Many children at some time in their school career find going to school a challenge and may feel anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed. School phobia (known to may professionals who work with children as school refusal), is a complex and extreme form of anxiety about going to school (but strangely may not be attached to the […]
When my son was 19 and went to Brunel University to study journalism. I used to feel exasperated about his morning routine! But if you, like me, have had arguments about getting your teenager out of bed before midday you are not alone ! It’s a familiar battle against biology and habit, after a […]
I go into many schools running my Confidence Classes for Kids Workshop and I am always struck by how noisy the classrooms can become. I do an exercise called The Garden of Dreams where I take the children on a visualisation into a beautiful garden with sunflowers and waterfalls and I help them relax, concentrate […]
This is one of my favourite books for children. It’s called “Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids” It is just the most super, simple, powerful and amazing little book that kids just embrace quickly and easily and I guarantee it will transform your child’s attitude and self esteem […]
How many of us have left a inconsolable child in childcare or school and gone on our way with a sick heart, wondering if we’ve done the right thing? I’ve been answering toddler questions for a regular feature that I write for an In -house magazine in the […]
Are you looking for a positive way to discipline your toddler that’s encouraging & positive and that enhances your child’s self esteem – not damages it – like the naughty step? Then look no further than my Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Button! Let me tell you how […]
I read with interest, but not surprise this new piece of research on the importance of sleep. Parents have all heard, and personally experienced, how critical a good night’s sleep is for their children. But new research suggests that the consistency of kids’ bedtimes matters just as much for their developing brains as the number […]
I’ve recently been working with a 10 year old who has been angry, out of control and frightened. She has displayed challenging behaviour since her days in Reception at the age of 5 and has learning difficulties, but with the help of her Learning Mentor at school and now working with me to create her […]
I’m delighted to have been interviewed for The Sunday Times today as I’m speaking on One Page Profiles at The Sunday Times Education Festival on 22nd June. Here’s the link to read what I have to say about class sizes in schools ! What we’d change now. http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/public/festival_of_education/article1264415.ece?CMP=OTH-gnws-standard-2013_05_25
One in three teenagers have felt so depressed that they needed help, a Daybreak survey has revealed. More than one in six of the 11 to 18-year-olds who admitted to feeling this kind of depression said it lasted a few months, with 15% of young people having to take time off school as a result. […]
Today I read this wonderful quote on the very delightful Victoria Chart Company Facebook page. “Be strong enough to be gentle. Too many parents equate being gentle with being weak or passive when nothing could be further from the truth. Gentleness requires great control, active connection, and intense calm. So, when your child needs discipline, […]
Here’s my latest podcast to download http://parentingexpert.podbean.com/2013/01/19/raising-teenage-boys-positively-and-easily/
I was in a school today and I always put my reading glasses on my jumper as a habit, as I’m tooooo proud to get a reading chain that hangs around my neck, as I think that’s what old people do !! ( Vain woman that I am!) BUT what really struck me today was […]
Are you kids using i pads at school ? Here’s an interesting article about the positive impact the introduction of iPads are having in schools from Edudemic
As a former Deputy Head teacher I read with interest this research in Slate showing how teaching kids more and more, at ever-younger ages, may backfire. I was recently in a Primary School running my Confidence Classes for Kids Workshop ( tell your school about them as I’ll happily pop along ) where they had decided […]
