Heart-Led Learning

When you have a neurotypical child, you feel reasonably assured that class participation and decent study habits will result in good grades. These kids have close friends. They get invited to participate in social things like dances and weekend gatherings. They make the teams, auditions, organizations and clubs.

But when you have a child with certain differences, this is often not the case. Learning may take longer, both academically and socially. Despite their tremendous efforts, results are often a fraction of their peers and social acceptance is fleeting, setting them up for painful comparisons and bitter frustration. Instead of a fun and fulfilling experience, school can become a breeding ground for depression and anxiety, and assignments a battle ground at home. It is exhausting for parent and child alike.

This is the week of SPED (Special Education), Autism, Dyslexia, and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) awareness.

For all the children who struggle every day to succeed in a world that does not recognize their gifts and talents, and for those who are walking beside them, please let this be a gentle reminder to be kind and accepting of ALL people. Recognize that the "playing field" is not always a level surface.

Children who learn differently are not weird. They are merely gifted in ways that our society does not value enough. Yet they want what everyone else wants: To be accepted!!

If you choose, please "copy and paste" (by touching and holding the text) onto your profile in honor of all children who are deemed "different". Our world would be far less beautiful without them.
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤

Remember kindness goes a long way!!! In a world where you can be anything…be kind. ♥️

EMBRACE the ABILITY of everyone as individual and unique 💛

🐛 Smooth Transitions '🐛

One of the hardest things for our little people to do, is to move from one 'mode of doing' to another.

Shifting from whole body movement, to sitting still and paying attention, or changing from computer- based learning, to concrete materials, are just two examples of transitions they face daily.

As adults, we often take the ability to transition for granted. It is a complex cognitive skill that young people often need support with. So, when it's time for move from one thing to the next, you could try:

🍎Breathing your way in - Take 5 long, slow, deep breaths to ease your way into learning.

🍎 Playing some music to signal a change.

🍎 Implement a movement break! Have a look at 'Go Noodle' online, or research how to lead 'interoception' practices. They are super easy and help little people learn to listen to their internal cues.

🍎Use a feelings thermometer. How are you feeling about learning this today? Do you feel ready to begin? What could we do to help you prepare for learning?

🍎 Practice mindfulness between 'lessons'.

🍎 Encourage a snack and drink of water through transitions.

💚 Dee x

💜 How Was Your Week 1? 💜

I've heard the highs and the lows from Mums and Dads this week 🙌 In our house, we navigated lots of challenges, but were appreciating small wins by Friday afternoon.

I came across this brilliant resource for parents this week during my Googling adventures. Inclusive of a podcast series, books and coaching....this offering supports parents of kids and teens with complex behaviours: ADHD, Anxiety and other neurodiversities too.

Check it out @

ImpactParents | ADHD Help For Parents | Parent Training and Coaching Help kids thrive! Game-changing parent coaching & training. Accessible, affordable ADHD help for parents and educators of complex children and teens.