I’ve been interviewed a great deal about the phenomenon often called the “Middle Child Syndrome,” which tries to explain how birth order affects every aspect of a child’s life. Dr. Alfred Adler, an Austrian psychoanalyst, first brought the effect of birth order to light. He suggested that birth order has a strong effect & influence […]
I’ve just been interviewed on BBC Woman’s Hour with Anita Rani about chores, pocket money and teaching kids about working & earning. If it feels like you are the one bearing the brunt of domestic chores in your home it may be time to share the load – with your children. Giving kids […]
Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” ~ Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790, Scientist, Publisher and Diplomat Do you feel like you’re always wading knee-deep through your teenager’s piles of discarded clothes, dirty glasses, crisp packets […]
Stepfamilies have a bad image. Think of Snow White’s jealous stepmother or Cinderella’s ugly sisters or at the other end of the spectrum, picture the unrealistically positive stepfamily, such as the Brady Bunch. But real life is more complicated that either of those blended family models and children have to come to […]
I speaking on BBC Radio York about ‘Boomerang Kids’ Here are my thoughts …. Student debt, the high cost of housing, and a general lengthening of adolescence (itself, a result of growing life expectancy) are all contributing to the new phenomenon of boomerang kids – the 20 or 30 somethings who move back in […]
The most important gift you can give your child is the gift of self esteem. Self-esteem is how you rate yourself deep down. It is a belief and a confidence in your own ability and value. It’s a gentle knowing that: you like yourself. you think you’re a good human being. you deserve love. […]
Grandparents are wonderful aren’t they? But what do you do when they over indulge your kids with technology & allow them to spend too long on their devices? Here’s a few ideas to help. When approaching the issue of excessive screen time with grandparents, it’s essential to foster open communication in a non-confrontational manner. […]
Shame on You! I’ve just spent the morning filming a video for The Sun newspaper around their new campaign around shaming and blaming and humiliating children on social media. What is shaming & what it does to children. Shame is defined as ‘a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by wrong or foolish […]
It’s Father’s Day here in the UK and I always miss my wonderful Dad as he was just such a wonderful person, charismatic, kind, thoughtful, funny and great, great fun. From my Dad I learnt my values, my confidence, my tenacity. From my Dad I learnt compassion, finding the balance in everything from studying, working, […]
Between schoolwork, homework, data driven school learning, standardised tests, exam anxiety, after-school activities and bullying, kids are super stressed out. The foundations & most important and valuable learning happens in the early years of our children’s lives. The experiences that they have then shape their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and how they think about […]
Are you stuck in the spin cycle of life………….. exhausted, wrung out and dizzy? Do you find yourself falling into bed worn out, frustrated and complaining “Where did the time GO?” Then welcome to the Club! You are not alone as I coach lots of Mums and Dads from toddler to teens crying […]
Here are some ideas and strategies to help navigate co-parenting during the holiday season: 1. Create a Clear Plan Early Discuss in Advance: Collaboratively plan how Christmas and surrounding holidays will be shared to avoid last-minute conflicts. Alternate Holidays: Consider alternating Christmas Day each year or splitting the holiday break. Share the Day: If […]
From Christmas to Christenings we have to learn to get along with our in-laws. I was very blessed as I got on really well with mine before my mother -in -law developed Dementia. When she first washed my kitchen floor I had to pause to ponder whether she was suggesting that I was a hopeless […]
Christmas is a catalyst. I often find that I get many clients coming to see me after Christmas about how to separate after spending more time together at Christmas. Christmas acts as a catalyst for change and the New Year offers a new beginning for many. My article Handling Divorce Positively taken from my “Raising […]
70% of British primary schoolteachers have noticed a rise in the number of 3-7-year olds wetting themselves during the school day. As a former Deputy Head and Class Teacher for 22 years I also taught 35 five-year olds in Reception but I certainly didn’t think it was my job to toilet train the children in […]
A Practical Guide
A calm, practical starter guide from Sue Atkins to help you handle smartphones, social media, gaming, sleep and online pressure — without rows or panic.
Download the free scripts and tips here.
