Tantrums, big feelings, and sleepless nights are all often brushed off as "just part of being little." But what if these early moments are actually some of the most important for a child's mental health?

In episode two of Let's Talk About It With OhioGuidestone, Host Derek Rader sits down with Kristina Ryan, MSW, LISW-S, Clinical Supervisor at OhioGuidestone, to explore why ages zero to six play a critical role in emotional development. In their conversation, Derek and Kristina unpack how young children learn to regulate emotions, respond to stress, and build a sense of safety, and why early support can make a lifelong difference.

Their conversation sheds light on what's really happening beneath the surface of early childhood behaviors and offers insight for anyone who cares for or works with young children. So listen along, and let's talk about it!

The conversation starts here. In this first episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Derek Rader of OhioGuidestone sits down with Katy Baumbach, Director of Communications at OhioGuidestone, to introduce the purpose behind the series. Learn more about OhioGuidestone, why Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect time to begin, and how this podcast will create space for real, sometimes uncomfortable, but always important conversations surrounding mental health at any age.