Harvesting Connection: What Fall Teaches Us About Growth

Dr. Deb Zupito

Every fall, nature gives us a masterclass in patience and perspective. Trees let go of what they no longer need, roots work quietly beneath the surface, and even the pumpkins remind us that growth takes time, care, and sometimes, a little mess.

In classrooms and homes, this season brings its own kind of turning. Schedules settle in (mostly), routines take shape (sort of), and everyone is still adjusting to earlier sunsets and the growing pile of permission slips. For teachers, it is the point in the year when the honeymoon phase fades, and the real work of building trust and rhythm begins. For parents, it is a time when we realize that a new teacher, a new classroom, and new shoes might have all collided with a wave of big emotions. And that is perfectly normal.

Growth in children, just like in nature, is never in a straight line. Some days everything feels golden and effortless, and other days look like a pile of soggy leaves you just raked five minutes ago. The key is remembering that both moments matter. Children need our patience when they are pushing limits, just as much as they need our celebration when they find their rhythm.

In my work with families and educators, I often remind them that progress hides in plain sight. A child who once melted down every morning but now takes a deep breath before asking for help is an example of growth. A student who shares a toy after a week of struggle is also experiencing growth. It is not always quick or headline-worthy, but it is the kind of quiet harvest that sustains connection and confidence.

This season, perhaps the lesson is that we do not grow by rushing the process; we grow by being present in it. Let us celebrate the small wins, laugh at the occasional chaos, and remember that, like the trees, our children and we are learning to let go of what is not needed so something new can bloom.

And if all else fails, pour yourself a pumpkin spice something and remind yourself that you are doing beautifully, even when it is messy.