We were lucky to catch up with Shaleena Tareen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shaleena thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

Two key events that shifted the course of my career were the COVID pandemic and my sons’ mental health challenges. I had worked with children and families throughout my life, but witnessing the widespread decline in children’s mental health during COVID, especially as it impacted my own home, profoundly altered my path.

Shaleena, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Being in the early childhood education field for over 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in various roles—from teaching in the classroom to directing private and Head Start programs. I also operated an indoor playground in Woodland Hills called Playsource, where I focused on creating enriching environments for young children to play, learn, and grow. These experiences laid a solid foundation for my passion for working with children and families, as I saw firsthand the importance of early childhood development and emotional wellness.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I witnessed a sharp decline in children’s mental health, both in my professional work and in my own family. This crisis pushed me to rethink how we approach mental wellness for kids, leading to the founding of Childhood Matters.

Childhood Matters provides a variety of services aimed at promoting mental wellness for children, teens, and families. We offer student and parent workshops, youth ambassador programs, community outreach, mental health resources, and hands-on educational tools through our coping toolbox program. Our services aim to equip children with emotional intelligence, coping skills, and self-awareness—qualities that are essential for navigating today’s complex world. Recently, we’ve expanded to open a wellness center in partnership with the Ventura County Family Justice Center, where we will be providing counseling services, wellness workshops and mental health programming.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a reputation within our market has been a multifaceted process, and a key part of it has been networking within our community. From the very beginning, I made it a priority to connect with local organizations, schools, and mental health professionals to ensure that Childhood Matters wasn’t just another service provider but a true community partner.

I’ve worked hard to build trust with the families, schools, and organizations we work with. By consistently showing up, delivering on our promises, and being transparent about our goals, we’ve earned a reputation as a reliable and compassionate organization. People know that when they come to us, we’ll provide thoughtful, personalized care and resources that truly make a difference.

What has helped us stand out is our commitment to being not just a service provider but a trusted advocate for children’s mental health. Whether it’s through community networking, partnerships, or our hands-on approach to support, we are always working to foster long-term relationships built on trust and collaboration.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the way I approached parenting based on how I was raised. Growing up, parenting often involved a “tough love” approach, where emotions were suppressed, and kids were expected to push through challenges without much emotional guidance. It wasn’t uncommon for feelings to be brushed aside, and this mindset carried into my own parenting style early on.

When my son began struggling with his mental health, I realized that the methods I had known and used were not working. He needed emotional validation, understanding, and open communication—things that weren’t part of the parenting model I grew up with. I had to unlearn the idea that emotional vulnerability was a weakness and instead embrace the importance of creating a safe space where my son could express his feelings without fear of judgment.

This shift didn’t happen overnight. It required me to reflect deeply on how I was parented and recognize that I needed to do things differently for my son’s well-being. I learned to actively listen, validate his emotions, and provide a sense of security through empathy and patience. This unlearning was critical in helping my son navigate his mental health challenges, and it completely changed the way I approach parenting.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.childhoodmatter.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childhood.matters/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Childhoodmatter/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/childhoodmatters
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChildhoodMatte2
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qoIX1O6yYYP7tCsnTsP2Q
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@childhood.matters

Image Credits

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