Mary Frances Wall Center

Most parents panic when nothing is happening with their child. We add noise, toys, screens, constant entertainment thinking we're being good parents. But neuroscience shows we're accidentally training their nervous systems to chase stimulation instead of learning self-regulation. A calm baby isn't a problem that needs solving.

Infants actually build emotional regulation during periods of quiet alertness. This is when attention develops, co-regulation deepens, stress recovery strengthens, imagination begins, and the nervous system learns it can feel safe without constant input. When we interrupt every quiet moment, the brain adapts by craving movement, novelty, and dopamine hits because stillness no longer feels familiar or safe.

This explains why some children struggle to sit in the car without screens, can't play independently, melt down during boredom, have trouble focusing quietly, or can't settle their own nervous system. It's not that you're doing parenting wrong with love - you're accidentally building a stimulation-chasing pattern. The goal isn't a constantly occupied child. The goal is raising a nervous system that can feel safe and regulated in stillness. Start protecting those quiet moments instead of filling them."

Celebration of Excellence! Once again, congratulations to our Beginning Teacher of the year, Mrs. Linda Vang. Not pictured is our Teacher of the year Mrs. Michele Holland and Teacher Assistant of the year, Mrs. Manpriet Weathers.

What a wonderful week it has been! We thank you for all of the treats and presents appreciating our teachers. On behalf of everyone here at MFWC, we appreciate you in trusting us and sharing your amazing children with us each day.

Teacher appreciation week has us feeling like:

Anna Chan, Megan Cutlip and Ashley Becker helped facilitate an “AAC Lemonade Stand”. The children with their devices got to interact and "sell" lemonade to their peers.

April 22nd was Earth Day. Our precious panda's helped by picking up trash. Thank you for making the world a better place to live in.

There is so much creativity behind these walls, we just had to share!

Several staff members from Mary Frances Wall Center joined "A Walk for Joy." It was great seeing so many families come together and seeing several former students! Hope to see you next year!