As parents, we often focus on our children's behaviours and emotions, but how often do we consider their thoughts? That constant stream of mental activity shaping their experiences, fears, and dreams? Let's delve into the fascinating world of thoughts and thinking, and explore how we can help our children navigate their inner landscape. What Exactly Are Thoughts? Take a moment to pause and consider: Where are your thoughts right now? If someone asked you to point to them, where would you ...

As parents of primary school-aged children, we all want our little ones to feel safe, confident, and supported. This year's Anti-Bullying Week theme, "Choose Respect," offers a wonderful opportunity to empower our families and foster a culture of kindness and understanding. Unleash Your Child's "Lion Qualities" What are the unique strengths and talents that make your child special? This week, let's help them uncover their "lion qualities" – the characteristics that make them roar with ...

Have you ever watched your child lose at their favourite board game and suddenly burst out with "But they cheated!" or "It's not fair!"? If you're nodding along, you're not alone - we've all been there! Just as we played Pass the Parcel at birthday parties (and secretly hoped the music would stop when the gift reached us), our children experience pleasant feelings they want to hold onto. But it's those tricky, uncomfortable emotions that often lead to behaviours we'd rather not see. Think of it ...

Hello! Today, we're exploring a vibrant topic that can make a world of difference in your child's emotional well-being: self-expression through colour and creativity. The Rainbow of Self-Expression Every child has a unique way of expressing themselves, and it's our job as parents to help them find their voice. Some children might prefer putting pen to paper, jotting down their thoughts and feelings in a journal. Others might find their groove through movement, whether it's scoring goals on the ...

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, autumn brings more than just a change in scenery. For our young people, this season can be a powerful metaphor for life's transitions. Here's how you can use autumn's lessons to help your child build resilience and cope with change. Nature's Classroom: Learning from Trees Take a walk with your child and observe the trees. Notice how they stand tall and strong, even as their leaves change colour and fall. This is a perfect opportunity to talk ...

Helping Your Child Manage New Teacher Worries In our last post, we explored why children might feel anxious about new teachers. Now, let's look at some practical strategies to help your little one cope with these worries. 1. Label That Thought! Encourage your child to give their anxious thoughts a label. When they're worrying, they can say, "Oh, I'm having a 'what if' thought right now." This simple act can help them step back and not get caught up in the worry spiral. 2. The 'What If' List Sit ...

As the new school year rolls around, many children experience a mix of excitement and anxiety. One common worry is about their new teacher. Let's explore why this happens and how we can help our little ones cope. Why the Worry? Children thrive on routine and familiarity. A new teacher represents a big unknown in their daily life. They might wonder: Will the teacher be strict or fun? Will they understand me? What if they don't like me? It's natural for young minds to conjure up various ...

Hello parents and carers! Today, we're excited to introduce you to an easy breathing exercise that can help you and your child find calm in moments of stress or excitement. It's called the "Lazy Eight Breath," and it's as easy as it is effective! What is the Lazy Eight Breath? Imagine a number 8 lying on its side - that's our lazy eight! This simple shape becomes a roadmap for our breathing, helping us to focus and regulate when emotional visitors visit. How to do the Lazy Eight ...

Hello, wonderful parents! As the summer holidays wind down and the new school year looms, you might notice your children becoming a bit unsettled. Don't worry – this is completely normal! Today, let's chat about why returning to school can be challenging for our children and how we can support them through this transition. First things first: it's important to remember that our kids are facing quite a few changes all at once. Think about it: New classroom, possibly a new ...

Hello, lovely parents! Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of glitter jars – a simple yet powerful tool to help yourself and your children manage their emotions. As a parent, you know that big feelings can sometimes overwhelm us and our children, and it's not always easy to help them navigate these emotional storms. That's where glitter jars come in! What are glitter jars, you ask? They're like little snow globes of calm, filled with water and glitter. When shaken, they create ...