Caring for Caregivers: Resilience in Action

On October 11, Milwaukee Succeeds kicked off the first session of our virtual Caring for Caregivers series, designed to support early childhood educators facing unprecedented stress and burnout. The session brought together 42 participants – including 11 Early Childhood Education Ambassadors, 17 attendees from the ThriveOn King community (engaged through our local outreach and relationship-building efforts), and 12 other early educators and providers from across the city.

Guided by the Compassion Resilience framework, the session focused on helping educators refill their cups, restore balance and rediscover the power of self-compassion. Participants explored Dr. Kristin Neff’s three pillars – kindness, common humanity and mindfulness – and practiced tools like connection, boundary-setting and optimism.

As one participant shared, “I didn’t realize how harsh I’ve been with myself. This space reminded me I’m human too.” Another added, “The reminder that compassion starts with me – wow. That changed how I see my work.” Words shared at the session’s close captured the tone of the day: grateful, seen, calm, hopeful, enough.

The Caring for Caregivers series provides continuing education hours, healing-centered strategies, and practical tools for restoring well-being and preventing burnout. The second session, Mindfulness and Compassion in Action, built on these practices and helped participants deepen their strategies for community care. Future sessions will continue on the second Saturday of every month, exploring topics like compassion fatigue, boundaries, family culture and resilience.

We know that caring for those who care for our children is essential. Empowered educators create thriving classrooms, confident children and stronger communities. Milwaukee Succeeds is proud to champion initiatives like Caring for Caregivers that nurture the wellness of educators and, in turn, fuel the growth and success of our city’s youngest learners.