When I used to teach, my students often got fed up with me, I will add here that it wasn’t because I was a terrible teacher, but because I refused to listen to the words ‘I can’t’. ‘I can’t do it’ The words I wouldn’t abide by. I wasn’t being mean… The thing is, I […]
Why we need to encourage perseverance in children Read More »
Self-care Bingo Self-care is all about taking care of ourselves. If we imagine that we are a care, we would not expect to drive to the coast without petrol. Self-care is the petrol that we give ourselves to give us to have the energy and mental well-being to cope. Regular self-care improves: our physical health
Children’s Activity: Self-care Bingo Read More »
Mental Health and Children in the UK Current data shows that ‘One in six children aged five to 16 were identified as having a probable mental health problem in July 2020’ (NHS Digital, 2020). Further, ‘The number of A&E attendances by young people aged 18 or under with a recorded diagnosis of a psychiatric condition
8 Things NOT to say to a child struggling with mental health Read More »
I was talking to a friend this week and we got onto the subject of validation. Funnily it is a conversation I have multiple times a week, all year round. Whilst not necessarily a subject topic purposely explored for it’s negativity it is a concept which impacts so many aspects of our lives, and whilst
The Impact of Validation on Mental Health Read More »
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 –
The perils of perfectionism: supporting young people Read More »
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
Top Tips for Starting Exam Revision Read More »
Praising children and teenagers is something that we all know is important. However, is there a right or wrong way to do it? Do we need to praise qualities, not outcomes? We frequently meet young people who place the value of themselves on: Their academic outcomes (homework, coursework) Their test results Their sporting achievements Their
Why we need to praise qualities, not outcomes Read More »
We all know that we need to be more active, but the thought and the action can sometimes be a challenge to get going. It’s almost crazy that for something that we know improves our wellbeing we can find getting active so challenging. How much do I need? The guidelines for physical activity advise: Infants
5 reasons we need to be more active Read More »
Just like that, the summer holidays began. After a long eighteen months, the relief of the holidays and the increased accessibility to favourite activities is much appreciated. However, how can we ensure that we invest in our mental health over the break, so that the return to school is a positive one? Here’s our top
10 Ways to Support Mental Health in the Summer Holidays Read More »
Have you ever…. Have you ever been caught on a journey in the summer holidays with the children calling out ‘are we there yet?’, ‘I’m bored’, ‘I don’t want to wait’ ‘I’m fed up’. Let’s face it, car journeys are not always the most fun, and whilst the destination may be amazing, the waiting can
Children’s Activity: Summer Journey ‘I’ Spy Read More »
