Discover why 1st & 2nd graders at one elementary school are teaching adults new breathing techniques and explaining brain science better than most grown-ups.

In this eye-opening episode, 18-year school social workerveteran Meg Palka reveals the surprising truth about when children can start learning resilience skills (spoiler: it's much earlier than most parents think). You'll learn Meg's revolutionary "all feelings are okay" philosophy that eliminates shame around emotions, discover the student-created coping techniques that even Tom hadn't heard of, and find out how first graders used emotional intelligence to solve their own playground problems.

Key strategies covered include hot cocoa breathing, birthdaycake breathing, wall pushing for high-energy kids, and the "Cope Ahead Videos" where students teach other students.

Meg shares practical warning signs to watch for in bothexternalizing and internalizing children, explains why we should stop calling emotions "positive" or "negative," and demonstrates how giving children "space and grace" creates breakthrough moments.

You'll also hear the remarkable story of how a simpleemotional assessment activity led to school-wide recess improvements, proving that when we truly listen to children's emotional experiences, everyone benefits.

Guest Bio

Meg Palka is a school social worker in her 18th year ofsupporting elementary students and is  passionate about helping kids build resilience.

She teaches students to recognize how emotions show up intheir brains and bodies. Her favorite motto to use with her students is, “Feelings come and feelings go and all feelings are okay!” Meg was named one of the 2024 Second Step Educators of the Year, and leads her school's little leaders after school club, which fosters confidence and empowers students to be leaders in their school and community.

She's also served a variety of building and social workcommittees, including her school's character committee and building leadership team. Beyond her professional life, Meg is the proud mom of a spirited 4-year-old and enjoys traveling, exploring nature, and attending live music.

Thank you

Thank you for listening to the Raising Resilient KidsPodcast! We are siblings on a mission to help kids become their strongest selves by sharing proven strategies with parents, teachers, and coaches to build resilient, confident kids who can tackle life's challenges and thrive.

For more information on the podcast, or if you have aquestion you would like answered by one of our expert guests, please visit us at –

https://www.smarthwp.com/raisingresilientkidspodcast.

Thank you to our Sponsors

The So Happy You're Here YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@sohappyyouarehere

and

The Resilient Youth Teach-the-Teacher Program - https://www.smarthwp.com/RY4teachers