The Heartfelt Way

Learn how children build confidence through independence, risk and real experiences with Morgan Chartier. It’s natural to want to shield our children from risk.  But that’s where growth happens. In this episode, I sit down with Morgan Chartier to talk about the tension so many parents and educators feel between keeping children safe and allowing them to grow. We explore how independence, risk and real-world problem solving shape confident, capable learners. Toddlers are so capable. They can wash their hands, hang their jackets up when they get to school and put toys away. Morgan stresses that we adults shouldn’t do for children what they can do for themselves. [00:14:21] “A lot of times I feel like we as parents want to cradle them so they don't fall and hurt themselves.” Morgan shares how climbing, navigating conflict, trying and failing build resilience over time. She urges parents to shift from “How do I keep this from happening?” to “Is this a safe risk or a true hazard?” I share some of my thoughts, too. [00:40:49] “Your child doesn't need to do more. They need you to do less, on purpose.” There's something so powerful about watching a child do something the first time, and not because we taught them, but because we trusted them.

What happens when we truly see people? This episode explores belonging, inclusion, and the power of being known with Jessica Loxley-Smith. Amazing things happen when we truly see people — when we believe in them first instead focusing on their limitations. In this episode, Rhonda Meyers sits down with Jessica Loxley-Smith, a cook assistant and classroom aide at Heartfelt Impressions, whose story is about perseverance, belonging, and what is possible when someone is given the right environment to grow. Jessica shares her journey navigating workplaces where she felt misunderstood because of her autism.  [00:05:32] I have a little disability. I'm just a little different, but not too different. I'm still like you guys, but I just have these challenges.  Jessica’s found that Heartfelt’s scaffolded approach to learning — her detailed schedule, regular progress check-ins, clear expectations and supports — and the friendships she’s made at work have transformed her confidence and sense of purpose, allowing her giving personality to shine. [00:09:25] “I feel like I’m loved and I feel like this is a job for me 'cause they wanna know that they care about me and that if I have anything to say they can listen.” When leaders create spaces where people are known, supported and given the opportunity to contribute, they unlock potential that might otherwise be overlooked. Jessica’s story challenges us to lead with belief, extend patience and create environments where every person feels they belong.

How educators can recognize triggers, respond with intention, and stay grounded during challenging behavior. Challenging behavior doesn’t just test strategies. It tests us.  Rhonda Meyers and Beth Pierson-Ringer, a HighScope curriculum expert and ECE Subhub co-owner, explore the deeply human side of teaching—what happens when a child’s behavior pushes you to your limit. Even experienced educators are not immune to emotional responses. Beth shares a powerful moment from the classroom that surfaced one of her biggest personal triggers.  [00:03:14] “Early on I probably would've got really loud [and] put the kid in a timeout. . . . I know [now] that a lot of challenging behaviors with consistent support can be overcome.” Together, they unpack what it means to recognize those triggers without shame, respond as adults and help children “repair” after bad behavior. The conversation also touches on schools’ responsibility to support early childhood teachers when big behaviors happen. [00:30:44] “It is so important that you create a culture, not of perfection, but permission. If a teacher calls us and says, ‘I need help’ [and] we measure their need for help by our barometer, we are doing them such a disservice.” Every challenging behavior that you navigate is building something in you. If you’re a teacher or parent whose patience or resilience is being tested, you are not alone. You are still the adult that the child needs. Mentioned Resources: Center for Pyramid Model Innovations: Addressing Challenging Behavior conference Center on Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) Center on Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) “Unpacking the Pyramid Model” by Dr. Mary Louise Hemmeter Pyramid Model Practice social stories Jennifer Champagne’s LinkedIn Center on the Developing Child at Harvard Michigan Alliance for Families Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children annual conference 

Simple, playful activities that build fine motor skills—and confidence—in young children. Sometimes the most powerful learning starts with the simplest moments. In this episode, Rhonda Meyers reflects on the everyday realities of parenting and teaching and how small, creative moments can make a lasting difference in a child’s development. From a simple shaving cream “mom hack” to hands-on classroom activities, she reminds us that learning doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. The episode centers on fine motor development, the small muscles in children’s hands that support writing, independence and confidence. But as Rhonda explains, those skills don’t begin with worksheets or pencils. They begin with movement, exploration and play. [00:01:30] “It doesn’t start with pencils and pens and worksheets. It starts with the tiny muscles in those little hands getting stronger through play.” Through five simple, accessible activities—from sponge squeezing to pasta threading—Rhonda offers practical ways parents and educators can support children using materials they likely already have at home or in the classroom. When adults join children in playful exploration, something deeper happens. Confidence grows, curiosity expands and children begin to see themselves as capable. Because when we nurture little hands, we’re nurturing so much more.

Rhonda reflects on impact, resilience and the lasting influence of her friend, Dr. Crystal Sanford-Brown. Sometimes the moments that shape us most are the ones we don’t fully recognize until years later. In this episode, Rhonda Meyers reflects on the ripple effect of influence in early childhood education. Fresh from the energy of the Michigan AEYC conference, she shares how simple moments—a hallway conversation, a listener sharing their story, or a word of encouragement—can remind us that our impact often travels further than we ever see. This episode is also a tribute to Dr. Crystal Sanford-Brown, a beloved friend and advocate in the field who dedicated her life to protecting and uplifting early childhood education. Through stories of their friendship, Rhonda reflects on the courage it takes to share our truth, the strength found in faith, and the lasting influence we have on one another. [00:03:13] “Impact doesn't always come from a big stage. Sometimes impact comes from a conversation in the hallway, a moment that someone believed in you.” Through stories of friendship, mentorship and resilience, Rhonda reflects on how a single message—I am enough—became a turning point in Crystal’s life and a reminder of the unseen ways our words and actions shape others. [00:05:58] “Resilience is not pretending something didn’t happen. It’s choosing not to let it define the rest of your story.” Whether you’re an educator, a leader or someone showing up each day to support others: never underestimate the ripple effect of your presence. The way we lead, speak and care for one another creates impact far beyond what we may ever see. Sometimes the most meaningful legacy is simply showing up with heart.