Dr. Deb Zupito There are moments in early childhood that stop everyone in their tracks. The death of an animal or a loved one is one of them. It often arrives quietly, through a shared classroom moment, a family story, or the sudden absence of something once familiar. For adults, it can stir deep emotion. For preschoolers, it opens a door to questions their growing minds are only beginning to explore. How Young Children Understand Death Young children experience death in a ve

Dr. Deb Zupito As the season of gratitude unfolds, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on what truly matters in early childhood education. Whether we’re parents, educators, or caregivers, our days are filled with countless opportunities to make a difference in children’s lives. Gratitude isn’t just a feeling, it’s a mindset that helps us notice, appreciate, and nurture the everyday moments that shape young minds and hearts. In the world of early learning, these moments

Dr. Deb Zupito The holiday season can feel big for parents. Children are excited, stores are loud, expectations are high, and the to do list seems to grow daily. Many families feel caught between wanting to make magic and trying not to drown in the pressure of buying, planning, and doing it all. The good news is that children do not need more. They need us. They need connection, tradition, and simple moments that feel safe and loving. Here are ways to bring the heart of the s

Dr. Deb Zupito There’s a special kind of quiet that follows a child’s meltdown. The storm passes, the house stills, and suddenly the guilt creeps in.  Did I stay calm enough? Did I make it worse? Why can’t I handle this better by now? Let’s stop that downward thought spiral... Your child’s emotions are not a report card on your parenting. Their tears, frustration, or outbursts are signs of growth, not signs of failure. They are testing the edges of safety and learning what to

By: Dr. Deb Zupito In today's world, where emotional intelligence is crucial, it's troubling to see children shamed for expressing their feelings. Recently, I overheard a mother reprimanding her child during a meltdown, saying, "Stop it! Everyone is looking at you." This incident was a wake-up call, prompting a deeper discussion about how we react to children's emotional outbursts. All children, like adults, experience a wide range of emotions. Their meltdowns often reflect o

Dr. Deb Zupito Every child experiences the world through their senses. What they see, hear, touch, taste, and smell shapes how safe and connected they feel. For some children, these sensations can feel too big, too loud, or overwhelming. What looks like challenging behavior is often their nervous system saying, “I need help.” What Are Sensory Sensitivities? Sensory sensitivities happen when a child’s brain and body process information differently. Some children are extra sens