Hello! My name is Jenn Kirksey! I’ve worked with children and parents for over 10 years as an educator, teacher mentor, and education coordinator. During my time in these positions, I have come to understand what unique experiences each family faces, many struggling with connection to their children. When I look closely, I see a pattern. Families and parents often focus on the behavior children and struggle to see the bigger picture.
I, too, fell into that trap. I would see behaviors that did not fit the ideas of how I thought children “should” be and would spend hours making plans on how to change the behavior.
After extensively seeking out answers, I realized that it was not about the behavior. It was about the relationship with the child. Was the child feeling seen, heard and understood? Was I being a safe adult where children could find their full expression?
Many times I was not. But, after taking a hard look at how I was parented and my mindset around children, I started to shift my focus to the relationships with the children. I started to allow children to be who they were always meant to be. And I saw behaviors fade into the background and children begin to thrive in the classroom. I have since worked with teachers and parents to get the same to happen within their classrooms and households.
My background in trauma-informed care, developmentally appropriate practices, understanding the whole child, brain and nervous system science and more will help me to empower you to have the relationship you have always been seeking with your child. And it all begins with your first step! You can do this!
Gallery
