What do Carrie White, Matilda Wormwood, and Gilbert Grape have in common? More than you might think.

In this thought-provoking episode, Clarene explores how children respond to neglect, trauma, and the presence—or absence—of a safe adult. Using the stories of Carrie, Matilda, and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, we take a deep dive into how kids internalize pain, develop resilience, or spiral into crisis depending on the grown-ups around them.

You’ll hear about:

• The striking similarities between Carrie and Matilda—and where their stories split

• The Miss Honey Effect: How one nurturing adult can change the course of a child’s life

• The Miss Trunchbull Problem: What happens when children are ruled by fear

• Real-world signs of trauma in kids—and how educators and caregivers can step in

• Strategies to become a safe, consistent adult in a child’s life

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, caregiver, or anyone who works with children, this episode is a powerful reminder: your presence matters more than you know.

In this episode, Clarene explores the subtle—and sometimes not-so-subtle—ways that race is coded in animated films, and why it matters for young audiences. From the voices behind characters like Donkey in Shrek to the music and behavior of characters in The Lion King, Clarene breaks down how cartoons shape perceptions of race in ways we may not even realize.

Clarene also discusses the important role that media plays in child development and offers practical tips for parents and educators to help children think critically about the media they consume. How can we empower kids to recognize and challenge racial coding in the cartoons they love? Tune in to find out!

Links for this episode:

Disney's Portrayal of Nonhuman Animals in Animated Films Between 2000 and 2010 By Oana Leventi-Perez

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Are affirmations the secret to building confident, resilient, and emotionally intelligent kids? 🤔 In this episode, we explore the real impact of affirmations on child development—beyond the buzz of pop psychology.

✨ Discover:

How affirmations shape self-esteem, emotional regulation, and a growth mindset.

The dos and don’ts of using affirmations with children.

Practical tips and examples to make affirmations meaningful in your everyday routines.

PLUS: Stay tuned for 3 empowering affirmations you can start using right away! 💪

Links for this episode:

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