January slows things down

a monthly message from Executive Director Jamila Carter

January has a way of slowing things down. After the holiday rush, many of us are settling back into routine and taking stock of what’s working, what feels hard, and what questions are still lingering. Parenting often lives right in that space.

If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing a parenting decision, you’re not alone. Most of us have had those quiet moments of wondering, “Am I doing this right?” We think about things like whether we waited too long to potty train, how to respond to big feelings, or how to answer the tough questions our children start asking as they make sense of the world.

The truth is, we learn as we go. Just as our children are learning new skills and reaching milestones, we’re learning right alongside them. That learning isn’t neat or linear, and it’s not meant to be done alone. At PIC, we see every day how powerful it is when families and teachers work together—sharing observations, ideas, and support.

Anyone who has tried to soothe an overwhelmed toddler knows this well. Sometimes the work isn’t about fixing the moment quickly, but about slowing down, offering comfort, and staying present until your child feels safe again. Parenting asks a lot of us—patience, flexibility, and plenty of self-compassion—and sometimes it also asks us to pause and consider whether we could use a little more support.

One of the things I hear often from families is that your child’s teachers have helped you feel more confident as a parent. That means so much to us. PIC is a learning community not just for children, but for families and educators too. We’re learning together, every step of the way.

With that in mind, I hope you’ll join us for our next Coffee & Conversation on January 15 at 8:30 a.m. in the A–Z Room, with a representative from Elwyn. Our topic will be Our Child’s Development: When to Ask for Help & What Happens Next. It will be a relaxed, supportive conversation—no pressure or judgment—just a chance to learn together and ask questions.

As we head into the new year, I hope you feel supported and reminded that you don’t have to have all the answers. We’re grateful to be on this journey with you.