In my work, I am often asked about how to regulate children’s technology use and screen time. This subject always leaves people divided into two camps: Camp 1 – The belief that children should be able to regulate their tech use Camp 2 – Feeling lost as to how to regulate it without meltdowns So, […]
Why children cannot regulate their tech use Read More »
Whilst traditionally a term used in more medical environments, over recent years the recognition of diagnostic overshadowing has increased. Diagnostic Overshadowing occurs where a child (or adult) symptoms are attributed to their previous diagnosis rather than exploring their cause, meaning or what they relate to. Diagnostic Overshadowing was first coined in 1982, by psychologist Steven
Why we need to be aware of diagnostic overshadowing Read More »
Back to School The return to school is always met with a mixture of excitement, nerves and uncertainty. This can mean that we become caught in our fight or flight mode, and struggle to think logically. Having a plan can help children to feel back in control, as well as validate their feelings and support
Children’s Activity: Back to School Plan Read More »
We so often hear about ‘self-care’ and its importance. However, frequently this is attached to images of beaches, bubble baths and extravagance, which is not viable day to day. The reality is that self-care is a consistent practice that needs commitment and very often – scheduling. But, why do we need it? Supporting regulation When
Why self-care is our first priority Read More »
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition. This means that the brain structure is different in those with ADHD in comparison to someone who is neurotypical. ADHD is associated with a dysregulated dopamine system. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. Dopamine is linked with movement, memory, pleasurable reward and motivation, behaviour
ADHD, Boredom and Sensory Seeking Read More »
When we are supporting the emotional needs and mental health of others, we can find that caring for ourselves can fall by the wayside. When the balance of self-care and working practice is not well managed and monitored, it can quickly fall out of balance and cause a wide number of implications. The nature of supporting
When compassion fatigue strikes Read More »
An important part of supporting child mental health, is that we recognise areas where we can develop our practice. There is no end point in this, as the world evolves, we can recognise that the mental health needs are ever evolving. Therefore, strategies that we used 10 years ago may no longer work, whilst new
Carrot and Stick – Why punishments rarely work Read More »
A lot of people can be concerned about the word ‘validation’, perceiving that by doing this, we are giving in, or enabling someone. However, validation is a vital part of our connections with children, building trust and supporting mental health. Without it, we are often caught in cycle of resistance, by which the child may
Why threats don’t work and we need validation instead Read More »
What is rejection sensitivity? A frequent conversation that I have with parents and young people who have had a neurodiverse diagnosis (or are awaiting diagnosis) is the challenges that they can have with rejection sensitivity. This is most often symptomatic of those with ADHD or ADD. Rejection sensitivity occurs where the actual or perceived rejection
Rejection Sensitivity and ADHD Read More »
As part of my work as a therapist and coach, I have accepted that I have relinquished my life to learning. That old adage, ‘the more you learn, the more you realise you have to learn’ rings true on a daily basis. When I was a lecturer, I often said that the day I thought
What’s your personal minimum expectation? Read More »
