Description

Kris couldn’t think of a better time to bring in the wonderful Dr. Nefertiti Poyner, to talk about resilience and the right protective factors that will serve us through the storms of life. In this episode, Dr. Poyner shares her unique insights for staying resilient in times of crisis and stress, how we can let go of toxic people and patterns in our lives, and advice for directors and leaders to get through the pandemic with a little more grace and sanity.

Key Takeaways:

[12:20] Dr. Poyner always wanted to be a teacher and had great role models in her family and throughout her own upbringing. She loved teaching but could have used the knowledge she knows now about socio-emotional health and why some children struggle with balance.

[14:30] The Devereux Center for Resilient Children provides assessments and reports for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. They also lead workshops and programs for helping adults learn how to fill their own cup, so they show up in the world with more empathy and compassion for others.

[27:16] There is strength in asking for help.

[29:13] Fun Fact: Dr. Poyner loves the Golden Girls and definitely would be a Sophia.

[30:21] Having empathy for your team doesn’t mean you always have to agree with them. It means you are walking in their shoes because you would want them to do the same.

[32:56] Teachers still have to prove all the time that they work hard and that their job and industry should be taken just as seriously as any other profession.

[36:44] Protective factors don’t make challenging times go away, but they do buffer our experience. Examples of protective factors include:

1. The Umbrella — one or two close friends that protect us through the rainy days of life.
2. A Sense of Internal Belief About Ourselves — when we like the person we see in the mirror, we are more resilient.
3. Protective Self-Control — we can learn to be vulnerable about our emotional ups and downs, and see that others won’t judge us or think of us as weak.

Quotes:

• “If you do have to do virtual learning, keep it interesting.” — Nefertiti
• “Nobody can make you feel any way. You allow that to happen.” — Nefertiti
• “It takes a healthy village to raise a healthy child.” — Nefertiti
• “Give yourself permission to waste a little bit of time.” — Nefertiti

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

The Child Care Success Company

Child Care Success Academy

Child Care Success Summit — offering $1 ticket

Grow Your Center

Devereux Center for Resilient Children

Nataly Kogan

Gretchen Rubin