Today I’m chatting with Finn Menzies, former early childhood educator turned family coach. We discuss how vital it is to shift from traditional teacher performance to authentic and real connections with caregivers. Discover the pivotal roles that play, trust, and open communication play in creating a more authentic educational experience for children and families.  Key Takeaways: Balancing Playfulness and Boundaries: Kristen and Finn share about the challenge of balancing playfulness and setting boundaries in parenting. Finn shares personal experiences, including playful interactions, while still maintaining a sense of boundaries.  Embracing Contradictions and Vulnerability: Finn and Kristen stress the significance of embracing contradictions and vulnerabilities in parenting. They acknowledge that parents are human and make mistakes, and it's essential to model authenticity for children, allowing them to witness the full spectrum of human emotions and behaviors. Permission to Be Human: Give both adults and children permission to be human. Finn and Kristen express the need for more affirmative messages and fewer arbitrary "no's," fostering an environment that encourages personal growth and self-expression. Connective Communication: Kristen and Finn chat about the power of acknowledging and addressing vulnerabilities, sharing personal stories, and creating an open dialogue with children. Get some tips on how to build genuine connections in parent-child relationships. Do you tend to struggle trying to truly be yourself with the families of the children in your care… this episode is for you! Kristen and Finn share their insights and tips for fostering those meaningful connections inside and outside the early childhood space.   Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com Find Finn here: @finn.menzies or Schedule consult here