04/03/2025
Tonight, my mind has been racing as I process recent events that hit close to home, a place I taught and lived in for 6 years in Frisco. As a therapist, moments like these remind me of the critical role emotional development plays in shaping our communities.
Empathy, kindness, and emotional regulation are not innate—they are learned. Children develop these skills through consistent modeling, guidance, and opportunities to practice. When we teach children to understand their emotions, manage them effectively, and consider the feelings of others, we are helping build a foundation for healthier relationships and a more compassionate world.
So, how do we do this? We start by validating emotions rather than dismissing them. We teach problem-solving rather than punishment. We model respectful communication and perspective-taking in everyday interactions. Small, intentional efforts in homes, schools, and communities can have a profound impact.
Change doesn’t happen all at once, but it begins with how we support the next generation in developing the emotional tools they need to navigate life with kindness and resilience.
So tonight, I’m reflecting, learning, and recommitting to what I can control—raising my children and helping my clients to be people whom meets the world with understanding, resilience, and heart.
