Exercise for children
Exercise is very important for both children and adults. Developing these habits early on can help ensure it becomes a part of everyday life, supporting growth and development throughout childhood. Here is a guide to help you know how much exercise your child should be getting and why. Babies Even […]
Sibling rivalry
Sibling rivalry is natural and to be expected. Children want to be the centre of your attention and find it difficult to adjust when a new baby comes along. There can be plenty of conflict, particularly when children are close together in age, as your older child is unable to […]
From Co-Regulation to Self-Regulation
What is self-regulation? Self-regulation is the ability to manage our thoughts, feelings and actions. The ability to self-regulate starts developing during infancy, right the way through to adolescence. Learning to share, resolve conflict and problem solving are all related to the ability to self-regulate. What is co-regulation? Before children can […]
The Fourth Trimester
The Fourth Trimester is the first 3 months of your baby’s life. It is particularly important as it is a time when your baby is adjusting to their new environment and you, as parents, are learning to understand how to meet your baby’s needs. As with all relationships, this doesn’t […]
Teaching Self-Compassion
From the moment they are born, babies are learning about Emotional Intelligence (EQ). They cry, we look at them, they smile, we respond. Even a non-verbal infant is internalising emotions. Do you hear your child use negative self-talk? Maybe you’ve heard them say ‘I’m never going to get this right’ […]
An exploration of Children’s Mental Health
As many of you who have read my blog before will know, I am passionate about Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing for children and adults. I believe that if we can create a positive emotional connection, particularly between parents and their children, this paves the way for their development to […]
The dangers of Helicopter Parenting
As parents, we want to protect our children and create a loving and happy environment to grow up in. However, sometimes parents can be too protective and supportive and, in these cases, can have a negative impact on the child’s development as they get older. When your child is a […]
Why should you read to your baby?
Reading to your baby during pregnancy and after the birth brings many positive benefits for their development. It also provides a positive time for you to connect with them emotionally. Here are some of the reasons I encourage you to read regularly to your baby (and obviously older children as […]
Struggles with toddlers and the arrival of a new baby
Meltdowns and emotional overloads are commonplace with toddlers. They lack the brain maturity and ability to regulate their emotions. Common reactions are: Tantrums Pushing Limits/ challenging behaviours Hitting Screaming Not engaging with parent Now add a new baby in to the family and things are much more difficult to deal […]
Overwhelming childhood emotions
When children are struggling with their emotions, and have become overwhelmed, we need to give them a safe space and time to calm down. This might mean moving them to a different room or area to keep your child and others safe, particularly if they or others are getting hurt. […]