Fledgling's Runway to Calm: A Student's Flight Guide uses the metaphor of flying to teach children about emotional regulation and co-regulation with the help of trusted adults. The goal is to provide children with basic knowledge of the components of Propeller Co-Regulation (Identify Stressors, Limbic Brain not Learning Brain, Connect, Fill Tanks, and Flight Analysis).
Fledgling is a student. Some days are easy for him, and other days feel stormy and hard. Fledgling is learning how to fly through different kinds of weather. Fledgling figures out of to keep his flights steady when life gets bumpy. Just like a young bird learning to take off. Math and school can be tricky for Fledgling. With the help of his Flight Instructors, Fledgling starts to notice what is going on in his body when things are hard. His Flight Instructors also help keep him flying smoothly. Fledgling is a brave kid determined to fly no matter what the weather. He learns to understand his body's signals and keep his fuel tank filled for smoother flights. One chapter at a time, you will follow Fledgling during his school year. He faces real-life difficulties relatable to many children.
This engaging book is designed to educate, inspire, and equip children (and the grown-ups who love them) with tools to:
- strengthen emotional regulation skills
- identify invisible stressors
- understand their personal fuel gauge for daily flights
- plan ahead difficult situations
Kellye H. Slaggert, M.A./LCMHC, is a mental health counselor in private practice in North Carolina. She is passionate about helping children and their families maximize a child's developmental potential while creating strong parent-child relationships. Kellye holds a master's degree in clinical psychology from Western Michigan University and has specialized training in working with children and families, neurodevelopmental disorders, DIR/Floortime(R), CBT, anxiety disorders, emotional regulation, and parent coaching. Her volunteer efforts over the years include coaching downhill skiing for the Special Olympics, providing summer camp opportunities for children with developmental differences, and serving on a community mental health board. In addition to the numerous, customized short stories Kellye has written to help children understand various aspects of mental health, she has also co-authored The Intellectual and Developmental Disability Treatment Planner.
Carlie Sturtz is a writer, speaker, and mental health advocate who is deeply passionate about wellness. She has authored multiple publications, including Becoming Bloomie Brained: Your Guide to Self-Care. Her experiences with grief, healing, and navigating motherhood have influenced the direction and tone of her writing. Carlie's mission with this book is to spark meaningful conversations at an early age, drawing from some of her struggles in school and with emotional regulation as a child.
Lisa Albinus is a professional illustrator specializing in children's book and narrative illustration. She has illustrated multiple published titles and works with independent authors and publishers from concept through final production. In addition to her illustration work, she is an experienced art educator with a background in both traditional and digital media. She is based in North Carolina.
