to do with your child today to learn their love language and their triggers.Featured Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids: This is your roadmap for understanding the sensory seekers, avoiders, and triggers we discussed today. Purchase the eBook HereYour "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week:Choose one of these three questions to ask your child today. Just ask, and then this is the hard part…just listen.When do you feel the most loved?What is something grownups do that makes things harder for you?What helps your brain or body feel calm again after you get upset?Recommended Episodes:If you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you’re looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum. It’s the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play. You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

Whether you’re in the classroom, the carpool lane, or halfway through your coffee, let’s stop guessing and start teaching the way kids actually learn. Think Like a Kid is your weekly chat to unlearning the "sit still and listen" methods of the past and giving your child a true educational advantage.Hosted by Danielle Mimbs–mom of three, former teacher, and Learning Behavior Specialist, each episode delivers brain-based strategies and creative STEAM ideas that turn learning into play. We ditch the one-size-fits-all approach to focus on how kids actually learn: through movement, curiosity, and connection. It’s time to make learning fun again and give your child the best head start to early learning! How? By thinking like a kid!