Pushing our Buttons- What’s Really Going On
We believe that all parents are doing their best. But even the most patient, well informed parents are struggling. Not all of us have advanced degrees in child development and decades worth of experience to draw from during these challenging times when we are spending all our time together. Join Christyn as she interviews two of her mentors to discuss:
What are some of the ways that this crisis is affecting our children? (Both positive and negative)
What’s really going on when it feels like our little ones are “pushing our buttons” and how can we shift that perspective?
What are some techniques we can use to diffuse big feelings and energy in a positive way?
About Dr. Paula Gopin, Ed.D, and Suzi Fuld, M.Ed.
Founders of Pop Up Parenting
Suzi Fuld, M.Ed.
I always wanted to be a teacher. As a child my favorite game was playing school and because I was the oldest, I was always the teacher! When I received a B.S. in both Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Syracuse University, I was ready to get to work! After teaching kindergarten in New York City, I took a one-year leave-of-absence to get a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Development at Tufts University. And just like “Charlie on the MBTA,” I never returned (to New York, that is).
In addition to teaching for over 30 years, I have led parent and teacher workshops, consulted to schools and special needs programs on curriculum development and teacher supervision. I was also the founding director of a day camp. I have worked in educational publishing; editing, creating curricula, and training teachers. As a volunteer I have also been involved in inclusion advocacy.
Teachers have two constituencies: both the children in their care and their parents. Working with children is challenging, exhilarating, and fun. I have learned much from parents. It has been most rewarding to help parents understand and address their child’s developmental, educational, and behavioral needs, and how best to meet them.
Dr. Paula Gopin, Ed.D
I graduated Boston University with a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education. When I became a parent, I realized that early education really begins at birth and decided to return to school. I earned an M.A. in Infant, Toddler Behavior and Development from Wheelock College.
While parenting four children, presenting workshops, teaching young children and college courses, I continued my graduate studies as a Teaching Fellow in B.U.’s Human Development doctoral program. It took a “few” years, but I did it!
When I was looking for a peer group for my third child, the idea for Creative Playtime was hatched and I created a toddler enrichment program. As a full-time adjunct professor on the faculty of Mt. Ida College I taught courses in Human Development, Curriculum Design, and Issues in Contemporary Parenting. In addition, I supervised student teachers there and at Wheelock College.
Of course, after 36 years, Creative Playtime will always be my heart and soul. My decision to close was a difficult, but timely one. I am excited for this new beginning. Over the decades, I have been fortunate to be able to form and maintain relationships with many families from Creative Playtime. I am looking forward to meeting new families as we begin our new adventure - POP UP PARENTING!