fierce_kids

29/08/2024

Was literally chatting to staff just this afternoon about Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria and how impactful it can be in the classroom (not to mention playground!) & just stumbled upon this from

29/04/2024

🌟 Understanding Child Responses to Threats: Let’s Talk Fawn 🌟

When kids face danger, their survival instincts kick in, leading to responses like fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. But what exactly is the ‘fawn’ response?

🧠 What is Fawn? Fawn is a natural coping mechanism where children become excessively compliant or people-pleasing to avoid conflict or harm.

🤔 Why Do We Fawn? It’s not deliberate. Kids may resort to fawning behaviors to seek safety and affection, particularly if they’ve encountered relational trauma.

👀 Recognizing Fawn: Signs to Look For
·       Being excessively compliant
·       Saying what adults want to hear
·       People-pleasing tendencies
·       Prioritizing others’ needs over their own
·       Struggling to assert boundaries or say ‘no’

🤝 How Can You Support? Offer understanding! Acknowledge their needs, validate their emotions, and foster healthy relationships with clear boundaries.

🌈 Remember: Fawn is a response rooted in fear. Let’s nurture a sense of safety and security for our kids.

26/04/2024

🌟 Understanding “Masking” and the Hidden Struggles of Girls with ADHD 🌟

“Masking” is a term often used to describe the ability to camouflage one’s differences and blend in with neurotypical peers. Did you know that many girls with ADHD excel at masking?

At school, they work tirelessly to follow routines, complete assignments, and fit in socially. However, when they come home, the mask slips, and emotional meltdowns or periods of rest often follow. This phenomenon, known as the emotional fallout of ADHD masking, can be incredibly challenging for both the individual and their families.

Unfortunately, the traditional view of ADHD has largely been based on research involving white boys, leading to the under-recognition of ADHD symptoms in girls. Schools, too, may overlook the signs, as they are often geared toward identifying disruptive behaviour, which is less common in girls with ADHD.

The consequences of unsupported high-functioning ADHD in girls can be severe, leading to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even self-harm in the teen years. That’s why it’s crucial to identify and support girls with ADHD early on.

If you suspect that your daughter may be struggling with hidden ADHD behaviours, seeking support is essential. Together, we can work to understand her unique needs and provide the tools and strategies she needs to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Let’s break the stigma, raise awareness, and ensure that every girl receives the support and understanding she deserves. 💖

25/02/2024

🌟 Is your child struggling with chronic anxiety? As parents, our instinct is to shield them from fear, but sometimes, our efforts unintentionally worsen the situation. Here are some tips to help break the cycle of anxiety and empower your child:

1️⃣ Focus on managing, not eliminating anxiety. It’s about teaching resilience and coping skills.

2️⃣ Encourage facing fears instead of avoidance. It’s tough in the short term but builds long-term strength.

3️⃣ Express confidence in realistic outcomes, showing support without minimising feelings.

4️⃣ Validate feelings without amplifying them. Remember, validation doesn’t equal agreement! Let your child know you’re there to help them navigate through.

5️⃣ Ask open-ended questions to foster communication without reinforcing specific fears.

6️⃣ Be mindful of how your own reactions may inadvertently reinforce anxieties.

7️⃣ Encourage tolerance of anxiety, emphasising that it will decrease over time.

8️⃣ Keep anticipatory periods short to reduce pre-event anxiety.

9️⃣ Collaborate on plans to manage fears, promoting a sense of control and preparedness.

🔟 Model healthy coping mechanisms for handling stress and anxiety, showing your child effective strategies.

Your child’s well-being matters. I would love to work with your child to help them thrive! 💙

24/02/2024

🌟 Understanding Teenage Anxiety 🌟

Anxiety manifests differently in teenagers compared to younger children. As they navigate the complexities of adolescence, their worries and vulnerabilities evolve, impacting various aspects of their lives. Here’s how anxiety differs in teenagers:

1️⃣ Focus on Self: Unlike younger children who often worry about external factors, teenagers are more concerned about themselves. This includes their academic performance, social standing, and physical changes.

