Dear Parent, Dear Teacher,
I see you.
I see the love and dedication you pour into the little humans who look to you for guidance. I see the late nights spent preparing lunches or lesson plans, the moments you silently wonder, Am I doing enough? Am I doing it right?
Here’s a truth you need to hear today: You are enough. Your presence, your effort, and your care—they’re the foundation for a child’s growth. And now, there’s one more gift you can give, not just to the kids you nurture but also to yourself: the gift of emotional intelligence.
What They See in You
Think about a moment when a child saw you upset. Maybe you snapped at someone after a long day, or maybe tears welled up when something deeply touched you. Did you notice their eyes? How they watched you?
Children are emotional mirrors. They don’t just hear your words; they absorb your reactions, your body language, and even the emotions you try to hide. They’re always learning, and the biggest lessons often come from how you handle your feelings.
When you name your emotions—“I’m feeling really frustrated right now, but I’m going to take a deep breath to calm down”—you’re teaching them something profound: that emotions aren’t scary or shameful. They’re a normal part of being human.
My Own Journey with Emotions
Can I share something personal?
When I was growing up, emotions weren’t really talked about. Sadness was something you dealt with in private. Anger was dismissed as “bad behavior.” Even happiness, when expressed too loudly, felt like it had to be dialed back.
It took years to unlearn those beliefs. To realize that sadness could be a gentle teacher, that anger could spark important change, and that joy was worth celebrating without limits.
That’s why I created WILD. It’s the resource I wish I’d had as a child—and, honestly, as an adult. It’s a guide not just for kids, but for us, the grown-ups who are still learning to navigate the wild terrain of emotions.
A Moment to Reflect
Now, I want you to pause.
Think about the children in your life. What are they feeling today? Joy? Frustration? Curiosity?
And now, think about yourself. How are you feeling?
It’s okay if the answer isn’t “great” or “fine.” Maybe you’re overwhelmed. Maybe you’re proud. Maybe it’s a mix of a hundred different things. Whatever you’re feeling, give yourself the same kindness you’d give a child who was struggling to put their emotions into words.
A Small Step Forward
Emotional intelligence isn’t a grand gesture—it’s a series of small, intentional steps. It’s saying, “I see you’re upset—let’s talk about it.” It’s sitting with a child as they cry, resisting the urge to fix everything, and simply being there.
It’s also in the way you care for yourself. Because here’s the truth: You can’t pour from an empty cup.
If you need a tool to help you start these conversations, the WILD Workbook and WILD Journal are here for you. They’re not just books—they’re bridges. They create a space where you and the kids in your life can explore feelings together, through playful activities, thought-provoking prompts, and gentle guidance.
Let’s Make a Promise
Let’s promise each other something today.
Let’s promise to be a little more patient—with ourselves and with the kids who rely on us. Let’s promise to celebrate the small wins, like the moment a child identifies how they’re feeling without your help. Let’s promise to embrace the messiness of emotions, knowing that every meltdown, every laugh, every tear is part of the journey.
Because at the end of the day, the greatest lesson we can teach is this: It’s okay to feel. All of it.
With love,
A Fellow Traveler in This Emotional Adventure
What’s Next?
If this letter spoke to you, let’s continue the conversation. If you have a story to share—a breakthrough, a moment of connection, or even a struggle—reach out. We’re here, and we’re listening.
Let’s build a world where every child grows up knowing their emotions are their strength. And let’s remember that the journey to emotional intelligence isn’t just for kids—it’s for all of us.
With gratitude,
Aman
