Walking with Children and Families — The Story Behind PosiFam

How It All Began

I first started babysitting as a short-term gig because I’ve always loved children. But I quickly found myself driven to learn more — especially about how to support the child I was caring for in reaching developmental milestones.

With a strong interest in psychology, I realized that intentional childcare could help build the foundation that sets children up for lifelong success. That curiosity led me deeper into early childhood development and eventually to Positive Discipline.

Positive Discipline transformed not only the way I care for children, but also how I relate to others — and even myself. It taught me that compassion and connection can go hand in hand with assertiveness and boundaries. I began to understand how childhood experiences shape belief systems and behaviors into adulthood, which deepened my commitment to creating safe, supportive environments for children.

The early years are when children form the foundation of who they are. This realization gave me new passion and meaning for my work.

While studying Positive Discipline, I shared what I was learning with one of my clients, and together we celebrated the changes we saw in her daughter. Watching a child blossom — and seeing a parent light up when they discover tools that truly work — confirmed for me how powerful this approach is.

When children feel connected and capable, they thrive. And when parents feel supported, they shine too. Experiencing that transformation together with families has been the most rewarding part of my journey so far.

The Need I Saw in Japan

As I deepened my journey with Positive Discipline, I saw how powerful it can be — not only for children, but for parents, families, and even ourselves. Yet in Japan, this approach is still not widely known.

I wanted to create a place where families could discover these tools in a supportive, approachable way — a place where families can learn, feel encouraged, and grow together.

That’s how PosiFam was born:

• a bridge between science-based parenting tools and everyday family life

• a safe space where families can grow stronger together

• a reminder that none of us are alone in the challenges of raising children

• a way to connect Japan with the wealth of resources available in English

PosiFam is my way of sharing the encouragement and connection that transformed my own path, so more children and parents can build relationships of trust, joy, and confidence.

As I continue this journey, I’m reminded every day that parenting is not something we’re meant to do alone. It’s a process of learning, unlearning, and growing — together.

Each time I see a parent’s gentle shift in perspective, or a child’s eyes light up when they feel understood, I’m reminded why this work matters. Even small moments of connection can create powerful change.

I feel grateful to walk alongside families as they discover their own strengths, find new ways to connect, and build homes filled with warmth and respect. Supporting that growth — step by step, together — is what brings me the greatest joy.