Articles & Resources
Children’s Activities: Left Brain, Right Brain
Our brain is made up of two sides – left brain and right brain. The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body. Each side also has preferred behaviours and activities: Left Brain
The perils of perfectionism: supporting young people
For many, seeing a perfectionist in action can feel like watching magic unfold. In fact, frequently, the reason perfectionists do not recognise the dangers of their behaviours is because they are greeted with feedback about: – How committed they are – How much attention to detail they have – How well they are doing –
Children’s Activity: Halloween Spooky Hunt
Halloween Hunt As Halloween fast approaches, we know there are lots of little ones eager to be out trick or treating. So, we’re sharing our Halloween Spooky Hunt for those parents and professionals looking for a simple but fun activity to share the fun. Download it here How to use it Download the worksheet (find it
5 things to do if you are feeling burnt out
What is burnout Burnout is a term used to describe when someone is feeling sensations of exhaustion, or where someone has been overwhelmed for too long. It is created when an individual has had ongoing emotional, intellectual, physical or mental stress acting upon them or affecting them for prolonged periods. If you read our previous
Children’s Activity: Adventures of Brian Colouring Sheet
Adventures of Brian In 2016, I published the Adventures of Brian, a collection of children’s books which use therapeutic language to support children to resolve their thoughts, worries and fears. Having worked in education for over 20 years, from early years to teaching A-Levels the Adventures of Brian are a passion project. Stories have long
Shame: The risks of using the blame game
Once upon a time, to use shame to motivate or control behaviour was a typical psychological method. Shame is one of the greatest negative emotions that a person can experience. Whilst in some situations, shame can be beneficial, preventing us from wanting to hurt others or cause those we love pain, as well as stop
Children’s Activity: Making Sensory Calming Bottles
Sensory Activities Sensory activities have many benefits: They develop motor skills such as coordination They support language acquisition They encourage problem solving They build nerve connections and neural pathways They support cognitive development They benefit social connections They calm the central nervous system What does it include? Sensory activities can include: Playdough (plain, scented, coloured
Chronic Stress: What are the signs?
We all talk about stress a lot of the time. Whether it is in relation to the many things that we need to get done in a day, or the workload we have to complete, or juggling demands from family, commitments or health needs. If you followed my blog about competitive stress (find it here)
Children’s Activity: Feelings Pairs Card Game
Feelings Pairs Some days, we need simple but fun ways to start talking about feelings. This week, in our activity share, we are sharing our Feelings Pairs Card Game. Download here What to do: Download the feelings cards sheet (find it here) Print onto card Cut the cards along the squares Shuffle the pictures Lay
Top Tips for Starting Exam Revision
The word of the moment is ‘mock exams’. For those sitting their exams this summer there is frustration and conflict whilst we wait to hear of the format of GCSEs and A-Levels. In my therapy office, I have already noticed the shift in worries and anxiety surrounding exam outcomes, perhaps higher than usual. Being the
Children’s Activity: Calm Down Flash Cards
Calm Down Flash Cards If you have followed our article and podcast about self-regulation (if you missed it find it here) then you will know we have been talking about developing children’s emotional literacy, their ability to recognise and respond to their emotions. As part of this, supporting children to know which strategies they can
Why we need to stop telling children they are shy
So frequently, we hear parents and professionals refer to children as being ‘shy’. Often, we hear these comments being made in front of the child themselves, or written in their school reports; “Child is too shy to do that” “They find it hard to do that as they are shy” “She’s too shy to take
Children’s Activity: Feeling Faces
Feelings In this week’s article we looked at self-regulation (if you missed it, find it here). Being able to recognise and respond to our feelings is a key part of emotional literacy. However, frequently, in my work as a teacher, therapist and in my work with parents, we find that many children struggle to know
Supporting Children to Develop Self-Regulation Skills
Changes to the EYFS (PSED) In the new EYFS, self-regulation is now covered in the prime area of Personal, social and emotional development. If you want to keep up to date, find the EYFS here. The new Early Learning Goal, within Personal, Social and Emotional Development describes self-regulation as follows: ELG: Self-Regulation – Children at
Children’s Activities: Rainbow Breathing
Rainbow Breathing When we are relaxed, our minds are clearer. This means that we can make decisions easier, feel more in control and manage situations more effectively. Teaching children breathing exercises helps them to learn to breathe deeply, as well as feel more relaxed and calm. Rainbow breathing is a fun and simple activity, which
Breaking the Cycle of Competitive Stress
The issue with stress, is that it has become almost fashionable to compare: Who has the most to do To declare how stressed we are To tell everyone about how much we have to get done To wear our badge of stress and overwhelm as a badge of honour to our friends, family and social
Children’s Activities: Bubble Breathing
Learning breathing techniques as part of our day is a perfect way to: calm the central nervous system reduce stress lower your heart rate regulate emotional responses increases energy improves digestion Bubble Breathing Bubble breathing is a great activity to teach children to help them reduce their own stress. Bubble breathing is a simple and
Recognising the impact of child trauma
Over the many years I have worked with children and teenagers, and over the last 8 years working in my therapy office I meet so many clients with different backgrounds. Some have scars on the outside, from domestic violence, self-harm, eating disorders or alcoholism. Others have scars on the inside from emotional abuse, neglect, domestic
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