Why Formative Years Matter - The Founder's Introduction

In this blog, I want to introduce myself and explain Why I Became a Parenting Consultant

From the time I can remember, I’ve always wanted to work with young children.

Growing up in a large family of seven children, I’m the second youngest. Much of my upbringing and mentorship came from my older sister. The care and attention she gave me made one thing very clear: having a nurturing, supportive adult in a young child’s life is essential.

While many studies support this fact, I had the privilege of experiencing it firsthand—and I knew early on that I wanted to be that adult for others.

I’m a seasoned Early Childhood Educator with 19 years of hands-on experience working with a wide range of families and children. In addition to my work in the field, I’m also a professor of Early Childhood Education.

Over the years, one key takeaway has stood out: early development of coping skills, self-regulation, and resilience is vital. These foundational skills become more difficult to develop with age, and many of the challenges young adults face today—whether with self-control, stress, or perseverance—can often be traced back to early childhood. This is why fostering self-regulation in those early years is so important for long-term resilience and emotional well-being.

This belief inspired me to create “Formative Years: Unlocking Parent Potential.”

My mission is to support parents as they navigate the everyday challenges of raising children. I want to help families foster the resilience and self-regulation their children need to thrive—not just in childhood, but throughout life.

Parenting is one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys anyone can embark on. With the constant demands of modern life, it can feel overwhelming to find the right strategies to support your child’s growth. That’s where I come in.

Through Formative Years, I provide practical tools and insights that empower parents to nurture emotional intelligence, confidence, and coping skills in their children. It’s about building a strong foundation in the early years so that children are well-equipped to face life’s ups and downs with confidence.

A cornerstone of my approach is recognizing that every child—and every family—is unique. I believe in tailoring strategies to fit each child’s temperament and each family’s dynamic. Whether it’s creating consistent routines, fostering open communication, or setting effective and loving boundaries, I work with parents to find the strategies that best suit their needs and values.

In conclusion, the journey of parenting is filled with both joys and challenges. My goal with Formative Years is to walk alongside you, offering guidance that helps you unlock your child’s potential—and your own.

By understanding and addressing the individual needs of each family, we can create a nurturing environment where emotional growth and resilience flourish. Together, we can build a solid foundation during those formative years, ensuring that children are not only prepared to face life’s challenges but also confident in their ability to overcome them.

Let’s embark on this journey together—unlocking the potential within every parent and every child for a brighter future.

If you would like to work with me, please reach me at freshteh@formativeyears.ca for your free 15 minutes meet and greet.