February 2026 - Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Preschool Transitions Through a Somatic Lens

Tovah Petra Kolodinski — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 07:44:15 +0000

As families look ahead, conversations about preschool often surface—how to choose one, prepare, and support children through this big transition. For many, preschool is a child’s first step into a wider world beyond home. While exciting, it can also stir big feelings for children and parents alike. From a nervous-system perspective, preschool is less about academics and more about emotional safety, regulation, and connection. As a somatic practitioner and parent, I see preschool transitions as an opportunity to gently support a child’s developing nervous system. Somatic approaches focus on the body as the foundation for emotional regulation and resilience. Young children experience emotions primarily through their bodies—tight bellies, wiggly limbs, shallow breathing—long before they have words. Supporting their bodies supports their minds. In my family, both children attended a nature-based preschool in Santa Cruz. Like many local programs, their days were spent outdoors—climbing, swinging, digging, observing insects, singing under the redwoods, grounding barefoot in the grass, cooking imaginary meals in the mud kitchen, and building dams after a rain. The natural environment itself became a regulating force. Fresh air, open space, and unstructured play offered a softness to the transition that supported their nervous systems. While nature-based programs aren’t the right fit for every family, Santa Cruz offers many options emphasizing movement, sensory exploration, and connection to nature. Separation anxiety is common when starting preschool. It is a healthy expression of attachment, not a problem. From a somatic lens, separation anxiety shows up as a stress response: children may cry, cling, freeze, or resist transitions. Rather than rushing to “fix” these behaviors, slowing down and offering regulation helps. A simple practice parents can use is co-regulation through breath and presence. Before drop-off, take a few slow breaths together. Place a gentle hand on your child’s chest, back, or belly and invite them to feel your warmth. You might say, “Let’s take three slow breaths together before we say goodbye.” This signals safety to the nervous system. Predictable routines also support children. Young children feel safer when they know what to expect. Creating a consistent goodbye ritual—special hug, repeating a phrase, waving from the same spot, or offering a small trinket they can keep in their pocket or cubby—can ease anxiety. Consistency and confidence are key; children sense when we are unsure, and our nervous systems communicate this. Emotional resilience in early childhood is about learning that feelings move through us and that support is available. When a child struggles after preschool—meltdowns, exhaustion, withdrawal—it often means their system is processing stimulation. Some children mask emotions during the day and release once back with a caregiver. Offering downtime, physical closeness, and unstructured play helps restore balance.Body-based tools at home support resilience. Stretching, shaking out arms and legs, or lying on the floor with a pillow on the belly can help children discharge stress. I used to have many impromptu dance parties with my kids—often involving questionable dance moves and loud music chosen by them. Turning these into playful moments—“Let’s shake like dogs after they’ve been in water” or “Let’s be starfish on the ground”—keeps the practices developmentally appropriate and engaging. Social skills also grow during preschool. From a somatic perspective, social learning begins with felt safety. Children who feel regulated are more available for connection, sharing, and cooperation. Rather than focusing solely on manners or problem-solving scripts, we can support social development by helping children notice their internal cues. Dr. Mona Delahooke, whose work has deeply influenced my own and many trauma-informed approaches, emphasizes that behavior is a form of communication. When a child hits, withdraws, or struggles socially, their body may be in a state of overwhelm. Supporting regulation—through movement, sensory input, and connection—often leads to more organic engagement. Parents can model this by naming body sensations and emotions in everyday moments. Part of building a child’s self-esteem is teaching self-advocacy—helping them notice needs, name feelings, and ask for support when something doesn’t feel right. For example, “It looks like your body feels tight right now. Do you want to stomp your feet or take a big breath?” This helps children respond rather than react. Choosing a preschool that aligns with your child’s temperament matters. Some thrive in busy, social environments; others prefer smaller, slower-paced settings. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and children are best supported when their individual nervous system needs are respected. It is also important to acknowledge parents. Starting preschool can activate emotions—grief, relief, anxiety, pride. Children often mirror what we haven’t processed ourselves. Offering yourself compassion and regulation is not selfish; it is foundational. When we tend to our own nervous systems, we show children that transitions can be met with care and resilience. Preschool is not just preparation for kindergarten; it is preparation for relationship, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. Approaching this milestone through a somatic lens shifts focus from readiness and performance to safety, connection, and trust. In doing so, we lay a foundation that supports children not only as students, but as their most authentic selves.

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Pet of the Month: Lola

growingupsc — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 07:20:05 +0000

Meet Lola the 8-month-old female English Spot rabbit. She came to the Shelter by no fault of her own – her prior guardians needed to find a home as they were moving to non-pet friendly housing. Lola has lived with children in her previous home. She would hang out in her enclosure inside the house when not supervised and was free roaming when her guardians were home. Staff and volunteers have observed that Lola has been curious and social since her arrival. Come in and meet this sweet girl. Visit our website at scanimalshelter.org for more information.

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What Does the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Do?

growingupsc — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 04:57:35 +0000

What does the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter do? Discover its wide range of services, from pet adoptions and medical care to animal control and community clinics.

