How to Help Your Child with After-School Meltdowns

Mother comforting a girl, who is leaning in for support.

 After a long day at school, it’s not uncommon for children to come home feeling totally overwhelmed. The result is an after-school meltdown. What looks like a meltdown is often your child’s way of releasing the stress they’ve been holding in all day. The key is not to stop the emotions—but to support your child through […]

Stressful Mornings – help for parents

child lying on his tummy at teh end of the bed, arms hanging down, looking challenging.

Stressful mornings are a common part of family life—but that doesn’t make them any easier. When you’re trying to manage time, responsibilities, and your child’s needs all at once, it can quickly feel overwhelming.   Start with self-compassion Firstly, be gentle with yourself. You don’t have to be a perfect parent. There is no such […]

How to Stop Morning Meltdowns – gentle, practical tips for parents

Unhappy child lying back on bed, hands over her face.

Stressful mornings are something many parents experience. When everyone is trying to get out the door on time, it doesn’t take much for things to unravel. The good news is that small, practical changes can go a long way in preventing morning meltdowns.   Start with the routine Children feel safer when they know what […]

My Child is Scared of the Dark – what can I do?

Child lying asleep in bed with a night light in the background.

Fear of the dark is very common in young children. While it might seem small from an adult perspective, for a child it can feel very real and overwhelming. The most important thing to remember is this:the fear is real to them, even if the cause isn’t.   Start with reassurance Children need to know: […]

Why Your child Keeps Waking at Night (and what you can do)

Frightened child in bed with blanket pulled up, eyes peeking over the top

Night waking can be exhausting—for children and parents alike. When it keeps happening, it’s natural to feel frustrated or worried. There isn’t one single cause. But in most cases, there are a few common reasons worth exploring.   Start with the basics Sometimes the cause is simple and easy to adjust: Not enough wind-down timeIf […]

How to Stop Bedtime Battles (Without Losing Your Patience)

Child lying bed, parent comforting her with a soft toy, and reading a story.

Bedtime can easily become the most challenging part of the day. Everyone is tired, patience is thinner, and even small things can turn into big struggles. The good news is that most bedtime battles aren’t really about bedtime—they’re about transition. Children need help winding down from the day, and entering into the world of dreams.  […]

Why are Mornings so Hard with Young Children?

Young child sitting alone on a couch, crying unhappily.

Mornings can feel surprisingly difficult with young children. What seems like a simple transition into the day can quickly turn into resistance, tears, or frustration—for both of you. Part of the reason is that children need time to move from the world of sleep into the reality of their day.   The transition from sleep […]

Why Your Child Falls Apart After School (And Seems Fine During the Day)

Anxious child at school, head back, hands on her head, yelling in frustration.

It can be confusing—and even worrying—when your child falls apart when they come home from school. You may have even spoken to their teacher and heard, “They’re so well-behaved in class.” So what’s going on?   You are their safe place When your child “loses it” after school, it’s not a sign that something is […]

After School Collapse – why children “lose it” when they come home from school

Teen child sitting on the floor, back to the wall, head on hands, hiding her face.

Having a child who meltdowns, “loses it”, or collapses emotionally after school is a common concern for parents of school-age children. Perhaps your child is able to successfully hold themselves together during the day at school, then “loses it” when they come home. Maybe you’ve spoken to their teacher who says “he’s always so well […]

The Sense of Balance – links to ADHD and Dyslexia

Two children balancing and walking along a log in the forest.

Immaturities in the sense of balance often underlie difficulties with learning to read and write. While your child may appear to have good balance when moving, riding a bicycles etc, it is their static balance, or the ability to sit still and concentrate that is important for learning in the classroom. Children with immaturities in […]