The Inner Layer
Conscious Parenting in the Middle Childhood Years

A School-Year Journey Through Child Development, Rhythm, Play & Family Life


Tuesdays, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm.
Late September 2026 – May 2027

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The inner journey of parenting begins with understanding the feeling life of the child.

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Between the ages of seven and fourteen, children gradually move from learning primarily through imitation to developing a rich inner world developing their life of feelings, relationships, and questions. During this time, they need adults who can offer understanding, stability, wisdom, and genuine presence.

Unlike a workshop or short course, this is a gradual journey through the transformative years of middle childhood. Together we will explore child development through the lens of Waldorf education while cultivating the capacities that help us meet our children with greater awareness and understanding.

Each week builds upon the previous one as we learn to listen more deeply, observe more clearly, validate experience without losing leadership, and cultivate empathy that strengthens connection.

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What We Will Explore

  • Child development from ages seven through fourteen

  • The changing emotional life of the growing child

  • Rhythm, warmth, and healthy authority

  • Deep listening and conscious communication

  • Observation without judgment or projection

  • The nine-year change and developmental transitions

  • Temperament and individuality

  • Boundaries that strengthen connection

  • Emotional regulation and resilience

  • Supporting the emerging sense of self

What You Will Develop

  • Greater capacity to listen with presence and understanding

  • Increased confidence navigating emotional challenges

  • Skills for observing behavior without overreacting

  • Practical tools for validation and connection

  • Greater empathy while maintaining healthy leadership

  • A deeper understanding of developmental transitions

  • Stronger relationships built on trust, respect, and authenticity

Who is this for

Parents, caregivers, educators, and helping professionals who wish to better understand and support children through the middle childhood years.

No previous experience with Waldorf education is necessary.

Details

When: Wednesdays, 8:30–10:00 a.m.
Duration: Late September 2026 through May 2027
Location: WSGC
Facilitator: Stephanie Cleary

The inner layer teaches us about the world of feelings.

Through listening, observation, validation, and empathy, we learn how to meet the growing child with wisdom and heart.

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Join a community of parents committed to developing the capacities that allow children to feel seen, understood, and supported as they grow into themselves.

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