The post What Does the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Do? first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Layered Looks That Refuse to Fade With Winter

Malia Fort — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:14:18 +0000

Discover how to master the awkward transition from winter to spring with creative layered looks from three fashion-forward individuals in Santa Cruz.

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Best Exercises for Your Pregnancy Core

Monica Menard — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:09:50 +0000

Discover safe and effective core exercises for every stage of pregnancy, including 360 breathing and alignment tips from specialist Monica Menard.

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Showing Love in Many Languages

Yesenia Gomez-Carrillo — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 04:46:07 +0000

Learning about “love languages”, a concept that Dr. Gary Chapman wrote about in his book, “The 5 Love Languages”, opened my eyes to all the different ways one can express themselves. Dr. Chapman believes everyone expresses and experiences love in the same five ways – physical touch, gifts, words of affirmation, acts of service, and quality time – but each person has a primary language that is most meaningful to them. Relationships are more likely to thrive when people show their love in the language that the other person prefers – even if it’s different from their own primary love language. As I learned my own love languages, when I met my husband, it was easy to introduce this concept to him as well, which helped our relationship with each other. It made it easier to understand one another and speak to each other in a way that honored our love languages. Now, with our daughter, we ensure we use all love languages and gauge to see which one she responds to or prefers. It is neat to see how our love languages make her feel seen and safe, and how she expresses her love to us. One that is special to all of us is quality time. As a family, we make sure we create those small moments of connection with one another throughout the day. Love languages are true in romantic relationships, as well as relationships between parents/caregivers and their children and teens. The primary love language of children and teens may change as they grow, so it helps to learn how to “speak” each language and be ready to show your love in multiple ways. I am excited to learn more about my daughter’s love languages as she gets older. Here are some ideas for speaking the love language of your children (and try them with your partner and other important people in your life!): Physical Touch – This is also a Triple P parenting strategy for building strong relationships. Show your love through physical touch and affection, including hugs, back rubs, holding hands, snuggles, high fives, tickling, or even wrestling. Receiving Gifts – If this is someone’s primary love language, it doesn’t mean they are shallow or materialistic. Instead, they assign special meaning to physical items they receive from someone they care about. The actual gift could be a note, a flower, a star or sticker on a chore chart – i.e. it doesn’t have to be an expensive present. Likewise, if this is your child’s love language, then it will mean a lot when you show appreciation for the gifts they give to you – a drawing, a school art project, or a rock or shell they found on their walk with you, for example. Words of Appreciation – For some people, hearing praise, positive feedback, supportive words, encouragement, and acknowledgement feeds their soul. It reminds them they are seen and valued and both their efforts and accomplishments are noticed. Try leaving notes in surprise places (on their pillow, on a computer or notebook), sending texts, giving praise and encouragement, or letting them overhear you tell someone else (even your family pet or child’s favorite stuffed animal) how much you love and appreciate them. Acts of Service – This doesn’t mean doing everything for your kids (or partner) whenever they want something. Instead, speak this love language through thoughtful gestures, like making their favorite food for dinner, helping them with a difficult homework assignment, or occasionally doing one of their chores for them when you know they’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Quality Time – This is also one of the most effective Triple P strategies for building strong relationships. In Triple P, quality time can be brief and frequent – it doesn’t always require dedicating hours to doing an activity together, which often feels impossible and unrealistic. The most important thing to do is to stop what you’re doing and give your full attention when your child or teen wants to talk or show you something. This shows you care about their needs, opinions, and interests – and that you’re available when they need you. Final Thoughts: Think about which love languages mean the most to you and other people in your family. Express your love for them in their preferred love language – even if it feels unnatural or unnecessary to you. Being willing to learn and “speak” someone else’s love language is part of showing you care. And if your family needs help speaking your love language, give them some ideas – “I really love it when you leave me little notes – it makes me feel good to know you’re thinking about me” – until they become fluent in your love language!

The post Showing Love in Many Languages first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Let the Message of Love Get Through

Colleen Murphy — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 04:10:21 +0000

Discover how positive discipline can help your child feel truly loved, focusing on connection, empathy, and effective communication strategies for every stage.

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Growing Up Curious: The Mystery at Macy’s

growingupsc — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:48:42 +0000

Discover the secret history behind the 'Walk of Fame' handprints at the Capitola Mall Macy's and learn how 'quiet artifacts' can spark curiosity in children.

The post Growing Up Curious: The Mystery at Macy’s first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

What is Your Favorite Thing About Visiting the Mall?

growingupsc — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:44:42 +0000

Local kids share their favorite reasons to visit the mall, from getting ear piercings at Claire's to enjoying cinnamon pretzels at Wetzels.

The post What is Your Favorite Thing About Visiting the Mall? first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Healthy Smiles for Every Age From First Tooth to Graduation

growingupsc — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:43:23 +0000

February is Children's Dental Health Month. Learn how to maintain healthy smiles for your children from their first tooth through high school graduation.

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