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What if the lessons we work so hard to teach our kids are the very ones we need to practice ourselves? In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Craig Conover, Southern Charm star and entrepreneur, and Hillary Keller, publisher of World of Kids Books, to talk about their new children's book that was an instant New York Times best-seller, Patchwork: Be Brave, Be Kind, Be You. Together, they explore why empathy, kindness, and bravery matter at every age, and why the lessons we teach our kids can be easy to forget in our own lives.
They dig into the importance of anti-bullying, raising empathetic kids, and creating space for children to understand their emotions. Plus, Craig and Hillary join Erin for a few playful challenges in a new format of Workday Playdate, designed to put empathy into practice and remind us that learning doesn't have to feel like work!
Inside the Episode:
Lead by example.
The lessons we teach our kids about kindness, bravery, and being yourself are just as important for us to practice as adults.
Empathy is a skill worth building.
Explore why empathy matters, how it can help prevent bullying, and why it's an essential part of raising emotionally aware kids.
Stories can shape how kids see the world.
Craig and Hillary share the inspiration behind Patchwork: Be Brave, Be You and why children's books can be powerful tools for social-emotional learning.
Put yourself in someone else's shoes.
Play along with an empathy game that challenges us to see situations from different perspectives and put kindness into action.
Make room for a little play.
From icebreakers to unexpected challenges, discover how play can create connection, spark conversation, and make learning more memorable.
About the Guests
Hillary Keller is the publisher behind World of Kids Books, where she combines her experience in marketing, business development, brand building, and content strategy with a passion for empowering children through storytelling. A mom of four, Hillary brings a personal perspective to creating books that entertain while supporting social-emotional learning, helping children navigate their emotions and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Craig Conover is a fan favorite on Bravo's hit series Southern Charm and the co-founder of Sewing Down South, a growing Southern-based sewing lifestyle brand. A board-certified attorney, entrepreneur, and author of the memoir Pillow Talk: What's Wrong with My Sewing?, Craig has expanded his business ventures into restaurants and event spaces in Charleston. He also serves on the board of Hope For The Warriors. His debut children's book, Patchwork: Be Brave, Be Kind, Be You, was released October 13, 2026.
Links Mentioned in the Episode
Purchase the New York Times Best-Seller, Patch Work: Bee Brave. Bee Kind. Bee You.
World of Kids Books website
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