Honouring children’s inner worlds through presence, understanding, and connection
This week on The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast , I had the joy and privilege of connecting with the deeply compassionate and insightful Aisleen Harte - a devoted mother, experienced Early Years Educator, and Preschool owner in Co. Meath. With almost 20 years of experience guiding and nurturing young hearts and minds, Aisleen radiates a sincere passion for helping children feel safe, seen, and heard.
Her debut book, My Voice, My Choice, is a powerful and tender offering that beautifully captures her philosophy: empower children by listening to them, by meeting them where they are, and by allowing them the space to express their truth. Through rich storytelling and emotive illustrations, the book speaks directly to the heart - reminding us that when children feel heard, they begin to understand their own worth and identity.
As we spoke, I found myself deeply reflecting on the psychology of a child’s early years -those formative moments where connection becomes their language, and the world is something they are constantly trying to make sense of. Children aren’t just learning to walk, talk, and play - they are learning how to connect, how to feel safe in their bodies, how to regulate their emotions, and how to trust the adults around them.
So often, their behaviour is their communication. A tantrum is not defiance - it is unmet needs, overwhelming feelings, or simply the only way they know to say “I need you.” Aisleen's message echoed this truth with clarity and compassion: children are always trying to connect, even when they don't yet have the words.
Listening to a child is about more than hearing their voice - it’s about reading between the lines, noticing the silence, and tuning into their energy. It’s about seeing the world through their eyes and honouring the sacredness of their perspective.
With two more books already written, Aisleen’s vision for her “Voice of the Child” series is a deeply healing one - not just for children, but for the adults who care for them. It is an invitation to slow down, to remember what it felt like to be a child, and to become the kind of adult we all once needed.
This conversation reminded me that our greatest role as adults is not to shape children into who we think they should be - but to hold space for who they already are, and allow them to bloom in their own divine timing.
Let’s continue to create a world where every child feels heard, valued, and emotionally safe to grow into their truest self.
Sharon Fitzmaurice
Author, Speaker, Holistic Wellness Coach & Podcast Host