Charlotte Coles - Child Psychologist

02/12/2025

Today I held a wellbeing workshop. While packing up, two students approached me. One told me I was fat and then their friend asked me why I was fat.

I said "I don't remember ever not being fat. In fact, the first time I remember being called fat, I was 3 years old. Can you imagine being three and being told that?

I've actually been told I am fat every year since then. Even if that's only once per year, that's 27 times I've been called fat. And do you think it's only once per year? [They shook their heads] You're right. I've lost count of the times I've been told I'm fat this year alone.

You may only call me fat once in your life, and that's not much to you, but to me that's one MORE person telling me I'm fat. And am I the only person you've told is fat, or have asked why? [They looked at the ground and shook their heads again] Yeah, I didn't think so.

Well, it's normal to be curious, but there are loads of ways you can learn about how people get fat, and I'm sure your parents have told you a few already, haven't they? [They nodded] And on top of that, some people are naturally bigger than other people, which you'll learn about later in school.

[Pause]

I've learned to deal with being fat and I actually don't mind you asking. But for most people it is really hurtful even if they don't show it. Do you know what that's like? [They nodded and one said he had been called fat too and didn't like it but he had laughed and pretended it was a joke]

Wow, that must've been hard." [He nodded while his friend looked at him]

Then his friend said "I'm sorry, I didn't know it made you sad!"

"It's okay," said the first one, "but... maybe don't do it again"
And that was it, they went off nice and happy.

I'll let you take from that what you will.

28/10/2025

Honestly, I don't know anything about Dalza, but this is a wonderful idea, and could be a lovely opportunity for a lot of children who are usually excluded from such events.

Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.fr/e/billets-la-fete-des-enfants-1800788730569?aff=oddtdtcreator

19/10/2025

Thanks to Antonia for sharing this!

08/10/2025

Ran a staff training workshop with St. George's International School Luxembourg today and loved it. Staff were so engaged and really thinking about how to implement strategies with their students. Looking forward to the next one!

04/10/2025

I've been in contact with the Hidden Disability Hub about the launch of their new programme designed for teenagers!

For those with diagnoses or without, who feel like their brains don't work the same way as other people's. This group is there for support, where teens can talk about what they struggle with, and learn about their rights and how to advocate for themselves in a society that treats everyone the same. With issues ranging from anxiety to learning difficulties, developmental disorders to invisible physical disabilities, all are welcome and treated with kindness and respect.

I was involved with the adult group earlier this year and was very impressed with how all of the stigma was removed, any special needs were met and all were encouraged to just be themselves - no masking necessary.

I thoroughly recommend to anyone with English-speaking teens to sign them up and see how it can benefit them during their transition to independence.

27/09/2025

Excited to be giving a free parent information session on Dyslexia and Self-Esteem together with Specialist Learning Solutions on 22/10.
More information to come soon!

15/09/2025

I'll start.
I've not found time to do my favourite self-care activity - painting. I'm planning on using the increased downtime I get from having my office and not having to travel between all of my clients to take better care of myself by painting more.

What's one thing you haven't been able to do this year because of depression, anxiety, overwhelm, ADHD, or executive dysfunction.
(Now try to make one-step-at-a-time plan to do it.)

15/09/2025

Very excited because, as of next Monday, I will be welcoming clients in my new office!

Address: 20, Rue des Peupliers, L-2328 Hamm

04/09/2025

Back to school tips for parents:

1) start easing your children back into the school routine (particularly waking up and bedtime) before school starts. This will ease the transition and reduce the fatigue those first weeks.

2) involve your children in preparing for school. Take them shopping for materials and let them choose when there's a choice to be made. Give them an input in what their lunches will look like and what clothes they will wear, if possible. This will help them feel more excited, confident and in control of the situation.

3) talk about school positively and let them express their anxieties. Returning to school can be exciting, but it can also be really scary, particularly if your child had some bad experiences the previous year. Be a safe person for them to talk to about how they're feeling. This will reassure them that they will be able to talk to you about how things are going once they're back at school too.

4) if you have a particularly anxious child who will be with a new teacher or in a new school, see if it's possible to take them along to get to know the layout and/or teacher a few days before school restarts. Not only does this help your child's anxieties by knowing what to expect better, but it helps the school and teacher get to know your child better and become aware of potential issues to look out for.

I wish all of your families a great back to school experience!

31/07/2025

Call for children and adolescents with handicap to participate in a study from Ombudsman fir Kanner a Jugendlecher - OKaJu

Appel à contribution sur l’inclusion des enfants et jeunes en situation de handicap au Luxembourg. L’Ombudsman fir Kanner a Jugendlecher (OKAJU) lance un appel à contribution pour mieux comprendre les réalités vécues par les enfants et jeunes en situation de handicap au Luxembourg. Vous êt...

31/07/2025

We all make missteps in parenting. It's easy to think that beating yourself up over these mistakes will make you stronger or more effective. That's a myth. It's okay to be self-compassionate. Learn from your experiences and keep trying.
--->> https://mommyevolution.com/category/parenting-tips/

31/07/2025

Participant call for a digital art therapy study at University of Luxembourg in Belval!