2️⃣ Long-term Impact: Some teens have experienced anxiety for years, either unnoticed or untreated. The pressures of adolescence can exacerbate these feelings, leading to more severe symptoms.

3️⃣ Specific Concerns: Teenagers commonly worry about:
• Academic Performance: Striving for perfectionism and high grades can lead to intense stress.
• Social Perception: Fear of embarrassment or being judged can result in social anxiety.
• Body Image: Physical changes during puberty may trigger body dysmorphic disorder, causing distress and affecting their self-esteem.

It’s crucial to recognise these differences and provide appropriate support and resources for teenagers dealing with anxiety. Please contact me if I can help you and your teen create a safe space where they feel understood and empowered. 💬 🌱

22/02/2024

🔍 Understanding Childhood Anxiety 🔍

Identifying childhood anxiety isn’t always straightforward. Here are some outward signs to look out for:

😴 Sleep troubles or complaints of physical ailments
🤗 Avoidance and clinginess with caregivers
📚 Difficulty focusing in class or excessive fidgeting
💥 Explosive outbursts triggered by fight-or-flight responses

Words matter too! Kids may express anxiety as feeling self-conscious, shy, worried, or afraid. Let’s focus on understanding and supporting them, recognising anxiety as a valid underlying factor. Contact me so I can support your child ❤️ 🧠💚

Counselling services

21/02/2024

🌟 Transform Your Outlook with These 6 Tips! 🌟

After receiving numerous inquiries from concerned parents, I’m excited to share some valuable strategies to boost mental wellbeing and cultivate optimism! Here are 6 tips to harness your Reticular Activating System (RAS) and transition from pessimism to optimism:

1️⃣ Start small: Acknowledge and appreciate the little joys in life. Train your RAS to focus on the positives, no matter how minor they may seem.

2️⃣ Challenge negative thoughts: Pause and question negative beliefs. Are they facts or just perceptions? Reframe your perspective to find the silver lining.

3️⃣ Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness on tough days. Celebrate your progress towards positivity, understanding that it’s a journey.

4️⃣ Practice gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal to magnify positive experiences. Reflect on three things you’re thankful for each day.

5️⃣ Practice mindfulness: Engage in meditation or deep breathing exercises to be present in the moment. Redirect negative thoughts and find joy in the now.

6️⃣ Surround yourself with positivity: Choose your influences wisely. Connect with optimistic individuals, attend workshops, and follow uplifting content.

Conclusion: Your mindset shapes your reality. By becoming a positive evidence collector, you pave the way for a richer, more fulfilling life.

Remember, I’m here to support you on your journey towards optimism and mental wellness. Reach out if you need guidance or counselling services! 🌈

18/02/2024

🌟 Transform Your Perspective with Therapy Services! 🌟

Have you ever felt like you’re seeing yellow cars everywhere after a simple game of ’Spotto’?! 🚕 Let me introduce you to the Reticular Activating System (RAS), your brain’s spotlight on life!

Your RAS doesn’t just light up for yellow cars - it shapes your outlook on life too! It’s the reason why some people radiate positivity, even in tough times, while others dwell on the negatives.

Think of it like this: if you focus on the good, you’ll find more reasons to feel good. But if you dwell on the bad, you’ll only see more negativity.

Optimists master the art of directing their RAS towards positives, collecting evidence of the good around them. Pessimists, however, often get stuck in a loop of negativity.

The good news? You can train your RAS to become an intentional positive evidence collector! By filtering your thoughts and environment for positivity, you can reshape your outlook on life.

And here’s the best part: studies show that focusing on the positive can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Ready to help your child become a positive evidence collector? Reach out to me for therapy services today! Let’s unlock their potential for a brighter, happier outlook on life. 🌈

08/01/2024

🔥Navigating Friendship Flare Ups: A Guide to Emotional Resilience!🌟

This concept from Best Programs 4 Kids, is one I love to regularly use.

Friendships, much like life, aren’t always smooth sailing. Refusals to play, or what we call ‘FOPLs’ (Fact of Playground Life), happen. It’s all part of the journey! Friendships bring happiness, but BUMPS occur too. The key? Learning early how to navigate these BUMPS emotionally paves the way for a smoother Relationship Journey on The Highway.

