Expert Interview

At Preschool Readers, we know there are a variety of factors that affect a child’s learning process. As a way to remain up to date and informed on best practices, we have an Expert Interviews series. In this series, we interview experts who provide tips/tricks and suggestions for parents of preschoolers. We hope you enjoy our interview with Vanessa Nank, School Psychologist & Educational Consultant.

Name & Job Title: Vanessa Nank, School Psychologist & Educational Consultant

What Services Do You Provide and Whom Do You Serve: I provide individual counseling services to children and adolescents that incorporate both mindfulness and HeartMath techniques. I also provide educational consulting to both schools and parents.

Present Mind was created with the intention to help children and adolescents focus on their well-being. Having worked in the human services field for many years, I’ve witnessed our youth struggle with emotional regulation. As a result, I wanted to focus my practice more on self-love, coping techniques, and solution-focused methods. My hope is to provide our youth with a toolbox of coping skills and a safe space to work on their emotional well-being.

What Is Mindfulness: Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental way. It allows us to take the focus away from the past as well as the future, and bring our attention solely to the present moment. This practice can be beneficial, especially if children are introduced to this concept at a young age. This was the inspiration behind my book, Mindful Me. I wanted to introduce mindfulness to our little ones in a simple way, which they can relate to their everyday lives.

What Are Some Signs We Can Look For To Determine How a Preschooler Is Feeling Mentally and Emotionally: At this age, children are beginning to understand their emotions. We see these emotions reflected through their behaviors. Signs that may indicate your child is struggling may include but are not limited to the following areas: changes in eating and sleep patterns, withdrawal from activities or friends, aggressive behaviors, and or/hyperactivity.

What Are Some Activities Preschoolers Can Participate In, to Better Understand and Process Their Emotions: Your child’s personality is developing and they are beginning to identify their likes and dislikes. You want to help them in their understanding of emotions. Reading stories that focus on emotions can be effective. They can begin to guess what the characters in the book may be feeling. A printable handout with various facial expressions that reflect different emotions and having your child identify each one may also be helpful. Your child can also learn more about emotions through appropriate songs and play. You can also start each day with a check-in so they can begin to express how they are feeling.

How Does Emotional Regulation Affect a Preschooler’s Learning Process: Emotional regulation can affect a preschooler’s learning process and their overall performance in class. As your child gets older they will begin to make connections between emotional outbursts and consequences. In terms of emotional development, they will make significant leaps around the age of 5. The regulation of emotions and controlling emotions will improve over time. This is where teaching your children about emotions, what they look like, and what they feel like will help them in this overall process.

Books You Recommend To Promote Mindfulness and Emotional Health:

And Just For Fun…What Is One Word You Would Use To Describe Yourself As A Preschooler: Curious

How Can Parents Connect With You:
Email: vnank@presentmind.me
Website: www.presentmind.me
Instagram: @presentmindllc
Facebook: @presentmindllc

If we teach our children the value of taking care of their mental and physical well-being, it would be the greatest gift of all, for we would have taught them the most important lesson of all… self-love ~ Vanessa Nank

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