Merriam-Webster defines warm fuzzies as, “feelings of happiness, contentment, or sentimentality.” Honestly, it’s a phrase I use an obnoxious amount… at least according to my children. I gave out warm fuzzies to students in the classroom frequently when I caught a student going out of their way to be kind, help a friend, help and adult, etc. The warm fuzzies were simply pom poms with eyes. Sometimes they didn’t even have eyes. The warm fuzzies were simply a tangible reminder to do good recklessly. When I left the classroom to work in a non-traditional education setting, I continued to use warm fuzzies. I used them with students, teachers, professional development groups, and even with strangers caught “in the wild” doing good deeds.

Sometimes I think I obsess over warm fuzzies because I need them more than anyone. Seeking to provide others with warm fuzzies is my own warm fuzzy. I have experienced anxiety and depression as long as I can remember. I have also been confused as to why mental health isn’t an openly discussed topic in our society. It makes no sense. The ignoring of basic mental health and social-emotional truths does the world a great disservice. This train of thought is what led me to writing children’s books. The “I Love Someone” series is designed to tackle difficult topics openly, honestly, and appropriately with children. Topics, such as depression, lose the power to be shameful when we discuss them. There is really no topic we have to avoid discussing with children. We simply must learn to be honest in developmentally appropriate ways. When we are open with our children, we provide the opportunity for them to be open with us.

I am a perpetual optimist. Mister Rogers is my hero. No, really. I have taken the lessons learned from Mister Rogers and Sesame Street and actively based my educational (and life) philosophies around those warm fuzzy feelings of love and acceptance.

I live in a house of neurodiverse people. Both of my children and my husband are autistic. They all three deal with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. These three people have taught me more about education, love, acceptance, and advocacy than any text book could hope to. In our home, we believe that everyone should be loved for who they are, good, bad, ugly, and undoubtedly beautiful and unique! If you feel that “weird” is a compliment, you’ll fit right in!

This space will be used to share articles about social-emotional development, social stories, random pondering, and practical advice on how to chase your own warm fuzzies. I am so glad you are here to share this journey and I cannot wait to see what comes next!