Articles & Resources
Children’s Activity: Summer Activities
Summer Fun Sometimes, we just all need a little fun. When we do things, simply for joy, it releases serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin – which uplift our mood and increase our well-being. So, with the summer arriving, we’re sharing some fun activities, to increase the downtime and enjoyment. Summer Activity List We’re starting with a
Preparing Children for School Transitions
Starting school can be a scary time, not just for children, but also for parents and teachers. After all, as much as we want them to have fun, I meet many parents who are terrified of the thought of their children going off to school, and some teachers who question themselves and the strategies that
Children’s Activity: Positive Affirmations
Our brains listen to EVERYTHING that we say, as though taking instructions from us. If we tell ourselves that we are stupid, silly or useless, our brain believes it and our confidence and self-esteem begins to drop. If we tell ourselves that we are kind, clever and capable, our brains take that as an instruction
What is Emotionally Based School Avoidance?
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) refers to a child or adolescent who has difficulty attending school. The attendance at school creates uncomfortable emotions such as stress and anxiety and this can cause both physical and emotional symptoms. The difficulty with Emotionally Based School Avoidance is that avoiding school escalates the feelings of anxiety, and this
Children’s Activities: Find It Bottles
Helping children to regulate means that we are supporting them to take control of their minds and feelings, and ground themselves. We have previously shared a wide range of regulation activities, including breathing techniques. This week, we are sharing an activity which is perfect for younger children and can also be adapted for children with
6 Strategies to Support Children with ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder which is categorised into two parts: Inattention (concentration and focus) Hyperactivity and impulsivity Whilst most people with ADHD have difficulties in both areas, some only fall into one category. Where challenges do not demonstrate in hyperactivity, a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is given. It is
Children’s Activity: Brian’s Jubilee Colouring
As we enjoy a break for the Jubilee celebrations, Brian is getting into the festive spirt. Join him in this colouring sheet…. Download here Get started Download and print the colouring sheet here Collect colouring pens or pencils Enjoy taking some time out to colour Brian as he celebrates Want to learn more? Are you
Our brains were made to……
When it comes to managing our own mental health (see here), I will often speak about the importance of: Routines Exercise Fresh air Good nutrition Having interests and hobbies (non electronic ones) A sense of achievement (internal validation) which all contribute to our mental health and well-being. Putting in place daily practices, which help us
Children’s Activity: Emotions Dominoes
Playing games is a great way to talk about feelings. So, in this activity article, we are sharing a FREE download of Emotions Dominoes. Emotions Dominoes Download Here Get started Download the dominoes sheet here Print onto card Cut out the dominoes Introduce each emotion and what they feel like Divide dominoes between children
What’s your story?
From childhood, we are brought up with stories all around us. From picture books to fairytales, to storybooks and poems, to advertising and the newspapers. To the stories we tell children at school through their reports and our messages, to the messages parents feed them at home, in texts or through interactions. We are surrounded
Children’s Activity: Creating Happiness Maps
Happiness When we feel happy, our bodies release dopamine and serotonin, which make us feel good. In a world, where we can easily up-regulate our amygdala’s to constantly be looking for threat and worry, helping children to tap into their happy, excited and grateful feelings helps counter stress and anxiety. So, in this activity we
4 ways to tackle procrastination
Procrastination is described as ‘the action of unnecessarily and voluntarily delaying or postponing something, despite knowing that thee will be negative consequences’. In its simplest form, procrastination is a decision to stay in my current emotions and state, rather than push myself into a more uncomfortable or challenging one, despite knowing it will cause me
Children’s Activity: Creating Anger Maps
Where does anger come from? Anger is a reaction which comes from the limbic system of the brain. This is the emotional hub of the brain. As part of this, the amygdala, which creates the fight-flight responses, will make a decision as to which reaction will be created when a trigger is identified. It is
3 ways that anxiety affects our bodies
The NHS defines anxiety as: “a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe”. Anxiety UK suggest that 1 in 6 teenagers will experience anxiety. This means that on average there will be around 5 children in any given classroom experiencing anxiety. Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress.
Children’s Activity: Emotions Colouring Sheet
Learning about emotions and having conversations about feelings doesn’t have to be heavy going. Sometimes, the simplest activities can give us great insight into different feelings that children have. So, this week, we are sharing an emotions colouring sheet: Download it here Get started Download and print the colouring sheet here Collect colouring pens or
5 Reasons why we need to see therapy as self-care
Whilst we have made huge strides forward in our awareness of mental health and its impact on children and young people, particularly since the lockdowns, therapy still sits on an interesting line. Frequently, I talk to so many young people, parents and professionals who still find that whilst we talk about ‘Mental Health Matters’, it
Children’s Activity: What am I feeling?
What am I feeling? Children develop their emotional skills through play, interactions and exploration. So, what better way to explore feelings than through a game? Download here What to do? Download the activity sheet here In small groups, take it in turns to move counters round the grid and talk about what each situation makes
ADHD and Sleep Routines
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a disorder which is categorised into two parts: Inattention (concentration and focus) Hyperactivity and impulsivity Whilst most people with ADHD have difficulties in both areas, some only fall into one category. ADHD was first identified in 1846 by Heinrich Hoffman, and the scientific presentation by Sir George Frederic Still
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