I can hardly believe it has been nine months that I have had the incredible opportunity to step into the role of editor here at Simple Kids.

In the past nine months, I have been so inspired and so encouraged by this amazing community.  In fact, from the day Tsh first entrusted Simple Kids to me, I have never thought of Simple Kids as my blog; rather, I’ve always seen my role here simply as facilitator of discussion amongst a like-minded community of parents and caregivers all drawn together and united in the pursuit of uncomplicated parenting.

Beginning last fall, I began to feel the movement of God in my life, turning my eyes toward a different community – the physical community in which He has placed our family.  Though my loyalty and devotion to the purpose of Simple Kids has never wavered, I also began to know it was time for me to pass on the torch of leadership so that I might better focus my energy on serving those in this city where my family lives.

Beginning tomorrow, February 8th, you’ll have a new editor providing leadership here at Simple Kids. Kara of Rockin’ Granola will be moving into this role, and I am fully and utterly confident that she is the woman to take Simple Kids to the next level!  This is just one of several exciting changes at SK as the entire Simple Living Media network launches forward to new heights.

Oh, this is such a bittersweet moment for me!  Words cannot express my gratitude for each of you. Your participation in this community, your support for Simple Kids, your emails of encouragement that have brought me to tears on many occasions – my life is so much richer and so fulfilled because of the time I have spent here.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for being the amazing community that you are.

Now, lest you think you can be rid of me that easily, you can be sure that you’ll still see me around the Simple Living Media network in other roles.  Tsh has graciously asked me to stay on as a columnist at Simple Mom, and I’ll be contributing at the newly launched Simple Organic.  And of course, you can (as so many of you do) still visit me at my personal blog – SortaCrunchy.

It is with much love, devotion, affection, tenderness, hope, and expectation that I bid you adieu.  May you and your families be blessed in the coming weeks, months, and years.  Thank you again for allowing me to serve you here.

Last year, one of the most popular and most responded-to articles at Simple Kids was the one on 6 Peaceful Solutions for Hitting and Anger.  I think all parents and care givers realize that one of the biggest responsibilities we have as parents is teaching our children how to respond to their feelings in a healthy way.

A few weeks ago, my friend Nora, whose daughter is the same age as my oldest, posted this picture on Facebook:

Nora shared that Ainsley was not happy about an answer Nora had given her, and she retreated to her room for a while and came out with this drawing.  Isn’t this an incredible response for a newly five year old to be able to have when feeling very, very angry with her mother?

(Nora told me that Ainsley had learned a lot about emotions and all sorts of character development through the Al’s Pals program at her school.)

I’ve shared before that I think journaling is an excellent way to help children learn to express their big feelings.

Journaling works quite well with older children and for children who are comfortable with written expression.  But what about little ones?  What about children who don’t feel comfortable with writing or drawing their feelings?

Today, I would love to hear from the Simple Kids community.  You all have shown yourselves time and again to be a wealth of wisdom and guidance.  I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

What have you found to be helpful, healthy outlets for the big feelings your children experience?