Welcome to Yearlings!

Hi, I'm Anna. Talking to kids is my favorite thing in the world. Being a safe grownup for them and repairing the world side by side with them is my life's work.

I’m a parent, auntie, and photographer focused on children and childhood. I’m also a doula, a writer with foundations in poetry and documentary, and a former teacher of children ages 5-18.

A Newsletter for Grownups

The Yearlings newsletter is a space for all the safe grownups-- aunties, caretakers, parents, teachers, neighbors, uncles-- to learn together about showing up for kids in fun, genuine ways. We share the best play-dough recipe, and we fight for children’s rights. We make the dance playlists, and we build empathy alongside our kids. We watch the seasons change. We do the next, good, brave thing. We make the cookies, and we eat the cookies. These kiddos deserve the world, just as it is now, and also, hopefully, someday-- a better one

A Documentary Project for Kids

The Yearlings Project is a self-documentary endeavor where kids ages 4-12 share about their lives and learn how other kids live through relaxed and creative ten-minute activities. On a regular basis, I send out a fun documentary prompt with two parts: an interactive podcast and matching online storytelling template. Then, kids share their stories (just what feels safe and fun!) through audio, photo, drawings, and written words.

Kids and their grownups have the option to just keep and enjoy what they make, or to share their responses with their peers for regular Sharing Circle episodes -- no names, no faces, no social media-- that allow Yearlings to experience the world through other kids' eyes and ears.

It's like a journal, a sketchbook, and a penpal chain all rolled into one!

Join us!

Subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and publication archives.

When you subscribe here, you will receive both the regular newsletter for grownups, and the regular Yearlings Project kids documentary activities. These things are free and they always will be!

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We are the safe grownups! A space for the caregivers, aunties, uncles, parents, and community members who are here for the kiddos. Keeping them safe, making life fun, helping them tell their stories.

People

Photographer of children and childhood. Documentary partner to kids. Delighting in their growth, respecting their boundaries, and affirming their rights. We are the safe grownups!