Dandelion Hub

27/04/2026

Are you a parent of a child who struggles with organisation, time management, or following routines? You’re not alone—and there are practical, evidence-based strategies that can help.

Join me (Dr. Ruth Tesselaar, Neuropsychologist), for a supportive and interactive workshop.

Learn more from the link: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1557004

22/04/2026

School readers can be boring. Especially when students are asked to re-read the same one multiple times each week. This week, after my son rolled his eyes when I asked him to do his reader (again!), inspiration struck! "Every time you see the word 'screw' (it was a reader about screws) can you change it to 'poo' as you read?". Suddenly his interest was piqued, and he read with gusto, laughing all the way through. Reader done!

Motivation is often the key to getting a task started, and is also needed to help us persistent with the task all the way through. Initiation (starting a task), and goal directed persistence (sticking with the task), are two of our many executive functions.

If you want to increase the motivation to a task with the kids in your world, consider how you can make the task more interesting.

• Can you make it funny?
• Can you make it linked to an area of interest?
• Can you make it a challenge?
• Can you time how long it takes?
• Can you add music?
• Can you do it while listening to a podcast?
• Can you do it while walking backwards?

The PINCH acronym is a great one to remember and use when trying to address motivation:
• P = Playful = Can you make it more playful or funny?
• I = Interesting = Can you make it more interesting?
• N = Novelty = Can you complete the task in a novel way?
• C= Challenge = Can you make it a challenge?
• H = Hurry = Can you create a sense of urgency?

Let me know in the comments the most unusual ways you have turned a boring task into an interesting one! I can then collate and share the responses - as we always need to have some novel ideas in our back pockets!

20/04/2026

Did you know children aren’t born with executive function skills?

Many parents and professionals are surprised to learn that executive function skills—like memory, self-control, and flexibility—develop gradually throughout childhood.

Understanding these milestones can help you better support both neurotypical and neurodivergent children as they grow.

Curious to learn more and discover practical strategies?
👉 Join our upcoming Parent Workshop on 28th April (next week!) for practical, evidence-based strategies that make a real difference.
👉 Read the full blog to find out more about the development of executive functions and grab our handy executive function development table.

Workshop: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1557004
Blog: https://www.dandelionhub.com.au/blog

17/04/2026

Ever asked if computerised brain training will help a child's executive functioning?

This is how I answer...

14/04/2026

Ever noticed how time drags when you’re bored, but flies when you’re having fun? For many neurodivergent children, this feeling may be even stronger! 💡

Here’s why estimating time can be tricky:

🐢 Time can feel super slow during boring or challenging tasks
🚀 Time can zoom by when they’re in their area of interest
🔄 Many neurodivergent children may experience these shifts more strongly, making it hard to know what “normal” time feels like.

What does this mean for us adults who are supporting them? For children and teens who struggle with the executive function of time management:
• It’s not about laziness or lack of effort
• Their brains truly experience time differently
• Support with visual timers (such as analogue clocks, time timers, sand timers), gentle reminders, and encouragement can make a big difference

Start the conversation about time management by asking about their time perception, "Do you find that time sometimes moves super slow, and sometimes superfast?.... You do? I wonder if there is anything we could try to support you to know how much time has gone past?"

Let’s celebrate and support these unique perspectives on time!

09/04/2026

Research shows that executive function (EF) skills such as inhibition, planning, organisation, and our ability to stay focused (sustained attention), are more important for school readiness than IQ or early academic skills.

Executive Functions also predict both mathematics and reading competence throughout the school years.

Want to discover practical ways to support your child’s executive functioning development through everyday tasks and activities? Join our online Parent Workshop. 7pm, Tuesday 28th April—link in bio!”

Parents

07/04/2026

A fantastic (and free!) resource for families!

Learn simple ways to create clear, consistent screentime rules with the FREE program Triple P Online: Children and Screens.

06/04/2026

An great insight into emotional regulation and helpful strategies for parents and carers!

Emotional regulation strategies for kids that actually help. Learn how to support big emotions at home and during school holidays.

06/04/2026

Starting a neuroaffirming conversation with a child or student about executive function differences can seem daunting. However, opening up with a gentle and collaborative conversations starter can make a world of difference:

•. “I’ve noticed you seem to have a tricky time starting your homework, I wonder what’s going on?” or
•. “If you could change one thing about how we do [routine/task], what would it be?”

These simple questions invite kids to share their perspective and help you work together to find solutions that truly fit their needs. Try one of these conversation starters this week and see where it leads!

03/04/2026

Can you resist eating the Easter eggs before Sunday?

Inhibition, or impulse control, is an important Executive Function that help us pause before acting. For children, these skills are still developing and may need guidance and support.

Why does inhibition matter?
1. Supports the ability to regulate our emotions
2. Fosters patience and turn-taking
3. Helps us work towards what we really want.

Looking for ways to nurture your child’s inhibition? Explore our resources and live workshops! Links in bio and comments.

02/04/2026

Left your Easter egg shopping to the last minute and there's only broken eggs left?

Executive function skills, including planning and organisation, help us avoid last-minute stress such as this. For children, these skills are still developing and need support.

Why do planning and organisational skills matter?
1. Reduces stress for everyone
2. Builds independence in kids
3. Helps get the big and little things done

Want practical strategies for supporting your child’s executive functions? Join our upcoming workshop! Book your ticket here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1557004

31/03/2026

Is your child finding it tough to stay organised, remember instructions, or manage time - whether due to learning style, neurodiversity, medical history (like oncology treatment), or just life’s challenges?

You’re not alone, and support is here!

Join us for our online, small group, parent and carer training 7pm – 8:30pm, Tuesday, 28th April. This session is designed for ALL families, whether your child has a diagnosis, is post treatment, or simply needs extra help with executive function skills.

In our workshop you will discover how to turn daily events—like reading together, planning a shopping trip, or baking a cake—into powerful opportunities for children to practise decision-making, problem-solving, and flexible thinking. Learn why modelling and teaching executive function skills in real life is more effective (and enjoyable!) than you might think.

You’ll learn practical, evidence-based strategies to help your child thrive.

Secure your spot here: https://www.trybooking.com/DKPGU