💖Dealing with Friendship Flare Ups in childhood sets the stage for healthy boundaries in adult relationships. Last week, I chatted about this with a cute new client, breaking down Flare Ups into three categories: ‘Spark,’ ‘Flame,’ and ‘Fire,’ reflecting the intensity of the BUMP.

🌈Kids who can de-catastrophise friendship issues are better equipped to handle conflicts healthily. Responses to Flare Ups are individual —what hurts one might not affect another. In discussions with kids, we emphasise that there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers, fostering a sense of individual reflection.

💪Helping children differentiate Flare Up intensity allows them to perceive bumps rationally, finding solutions. This beats the alternative of seeing Sparks as Fires which can cause social isolation or downplaying serious issues as Sparks. Both extremes can misinterpret a child’s true emotional responses.

🌟Let’s empower our little ones to navigate Friendship Flare Ups with resilience, empathy, and a balanced perspective! 🤝💕 🚀👫

02/01/2024

🦉 Teaching Kids Assertiveness 🌈

Empowering children with the ability to be assertive is a crucial skill for life. 🌟 I love using this insightful infographic from to guide my teaching! Assertive kids can stand up for themselves and others without being hurtful or mean, fostering positive relationships.

🚀 Few are born assertive, and the fear of appearing rude can hinder self-advocacy. But with practice, we can help kids master this powerful skill and enjoy the benefits of assertive communication.

👧👦 Let’s explore the three basic communication styles with a fun twist for younger ones! 🐢 Passive interactions, like a turtle in its shell or a mouse that hides; 🐅 aggressive communication, portrayed as a tiger attacking or a roaring bear; and the goal – assertiveness, symbolized by a wise owl or a calm family dog that barks at danger.

🌈 By using relatable examples, we pave the way for children to confidently say “no,” communicate clearly, and build positive relationships. Together, let’s empower the next generation with the tools they need for a brighter future! 🌟✨

🦉👧👦

19/12/2023

🌟 Unlock Your Child’s Social Potential This Summer! 🌞👦👧

Empower your child to thrive socially with personalised 1:1 sessions or join our dynamic social skill groups designed to master the art of interaction! 🤝✨

✅ Why Focus on Social Skills?
Enhancing social skills lays a foundation for lifelong success, boosting confidence, empathy, and effective communication.

🚀 What I Offer:
1️⃣ Personalized 1:1 Sessions: Tailored support to address specific social challenges and foster individual growth.

2️⃣ Dynamic Group Sessions: Engaging social skill groups, where children learn and practice together in a supportive environment.

🌈 Benefits:

Improved Communication
Boosted Confidence
Enhanced Empathy
Lasting Friendships

📆 Summer Holiday Sessions Available

This summer, let’s equip your child with the social tools they need for a bright and connected future! 🌟💙

18/12/2023

🌟 Navigating Embarrassment: Helping Kids Thrive in Social Settings! 🚀👧👦

We’ve all had those blush-worthy moments, especially during the festive season with Christmas concerts and extra social gatherings. For children, handling embarrassment can be a challenge. As parents and educators, here are some strategies to empower kids in social situations:

🌈 Positive Affirmations: Encourage positive self-talk! Teach kids to replace self-critical thoughts with uplifting affirmations, building resilience and confidence.

🗣️ Foster Open Communication: Create a safe space for kids to share their feelings about embarrassing moments. Share your own experiences, showing them it’s okay to talk about these things.

🔄 Reframe Embarrassing Moments: Guide kids to see embarrassing situations from a different perspective. Focus on lessons learned or find humour in the situation, while still acknowledging their present discomfort.

🤔 Encourage Problem-Solving: Equip kids with problem-solving skills to handle embarrassing moments. Teach them to evaluate options, choose actions aligned with their values, and regain confidence.

🗣️ Practice Assertiveness: Developing assertiveness empowers kids to express themselves confidently and navigate social situations. Teach them to communicate boundaries, say “no” respectfully, and express thoughts and feelings.

Remember, I’m here to help! If you’d like further guidance, feel free to reach out. Wishing everyone a fabulous festive period filled with growth and positivity! 🌟💖