Heritage Children Services Somerset

01/06/2025

01/06/2025

Care and connection are worth many riches!

Thanks, via Happily Ever Again

01/06/2025

A timely reminder...

Thank you, via The Natural Parent Magazine

01/06/2025

Friendly reminder...it’s not a fair expectation to assume the kids in your classroom had a “good break.”

Try these alternatives instead ⬇️

🍎 How was your winter break?
🍎 Who was excited to come back to school? Why or why not?
(Encourage honest answers—even if kids share what they dislike.)
🍎 If you could plan your perfect school day, what would it look like?

Teachers, keep these in mind:
✅ Avoid public sharing if it might embarrass a student.
✅ Get creative with tools like journals, private notes, or 1:1 check-ins.
✅ Your approach can shape their view on writing, public speaking, and trusting adults!

What would you add? Share your thoughts and tag a fellow educator! 🍎

01/06/2025

01/06/2025

As 2024 ends and 2025 begins, we hope you can find solace in the miles you’ve already walked and hope in the miles you’ll walk in the future.

12/19/2024

It's the time of year where many are counting down... maybe with crosses on the calendar or little sweet treats!

We don't really need an excuse to hone in on connection, but it helps to have some ideas and goals to reach.

Why not make your own connection countdown and enjoy being intentional about connecting with your family and/or children in your care!

12/19/2024

This can also be great modeling...

Thanks, Becoming UnBusy

12/19/2024

A parent's role is often unseen but hugely valuable...

12/19/2024

This smile makes it all worth it. The lack of sleep, the trips back and forth to CPS office to get her to a visit with her mom & dad, the dirty diapers & extra laundry, it’s all worth it. We know she probably won’t be with us long, but we will soak up every moment and know that God chose us to love her and care for her until something changes. And as hard as it is to say this, we pray that it does change. We want each and every kid that comes through our home to be able to go back with their family if their family is safe and appropriate. Even if it means our arms are left empty at the end of that time. But when that time does come, I’ll remember this smile and it’ll all be ok.

Post from a few years back! Love that we still get to see this sweet girl and her mama on FB!

12/19/2024

Learning Compass 💕

12/19/2024

💕

12/19/2024

Nedra Tawwab and repost from BLACK THERAPISTS ROCK ❤️

12/19/2024

REASONS YOUR 3-YEAR-OLD HAS DIFFICULTY SHARING

WHAT PEOPLE THINK:

• Lack of socialisation

People often assume that kids don’t share because they haven’t spent enough time with others. But sharing isn’t just about practice and exposure—it’s about being developmentally ready. Some kids need more time to grasp social norms. And who do kids learn to share from? Older children or adults—people who already know how to share, not other 3-year-olds!

• Lack of discipline

Parents may feel pressured to force sharing, especially in public, but doing so before a child is ready can create negative feelings about sharing. It’s better to guide gently and wait until they’re emotionally prepared—usually after age 4.

• They’re an only child

While siblings provide more opportunities for practicing sharing, being an only child isn’t to blame for a 3-year-old not sharing. Every child develops at their own pace, and the idea that only children are less generous is a misconception.

• They’re rude/selfish

A 3-year-old isn’t "selfish" for not sharing—they’re just figuring out how to balance their own needs with others’. Concepts like fairness and empathy develop later.

• It hasn’t been modelled enough

While seeing adults share is helpful, sharing is a developmental milestone. Kids need to learn emotional regulation and understanding others’ perspectives. Even if it hasn’t been modelled at home, they can still learn with time and guidance.

WHAT’S ACTUALLY HAPPENING:

• They’re 3!

At this age, toddlers are still developing a sense of self and an understanding of others' needs. They’re in the "egocentric phase” of development, meaning they see the world mainly from their own perspective. They may not understand that others have different wants, which can make sharing feel confusing and unnecessary. And if a child shares only because they’ve been told to, that’s not true sharing.

TAKEAWAY:

Sharing is a developmental stage. There are ways to support it, but it largely takes its own course, so let’s not blame parents for not taking enough action (or not having enough children…)