What to do when your child says ‘Nobody Likes Me’

I was speaking on BBC Radio recently about friendship issues. Here are a few of my ideas about what to do when your child says ‘Nobody Likes Me’: 1. Offer a variety of opportunities for your child to play and socialise informally at home. Host a play date that’s not too long. Have some friends […]
A Quarter Of 11 To 16-Year-Olds Would Have Cosmetic Surgery To Improve Body Image. So what can YOU do to teach your kids to have a positive attitude?

As a new survey reveals that a quarter of 11 To 16-Year-Olds would have cosmetic surgery to improve their body image, what can YOU do to teach your kids to have a positive and healthy body image and body attitude? Half of girls and a third of boys are willing to take drastic measures to […]
Moving House Made Easy – Top Tips To Tell The Kids

Top tips to move house with children. “Will moving my 6 year to another town permanently damage her?” Here are some ideas to help 1. Take a some time to get really clear in your own mind about what you want to say to them to reassure them. Imagine where you’ll be – in the […]
What is Bullying and How It Differs in Boys and Girls

An Age-old Problem That Needs New and Innovative Solutions What is bullying and how does it differ in boys and girls? As a former teacher I sometimes had parents in to see me accusing other children in the class of bullying their children when it was often children trying to assert their independence or […]
Vampires at the Nursery! Why Do Toddlers Bite?

Biting! Vampires ???? at the Nursery ! Biting amongst little ones is a distressing but common problem for parents. But why do toddlers bite and how can you prevent it? Why toddlers bite. I think it’s really helpful to understand why your toddler may start biting before you start trying to change their behaviour. […]
Why it’s IMPORTANT to read to your kids.

I’ve just been interviewed on BBC Hereford and Worcester Radio about why it’s important to read to kids. Of course we all know that reading matters, but just how much it matters and how it can impact our children may be surprising. As a former Deputy Head Teacher & Class Teacher for over 25 […]
From starting school to starting university – being a parent is all about handling CHANGE.

Handling change is one of life’s greatest challenges and is a major element in my work with parents. My passion is to help parents handle change positively and with clarity, direction and confidence. Change is inevitable and although it’s perfectly natural to resist the changes in your life and feel overwhelmed and anxious about them, […]
Is it OK to choose your kid’s friends?
I read with horror Katie Hopkins from ( The Apprentice) admission that she won’t let her children play with friends that she deems beneath them… & I quote ‘that’s what caring mothers do’ As The Apprentice star admits she targets playmates who are a good influence. Well – good luck with that overly controlling strategy […]
Getting your kids to help around the house – made easy of course!

I’m speaking on BBC Radio Kent about the importance of giving your kids chores to do in the house. I believe it makes them feel part of the family team, it teaches them independence and gives them the feeling of competence and capability. If it feels like you are the one bearing the brunt of […]
Understanding The Stepfamily Cycle.

The Stepfamily Cycle I have been working with a lovely family who are finding it hard to adjust to the changes that blending two families together brings. I always remind my clients that bringing together 2 separate families is a process and not an event, and it takes time and flexibility on everyone’s behalf […]
THE question to save your relationship.

As it’s Valentine’s Day just around the corner I thought it would be a good opportunity to pause when you are stressed, frustrated, angry or tired and to just STOP and ask yourself: What would love do now ?
Why The Simple Act Of Eating Together Is Important

I am a real advocate of families sitting down and eating together as it creates a bond, a connection and makes life fun. Kids can chat about their day, their worries or just spend time with you, and you can share your life with them in a easy and natural way simply through sitting down […]
Activities to Build Self-Esteem With Kids – Tip 1

Activities to build self-esteem in kids #1 Talking With and Talking At Your Kids There has been lots of research on family communication that has repeatedly confirmed that we spend very little time actually talking with our children (less than 20 minutes a day ) and most of our time talking at them complaining, […]
The Sue Atkins Sunday Saying – a cup of positivi-tea
Let a series of happy thoughts run through your mind. They will show on your face. ~ Norman Vincent Peale 1898-1993, Author of The Power of Positive Thinking
30 tips for first-time parents ! What’s your top tip?

I’m chatting on BBC Newcastle later today as the presenter is leaving to have her first baby and has asked me for my top tips! It can be really difficult to not feel nervous but my advice is to relax, trust your own instinct and let well meaning old fashioned advice from your Grandma […]