A different way to look at challenges..”What’s the name you would give your difficulties?’ “What effect does it have on your relationships with others?” “Does the difficulty (e.g. anxiety/depression/anger) ever have you say or do...
In narrative therapy and also when I work with children/teens, I actively externalise the problem. This involves turning an adjective “I am a depressed Mother” “My child is anxious”..into a noun. “I am experiencing...
Mentalising is the capacity to interpret your child’s behaviour interms of intentional mental states e.g.. child’s needs, desires, feelings; beliefs; goals and reasons. BUT if we as a parent, when we were growing up, were not surrounded by others who...
Why look at your ability to reflect as a parent? When do you have the time? If parents are able to reflect on their child or teenager’s “internal world”, then they have the capacity to think about that other person’s desires, needs and beliefs....
Brain adaptability- New technology has confirmed that the brain is actually flexible, that we learn throughout the course of our life not just childhood. Experiences shape how we interpret the world around us. Our brains aren’t fully developed until mid twenties. What...
Common fears and worries for a high school aged child – young adult. There are many experiences adolescents find unsettling and/or they worry about. Some find it hard to express or communicate their concerns. It’s important that parents are alert to what your teen...
Here are some pointers that might help you respond to your child’s worries: • Be aware of your own feelings – what do you do when you’re anxious? What are your coping strategies? Think about what messages you are giving to your child. • Manage your own emotions –...
1. Sleep Get enough sleep and you’ll have enough energy and reserves to tackle whatever the day decides to throw at you. Alongside that make sensible food and drink choices. The right amount of sleep (7 – 8 hours) raises serotonin levels which puts you in a good mood,...
Research has proven that mindfulness is great for anxiety. There are plenty of ways to practice mindfulness: Mindfulness eating, use of breathing exercises, progressive relaxation for adults and children, yoga, flow activities where we are 100% concentrating on the...
After an episode of overwhelming anxiety or worry, here are some things you can try to connect with your child and allow them the space to talk about their worries with you, in order that they feel heard, not judged and are able to connect with you about their fears....
