Tag: children
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Understanding postnatal mental health & matrescence
Bringing a child into the world is a monumental transition, not just physically and financially, but emotionally and psychologically. This period, often described as matrescence – the process of becoming a mother – is akin to adolescence, involving profound changes in identity, hormones, and relationships. Unlike puberty, it is much less researched and more commonly…
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Stress in Parenting: Navigating the Challenges with Care
Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles a person can take on. Whether you’re raising young children or guiding teens through adolescence, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times. The demands of parenting are endless—from managing screen time and bedtimes to dealing with homework stress and navigating your child’s social life. If…
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Creativity for children
Being creative is beneficial for our emotional well-being & mental health across the life-span! Traditionally creativity was thought to be for exceptional people, but we can all be creative, given the chance! Creativity is not just about the arts- painting, acting, dancing… it can also be scientific too! This can involve problem-solving and testing an…
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Sibling Shenanigans: The Art of Loving (and Annoying) Each Other
Sibling relationships are among the most complex and dynamic relationships we encounter throughout our lives. They can be a source of joy, support, and companionship, but they can also lead to rivalry and sometimes conflict (Salmon & Shackelford, 2011; Stocker et al., 2020). Siblings often share a unique bond shaped by their shared experiences. As…
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Playing in nature – where the magic happens!
As parents, we are conscious of keeping a balance between screen time and other activities. However; we’ve all heard it when kids come off of screens: “I’m bored!” or “There’s nothing to do!” Getting young people into nature isn’t just about giving them a place to run around—it’s about unlocking a world of benefits that…
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Using assistive technology to support reading development
Assistive technology (AT) plays a critical role in supporting reading development for students with disabilities, particularly those with learning difficulties such as dyslexia. These tools can help students overcome barriers to reading, improve comprehension, and develop greater independence. Below are some useful assistive technologies that can support reading development: 1. Text-to-Speech Software Text-to-speech (TTS) technology…
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School Refusal – Why won’t they go?
What is school refusal? Defined as “child motivated refusal to attend school and/or problems remaining in classes for an entire day” (Kearney & Diliberto, 2013), school refusal or avoidance (sometimes referred to as emotionally based school avoidance), is a complex and often misunderstood issue that can have significant impact on both the child and their…
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Educational Support for Children with Down Syndrome
Children with Down Syndrome may have intellectual and developmental delays, but they also have the capacity to learn and grow, especially with early intervention. Many children with Down Syndrome attend mainstream schools, while others may benefit from special education settings tailored to their individual needs. Key educational support for supporting children with Down Syndrome in…
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How to Parent Neuro Diverse Kids
Quick Tip: GOOD PARENTS HAVE NEURODIVERGENT KIDS, parenting did not cause neurodivergence. It is important that parents know that nothing you did, do or don’t do will directly “cause” a neurodevelopmental disorder. While situational factors can certainly play into diagnoses like depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma your parenting will not cause developmental disorders such as…
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Tips for Parents to Advocate for Their Children in Special Needs Education
Parent involvement in special needs education is crucial not only for supporting a child’s academic progress but also for ensuring that they receive the necessary services and accommodations to thrive. Here are some ways parents can actively engage and advocate for their children in the special needs education system. 1. Understand Your Child’s Rights First…