Spring is here—flowers are blooming, bunnies are hopping, and everything around us is waking up.
But what about what’s happening inside?
Inside our kids’ minds, where their thoughts whisper, repeat, and sometimes shout things like “I’m not good enough,” or “Why even try?”
These quiet thoughts shape big feelings—and big behaviors.
That’s why this week, I’m inviting you into a softer space—where we help our kids hear the voice that helps them grow.
Last week, Adam shared how passion starts in the mind—not just the brain—and here’s where the science gets magical.
Dr. Caroline Leaf teaches that our thoughts grow in the brain like actual trees. Each one built from our experiences, with roots and branches (aka dendrites) that store what we’ve been through and how we’ve felt. The stronger the emotion, the faster it moves from the nonconscious to the subconscious—especially if it’s a thought that’s trying to protect us.
Source: Clint Pulver's YouTube Channel
That’s why the Victim and Villain voices so often speak up first—they’re trying to keep us safe from risk, even if it holds us back. But with the right awareness and practice, kids can learn to pause... and give the Hero voice a chance to lead.
Ready to grow some good trees? Let’s go. 🌳✨
Switch the Channel: Tuning Into the Right Voice
Many believe that kids need to feel confident before they can speak kindly to themselves. But what if it works the other way around?
Self-talk is more than just words in our heads—it’s the voice that shapes how we see ourselves.
When kids learn that they have three voices inside—the Victim, the Villain, and the Hero—they begin to understand something powerful: they get to decide who’s driving the story. But first, we as parents and educators need to help them recognize which voice is speaking. Here’s how:
🎭 Name the Voices – Use our “Three Voices” framework to help your child tell their inner characters apart.
The Victim feels helpless, the Villain blames or lashes out, and the Hero tries again—even when things are hard. Give each voice a name, a sound, or a color, and playfully point them out in everyday moments. (“Hmm... sounds like your Villain might be talking right now!”)
🌳 Thought Tree Mapping – Inspired by Dr. Leaf’s brain science, this is a fun way to see our thinking.
Have your child draw a tree. In the trunk, write one main thought they’ve had lately—something like “What if I mess up?” Then, on the branches, draw or write other thoughts connected to it—both helpful and unhelpful ones. It might include “Everyone will laugh” or “I’ll learn something new.”
This shows them that every thought has roots and branches—and they can shape which ones grow stronger.
🔄 Flip the Script – When you hear your child speak negatively, pause and ask, “What would your Hero say instead?” Help them reframe just one sentence a day—like turning “I’ll never get this” into “I can try again.”
These small shifts can rewire how kids think and feel about themselves—so the voice they hear the most becomes the one that lifts them up.
Curiosity Leads Courage – April’s Wallpaper
This month, we’re guided by one of nature’s most curious and clever creatures—the fox—reminding us to follow our questions, explore boldly, and stay open to wonder.
Did you know, foxes use the Earth’s magnetic field to help them hunt? They can sense the invisible field and use it like a natural compass—something scientists are still learning about!
It’s a powerful reminder that when we tune in, we discover inner guidance that helps us move with confidence and purpose.
Simply download the image and set it as your lock screen or wallpaper (just head to your phone’s settings or photo gallery to adjust).
💡 Tip: Stay inspired all month with our phone wallpaper—a daily nudge to embrace curiosity and let it lead you toward courage and growth.
Tool: Classical Music
There’s something about the sound of strings, flutes, and piano that quietly lights up the brain. Instrumental music—especially classical—has been shown to support focus, imagination, and emotional balance in kids (and adults, too).
💡 Try This: Set aside at least 15 minutes a day to play instrumental music at home or in class—maybe in the morning, during art time, while building, or when winding down before bed. Choose a time that feels calm and open, where the music can help your child tune into their inner thoughts and feelings.
This kids classical channel is a beautiful place to start: just like trees, our kids grow through many stages—and the quiet space created by music helps those roots grow stronger.
That’s exactly the idea behind something special I’ve been working on. 🐰
With Easter around the corner, I’m putting the finishing touches on a new storybook that will help you and your kids explore their three inner voices in a way that’s fun, relatable, and full of heart. When one curious bunny takes a tumble down a hole, who takes charge? Stay tuned to find out!
💛 If this message resonated with you, would you share this or forward this email to three friends who care about raising thoughtful, empowered kids? The more of us rewriting the self-talk story, the better the future becomes—for everyone.
Keep the conversation going next week as we explore how to turn self-talk into everyday habits.
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