How our emotions unite us all: the power of emotions in the classroom-Dr. Housman for the himama Early Childhood Education Blog
All adults and children have and experience emotions. Emotions are universal. Even though we think differently, act differently, look differently, and have different life experiences, we all have the common language of our emotions.”
Emotional Intelligence from Birth-Dr. Housman in Exchange Magazine
What can we do to address this crisis? How can we move the needle and mitigate the impact of this relentless storm? What can we do to help children understand and deal with their emotions, big and small, not just in this moment, but for their whole life? How can we come through this having […]
How Do We Talk to Kids About Scary Times?
Q: Dear Donna, My preschool and elementary school-aged children are becoming increasingly aware of world news, from the media as well as discussions in school. My husband and I are struggling to answer their questions honestly, but we don’t want them to become anxious and afraid that it could affect their safety here. How much is […]
Celebrating Black Voices, Stories, and Experiences During Black History Month and Beyond
It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength. ~Maya Angelou Don’t miss the resource and book list on the bottom of this blog! ⬇️ Why is it important to learn about different types of people? As Black History Month comes to a close, it […]
ASK Dr. Donna-Bedtime Routines and Rituals for a Restful Night’s Sleep for All
Dear Dr. Donna,My son just turned 3 and he struggles to stay in his bed at night. Until he falls asleep, he will run into my room about every 20 minutes with his blanket in tow. I feel that he is just trying to spend time with me since I don’t see him a lot […]
The Covid Generation — Putting Kids on the Path to Well-Being
It’s hard to believe that we are entering the third year of Covid-19. It is also hard to get our heads around the fact that children under five have spent half their lives growing through the stress and uncertainty this relentless storm has wrought. What can we do to make sure that they are on […]
Ask Dr. Donna: The Challenges of a THREEnager
Dear Dr. Donna,
Age-Appropriate Lessons of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In this blog, you will learn some recommendations of what key lessons from Martin Luther King, Jr. to teach to young children, and see a book list of children’s books about MLK, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. What lessons from MLK, Jr. should we teach children? When it comes to young children, teaching involves […]
Emotional Intelligence for Early Childhood Educators-Dr. Housman in Exchange Magazine
Before you can help children deal with their stress, you also must learn how to cope with stress yourself and the feelings that accompany it.”
Ask Dr. Donna: Home for the Holidays- Covid and Anxiety?
Many people will be gathering for the first time in almost two years. This will bring on stress and anxiety for some as they navigate vaccine status, politics and the general strains of gathering family from near and far.
Holidays Are New in the “New Normal”
There’s no sugar-coating it: The holidays are here, and for young children, celebratory gatherings might be a new thing, even with family. It’s a strange time to be a young child… But it’s an even stranger time to be a parent of a young child. Yes, this holiday season is so much better than last year, when […]
Helping Children Understand and Celebrate Differences from a Young Age-Dr. Housman on The PreSchool Podcast
Children are born ready to learn with an insatiable curiosity and sense of wonder, oftentimes we make the assumption that understanding differences is engrained. While they begin to notice and question everything from the start, children have not yet formed their understanding and critical judgment of differences.”
Introducing ASK Dr. Donna
As a clinical child psychologist and early childhood child development specialist, Dr. Donna Housman has spent more than 35 years studying the emotional world of children, training educators and parents, and helping children become the boss of all their emotions starting from birth.
The Hope for Early Childhood Education
The federal debate over “Build Back Better” has everyone who loves and cares for children holding our breath. The huge bill includes a plan for historic investment in child care and early learning, representing a sea change for families, early childhood educators, and the future for every child. The significance of what the impact of […]
Empowering Small Learners
Children are at the center of our world each and every day. They are our axis – we spin around their needs and focus our energy on what is best for their education, development, sense of security, and well-being. We work to ensure they are safe, fed, supported, learning, and healthy. But are we doing […]
Helping Kids Catch Kindness
There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” ~Mr. Rogers Research tells us that acts of kindness release hormones that contribute to your mood and well-being. When you perform an act of kindness, you are not […]