Big Feelings, Developing Minds.
Big Feelings, Developing Minds: Helping Preschoolers Build the Skills to Regulate, Recover and Grow Featuring insights from Pediatric Occupational Therapist Kara Mihelich of Fountain Pediatrics A three-year-old who melts down because the blue cup is unavailable is not necessarily being unreasonable. A four-year-old who grabs, shouts, cries, or struggles to wait their turn is not necessarily being defiant. They are developing. During the preschool years, children experience emotions with an intensity that can far exceed their ability to manage them. According to Kara Mihelich of Fountain Pediatrics, understanding what is happening developmentally can change the way adults respond. At three and four years old, the areas of the brain responsible for executive functioning, including inhibition, planning, and impulse control, are still developing. The frontal lobe simply cannot provide the level of control adults sometimes expect from young children. That means one of our jobs is not to demand that children stop having big feelings. It is to gradually give them the language, experiences, and tools they need to move through them. First, Name What Is Happening Emotional development begins with recognition. Happy. Sad. Angry. Frustrated. Excited. Nervous. Disappointed. Children benefit from repeatedly hearing emotions named and seeing what those emotions look like on faces. Picture cards, books, mirrors, and everyday conversation can all help children begin connecting an internal sensation with a word. Instead of immediately saying, “You’re okay,” when a child is crying, an adult might get down to the child’s eye level and say: “I can see that you’re really disappointed.” That small shift matters. The goal is not to convince a child that the feeling should disappear. It is to communicate: I see what you are feeling, and I can help you through it. Validation does not mean giving a child everything they want. A boundary can…
Welcome to The Manorcrest Journal
Welcome to The Manorcrest Preparatory School A place for curious parents, joyful childhoods, and lifelong learning If you’ve found your way here, welcome! Whether you’re exploring schools for the first time, preparing your child for preschool, or simply looking for thoughtful parenting resources, we’re so glad you’re here. At Manorcrest Preparatory School, we believe education begins long before children learn to read, write, or count. It begins with wonder. With belonging. With the confidence to ask questions, take healthy risks, and discover the world with joy. The Manorcrest Journal was created as an extension of that philosophy. While our classrooms are designed for children, this space was designed for families. Here, you’ll find more than school updates. You’ll discover practical parenting advice, expert insights on child development, educational resources, recommended books, learning activities, family routines, printable tools, conversation starters, and research-backed guidance to help support your child’s growth both at home and in the classroom. Whether you’re looking for ideas to encourage independence, strengthen early literacy, navigate developmental milestones, or make everyday moments more meaningful, our goal is to provide resources you can return to again and again. More Than a School Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family makes. It’s about far more than curriculum or classroom sizes. It’s about finding a community that sees your child as an individual, nurtures their unique strengths, and partners with your family every step of the way. That partnership is something we value deeply. We believe parents and educators accomplish the most when they’re learning together. What You’ll Find Here The Manorcrest Journal is designed to be a trusted resource for families, featuring: Parenting Resources with practical strategies you can apply at home. Early Childhood Education articles grounded in developmental research and best practices. Learning Tools &…