Let’s be real. Working in child care isn’t always calm and cute. Some days, it feels like everything is coming at you—behaviors that push your buttons, unclear expectations, kids bouncing off the walls after playground time, and a classroom that feels more reactive than responsive.
I’ve been there.
But a couple years ago, something shifted for me and the teachers I work with. We introduced a simple 20-minute reflection practice once a month. And it transformed how we teach, how we problem-solve, and how we support each other.
No fluff. No guilt. Just a better way to figure out what’s working, what’s not, and how to move forward—together.
Here’s How It Works
Each month, we take 20 minutes as a classroom team to answer three questions:
- What’s working well?
- What challenges are we facing?
- What support do we need?
That’s it.
We don’t overthink it or make it complicated. We just talk—honestly.
At first, some of us weren’t sure it would help. But little by little, we started noticing patterns that had been hiding in plain sight. We had real conversations (the kind where no one gets judged), and we found real solutions.
Two Big Wins That Came from This
1. We stopped blaming and started problem-solving.
In our toddler classroom, transitions after outdoor time were chaotic. Once we reflected together, we realized the kids were overstimulated. So we made a few changes—a quiet corner with books and a soft light, a snack to refuel, and a slower transition. Boom. Chaos turned into calm.
2. We learned from each other, not just the “experts.”
We started bringing our reflections into staff meetings. One teacher would say, “We’re struggling with this,” and another would share what’s working in their room. It wasn’t about being perfect. It was about being helpful. And supportive. And a team.
But I Don’t Have Time for That…
Totally get it. Our days are full. But here’s the truth: the 20 minutes we “lost” in reflection saved us hours of stress, repeat conversations, and behavior meltdowns.
We’ve seen teachers gain confidence, try new ideas, and even step into leadership roles because they finally had a space to reflect, grow, and be supported.
You Can Try This Too
Whether you’ve been teaching forever or just started last week, reflection isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing better with what you’ve already got.
So grab a teammate, find 20 quiet minutes, and try answering those three questions. You might be surprised at what you uncover—and how good it feels to be heard.