Articles & Resources
The impact of shame on child mental health
In our Level 4 Diploma class session this week, we were reviewing the impact of shame on children’s mental health, well-being and self-esteem. Shame is the feeling of embarrassment or humiliation that children (or adults) experience in response to the perception that they have done something wrong. Essentially, when shame is imparted onto children, it
Children’s Activity: Therapeutic Colouring Sheet
Colouring has many benefits: Develops fine motor skills Supports concentration skills Develops colour recognition Strengthens handwriting skills Encourages relaxation Develops focus Creates a focus on the present Calms a restless mind Develops inner quiet Reduces stress and anxiety Can improve sleep Download it here Free Activity So, this week, our free activity is a
How do we create change in life?
So often, I meet children and adults in every day life who talk to me about the fact that they ‘can’t change’ or that they ‘are just this way’ – even though their feelings, actions, behaviours or lifestyle are causing them upset they cannot find a way to change and feel that ‘nothing works’. Change
Children’s Activity: Where do I feel it?
Feelings When we teach emotional literacy, part of our role is supporting children to be able to recognise what their emotions are. Many children can find it challenging to be able to recognise, identify and respond to their emotions, particularly emotions such as excitement and anxiety as both create adrenaline in the body. A great
8 Ways to Support University Students
Now that A-Level exams have finished, the conversations about university starting have begun. A frequent conversation in my therapy office, has been about how they can prepare, make friends and settle in. So, here’s 8 top tips for before they go and when they get there: #1 – Learn how to use the utilities before
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
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