I grew up in a single-parent household with a very young mom. Finances were tight, and she did the best she could under the circumstances. I was known for being ultra-responsible, and while nothing was ever stated outright, I had a lot of freedom to figure life out on my own. At the time, doing what I wanted, when I wanted, felt normal. Looking back, I realize I was lucky to have a couple of adults who served as sounding boards during those years. Still, I often felt profoundly lonely. I worked hard to appear socially confident and competent, acting like an “adult.” I now believe my mom would have benefited greatly from having peers she could talk to openly while raising her children. These experiences—and my years as a teacher—have made me passionate about helping parents support their children’s social-emotional development. I've had the opportunity to offer new insights to parents after observing and interacting with their kids during the school day. I’ve also raised two children of my own. And despite my experience and the many parents who valued my guidance, nothing could fully prepare me for the challenges of parenting my own kids. Parenting is among the most meaningful accomplishments—and one of the most vulnerable and difficult. If you're feeling unsure about how to help your child feel connected, grounded, and emotionally supported, you're not alone. I’ve been there—personally and professionally. Together, we can explore ways to help your child thrive socially and emotionally.