Has someone ever told you to calm down?

It's one of the most aggravating statements ever.

Recently, I was having a conversation with my husband, Mayer, and things were getting a little heated. Before things got out of hand, I wanted to regulate myself so I could operate from a more level mindset. 

Instead of giving me the space to work through my emotions, Mayer decided it would be helpful in that moment to say "Calm down. It's not a big deal."

When in the history of the world has it ever been helpful to tell someone to calm down?

So I responded snarkily, "Okay, get taller. Just grow 5 more inches. It's not a big deal."

Predictably, Mayer was confused. Of course, he couldn't do what I was asking.

But here's the thing—neither could I!

In the same way that Mayer couldn't grow 5 inches in a matter of seconds, I couldn't regulate myself at that very moment. 

Emotional regulation is a process that takes time.

Why am I telling you this?

Because the next time you see your staff on the receiving end of an upset parent's rampage, I want you to think twice before you tell them not to take it personally.

The parenting landscape has changed drastically over the last several years, and your teachers deserve more than being told to calm down when dealing with the modern challenges of parent partnerships.

They need you to step up and create an environment where they feel supported and empowered to foster meaningful relationships with parents in this new climate.

This week's podcast episode is the second in a four-part series that breaks down the 2024 forecast for early childhood education. It centers on the shifting landscape of parent partnerships and what to consider as we move into the new year.

Join me for a conversation about:

• How parent partnerships have evolved, especially since the pandemic
• The impact of modern relationships on mental health
• How the shifting landscape is impacting teachers and turnover
• The key areas you should focus on as a leader in 2024

Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  

If you enjoy this episode and are looking for a space to continue exploring the next era of school leadership, consider applying for our Owner's HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you'll gain access to tools, resources, coaching, and community that will help you as you work toward building a school of excellence.

Or, help your leadership team prepare for today's modern challenges with a Leadership Day Intensive. You'll get a full day of on-demand, in-school training with me, plus various accountability check-ins, to help you and your team work through obstacles and build a stronger, healthier center. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/leadership/

More about the show:

If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life. 

Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.