Sarah Drake’s Therapeutic Play Therapy

04/02/2026

04/02/2026

ADHD doesn’t look the same in every child. Some children are constantly on the go. Some seem dreamy and distracted. Some experience a mix of both. These differences aren’t personality flaws — they’re different presentations of the same brain-based condition.

Understanding the types of ADHD helps adults respond with the right support instead of the wrong assumptions. The child who seems not to listen may be overwhelmed, not defiant. The child who can’t sit still may be regulating their nervous system, not “misbehaving.”

When we recognise how ADHD shows up, we can meet a child’s needs more accurately, protect their self-esteem, and reduce daily struggles at home and school.

04/02/2026

Type FREE 54321 and I’ll send the free posters.

These are my FREE Calm Kids posters, and I use them when students are anxious, overstimulated, or stuck in big feelings but don’t know what to do next.

The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding poster walks kids through calming their body using their senses — step by step — without needing an adult to talk them through it every time.

I keep these:
• in calm corners
• near desks
• in counseling offices
• posted where students can reference them independently

They’re especially helpful for:
• anxiety
• shutdowns
• overwhelm
• post-recess dysregulation
• test stress

Simple visuals. Clear steps. No prep.

Comment FREE 54321 and I’ll send the free download.

01/02/2026

If you’ve ever been told your child “should be able to calm themselves by now”, this matters.

Decades of developmental research show that emotional regulation is not something children learn alone. It is built, slowly and repeatedly, through co-regulation with a safe adult. Before the brain can self-soothe, it needs to experience being soothed. This isn’t permissive parenting — it’s how nervous systems develop.

Studies on parent–child synchrony, the Still-Face paradigm, and social biofeedback consistently show the same thing: regulation is social before it becomes internal. Children borrow calm, learn meaning, and gradually build the capacity to regulate themselves through relationship. Co-regulation isn’t a parenting trend — it’s the cornerstone of emotional development.

Research references (evidence-based)
Ruth Feldman – Bio-behavioural synchrony research demonstrating that attuned caregiver–child interactions predict later self-regulation and emotional competence (Feldman, 2003; 2012).
Edward Tronick – Mutual Regulation Model and Still-Face paradigm showing that infants rely on caregiver responsiveness to regulate distress before self-regulation emerges.
György Gergely & Watson – Social biofeedback model explaining how contingent adult responses teach children to understand and regulate internal emotional states.
Murray et al. (2019) – Applied developmental model positioning co-regulation as a core mechanism through which self-regulation develops across childhood.
Bornstein et al. (2023) – Reviews framing co-regulation as a multilevel biological and relational process foundational to emotional regulation.

01/02/2026

If you’ve ever been told to “send them to calm down” and it didn’t sit right with you — this is why.
Children don’t learn regulation through isolation. They learn it through connection. Through an adult who stays close, steady, and calm enough for them to borrow that calm until their own nervous system can catch up. This isn’t about spoiling or rescuing. It’s about building the brain skills that make self-regulation possible.

01/02/2026

Primal Trust Academy & Community with Dr. Cathleen King 🧡

11/01/2026

SECOND CHANCE SUNDAY

WHAT ARE SENSORY CIRCUITS?

Sensory circuits are short, structured sequences of movement designed to help a child’s nervous system find that 'just right' level of alertness for learning, play and daily routines. They gently support the brain and body to organise sensory input, regulate emotions and improve focus.

They can be especially supportive for children who struggle with transitions, children who feel anxious about school as they start their day, neurodivergent children, and those experiencing after-school restraint collapse when the day’s demands finally catch up with them.

A sensory circuit follows a clear pattern: alerting activities to wake up the body and brain, organising activities to build focus and coordination, and calming activities to help the child feel settled and ready. The order matters. When done in sequence, sensory circuits can support regulation rather than overwhelm.

They’re flexible, quick and practical. A circuit can take as little as 10–15 minutes and can be delivered at home or at school. First thing in the morning, after lunch, before homework, or as part of an emotional regulation routine, sensory circuits fit around real life.

They’re not about pushing children. They’re about meeting sensory needs, building predictability, and helping children feel safe and supported in their bodies.

Our Sensory Circuits Resource Pack includes clear explanations, visual prompts and ready-to-use activities to help adults feel confident running sensory circuits with children and young people.
Link in comments below ⬇️ or via Linktree Shop in Bio.

11/01/2026

Wow! This is an incredible resource!!

>>> https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2022/07/a-handy-chart-featuring-over-30-ipad.html

11/01/2026

SECOND CHANCE SUNDAY

Ever noticed how a child can “hold it together” all day… then explode at home? It is also relevant for us as adults.

This is one of my favourite ways to explain why that happens — and it’s simple enough to do with a real Coke bottle.

Sit with your child and pass the bottle back and forth.
As you talk about their day, gently shake it each time a stress or trigger comes up. Share your own triggers also.
Noise. Work pressure. Friendship stuff. Trying to behave. Trying not to cry.

Then pause and ask:
“What do you think will happen if I take the top off now?”

That moment matters.

It helps children see that the explosion isn’t about being naughty or out of control — it’s about pressure building with nowhere to go.

From there, you can explore the real question:
How do we take the lid off without an explosion?

We talk about letting the bottle settle first.
Deep breathing.
Quiet time.
Food.
Movement.
Connection.
Time to decompress.

Regulation isn’t about forcing calm.
It’s about releasing pressure safely — a little at a time.

👉 You can find The Coke Bottle Activity linked in the comments below ⬇️ or via Linktree Shop in Bio.

I’d love to know — what “shakes the bottle” most for your child after school?

11/01/2026

10/01/2026

SPD is complicated and can look different in every person who has it. This is a quick list of possible ways it can manifest... but it's important to note that the left/right sides are not mutually exclusive. Many people exhibit a mix of behaviors from both sides.

Learn more about SPD >>> https://www.thechaosandtheclutter.com/product/sensory-processing-explained?ref=89

We love sharing helpful ideas! This affiliate link also helps us continue to provide you with valuable resources and run this page.

10/01/2026

Write CORNER below for the link

This Calm Down Corner kit is my favorite way to bring more peace and focus into the classroom. Students love the choice boards, breathing visuals, and animal strength cards — and you’ll love the improved classroom flow.

Write CORNER below and I’ll send you the link to create your own calm corner.