The first five years are important—but the first 1,000 days are foundational. In this episode, Instructor Mike breaks down what every parent, caregiver, and educator should understand about early brain development, emotional regulation, attachment, and learning—all before a child turns three.

Backed by the work of child development pioneers like Maria Montessori, Lev Vygotsky, John Bowlby, and Urie Bronfenbrenner, this episode replaces opinion with science and equips listeners with powerful, practical strategies to support babies and toddlers at home. From sensory play and language building to emotional agency and secure attachment, you’ll learn what really builds a brain—and what doesn’t.

Because parenting isn’t just about raising children—it’s about shaping futures.

In this episode of Family Matters with Instructor Mike, we flip the script on customer service by asking a question most people overlook:

Are you teaching your kids how to be great customers?

We dive deep into the developmental science behind public behavior, breaking down what emotional regulation, patience, and respectful communication look like at every stage of childhood. From toddlers learning to say “please” to teenagers learning how to handle disappointment without disrespect, this episode is your roadmap to raising children who know how to move through the world with grace and composure.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between manners and respect

• Why feelings don’t justify mistreatment

• How to practice real-life customer skills at home

• And why great customer behavior is actually about character, not convenience

Whether you’re raising toddlers, teens, or training yourself to model better behavior, this episode gives you the tools to raise emotionally intelligent, socially literate, and well-mannered young people who know how to show up anywhere with confidence and class.

Because how you act when you don’t get what you want…

Says more about you than when everything goes your way.

What if we told you that forcing kids to “be friends” is doing more harm than good? In this episode, Instructor Mike breaks down why preschool friendships should be treated more like speed dating than marriage — flexible, short-term, and emotionally honest.

You’ll learn why telling children to “be nice” and “like everybody” teaches them to perform emotions rather than regulate them. Instead, Mike offers a developmentally sound approach that respects emotional boundaries, nurtures resilience, and builds real emotional intelligence from the start.

If you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver who’s tired of feel-good but developmentally false advice, this episode is for you. Let’s stop scripting feelings — and start raising emotionally healthy kids.