One of my favourite parenting stories is about a famous research scientist who made several important medical breakthroughs. He was asked by a journalist why he was so successful and he told the story of a very early lesson he learnt from his Mum when he dropped a carton of milk in the kitchen. Instead […]
Here are practical tips for parents to help nurture grit (perseverance and passion for long-term goals) in their children—without pushing them too hard or making it feel like pressure: 💬 1. Model Grit Yourself Kids absorb what they see. Talk openly about your own challenges and how you’re working through them. Phrases like: “This is […]
The stranger and the ginger nut biscuits story……… from my never ending notebook and my everlasting pencil. Today’s story made me laugh when I first came across it and is an urban legend dating back at least 30 years. At the airport after a tiring business trip a lady’s return flight was delayed. […]
Here’s a story from my never ending notebook and everlasting coloured pencil The Lost Horse A horse with no identifying marks wandered into a farmyard. The farmer’s young son said he’d take the responsibility for returning the horse to its owner. The boy mounted the horse, urged it towards the road and let it […]
There has been much talk and research around emotional intelligence and emotional literacy that suggests they lead to better health, higher academic achievement and stronger relationships. I believe the skills of emotional intelligence are learned — and parents are the best people to teach them to their children. Here is my article published in […]
All day long children are carrying round an invisible rucksack. You can’t see it, but it’s there. Children carry an imaginary rucksack that needs to be filled daily with T-I-M-E, love, affection, attention & security. When children’s rucksacks are full, they feel safe, secure, confident, valued and happy. They have good self-esteem & are resilient […]
We live in a world of growing perfectionism. From selfies to photo shop, young people are under pressure. They are under pressure at school to perform due to our obsession with data driven learning. They are under pressure on social media – mocked, scorned and ridiculed for looking a certain way or acting a certain […]
Girls who talk to their friends at length about their problems could be making them worse, psychologists have warned. The scientists conducted a series of studies and found that girls hoped to feel more cared for, understood and less alone by talking things through. However, they said it could actually lead to depression and stress. […]
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.
