Willingness Team

23/08/2025

21/08/2025

How should parents deal with tantrums?

✨ Gentle Parenting Tips — with Willingness Team 💙& Camp Willingness 🧡

Tantrums are tough — for kids and parents. But they’re not “bad behavior.” They’re an overflow of feelings that a child can’t manage yet.

💡 During: Stay calm, keep them safe, validate the feeling.
💡 After: Reconnect, name the feeling, guide without shame.

Gentle parenting doesn’t mean stopping tantrums — it means helping kids learn to navigate them with our support. 🌱

21/08/2025

Let kids get angry!

Yes, you read that right. Anger is not a bad emotion. It is a normal human signal, just like joy or sadness. For children, that signal can be loud because their brains and bodies are still learning how to handle big feelings. The goal is not to stop anger. The goal is to teach how to use it.

Anger has a job. It tells a child that a boundary was crossed or a goal was blocked. When adults jump straight to stopping it, children miss the chance to learn. Allowing anger does not mean allowing aggression. Hitting, hurting, and breaking are not negotiable. At the same time, we can be warm about feelings and firm about behaviour.

So how do we help children regulate rather than explode or shut down? Start by connecting before correcting. Get close. Lower your voice. Kneel at their eye level. When a child feels seen, their body settles, and their thinking brain can return. Then name the feeling. Try this simple line. I can see you feel angry that the game ended. Naming feelings helps the storm pass faster because it gives the brain a map.

Teach the body what calm feels like. Slow belly breathing. Press both hands on a wall and push for ten seconds. Squeeze a cushion. Take a short drink of water. Step outside for three breaths of fresh air. These simple actions lower the heat so problem-solving can begin. Practice these skills when your child is calm, so they will be ready when the wave arrives.

Create an anger plan together. Spot the early signs, such as tight fists or a hot face. Agree on two calm actions your child likes. Choose a quiet corner or a comfort spot where they can reset. End with repair. A genuine apology, along with a small action to rectify the situation, teaches responsibility without inducing shame. Keep the plan short and visible on the fridge.

Your behaviour teaches the best lesson. Children learn by copying how we manage our feelings. When you model calm and use clear limits, they learn that anger can be handled safely. When you listen and validate first, you teach that all feelings are welcome, but not all actions are acceptable. Over time, that becomes self-control.

If anger is frequent, extreme, or causing harm, ask for support. Sleep, anxiety, learning needs, or family stress can sometimes entwine with big feelings. Early help makes a difference.

Want a child-friendly way to start these conversations at home? Sig is Angry book shows children what anger feels like and what to do next.

https://willingness.com.mt/product/sig-is-angry/

17/08/2025

Applications are being considered for early October, subject to availability. Weekend modules. Award-winning practitioners.

https://willingness.com.mt/masters-in-health-psychology/

17/08/2025

What are you feeding your brain?

Just like your body, your mind runs on what you give it. Hours of passive scrolling or another late-night binge on Netflix might feel easy in the moment, but they often leave you wired and tired.

Mental fitness grows the same way physical fitness does. You need nutritious fuel and small, regular challenges that nudge you out of your comfort zone.

If you find yourself reaching for TikTok, Instagram, or another episode tonight, try these suggestions instead. Trade thirty minutes for a podcast that teaches or calms you. Or go walking while you listen to an audiobook. Then notice how you feel tomorrow.

Feed your brain with people. Choose events where you engage in discussions and share thoughts with others. A community team. Volunteering. A gallery talk. In a small group, you collaborate to solve a problem. Real conversation beats noise.

Be honest about nights out. When the plan involves heavy drinking or co***ne, your brain suffers from poor sleep, low mood, and an increasing risk of negative consequences. If that pattern is creeping in, reach out. We can help.

This week, make one small change. Less passive scrolling. One real conversation. One step outside your comfort zone. Repeat.

16/08/2025

Trauma doesn’t always look dramatic - its signs are often subtle and misunderstood. Learn how to recognise emotional trauma and take the first steps toward healing.
Read more below:

Learn to recognize hidden signs of trauma like dissociation, guilt, shame, overcompensation, and emotional dysregulation.

15/08/2025

Why Involving Kids in House Chores is a Must.

Anyone who’s tried to get a child to help with chores knows how quickly it can turn into a battle. “Do I have to?” is a phrase many parents hear on repeat. Often, it feels faster and less stressful to just do it yourself. Some parents also feel that pang of “mum guilt”, worrying that they’re asking too much or that constant reminders will strain the relationship. This is one reason many families quietly drop the idea of regular chores.

But research consistently shows that involving children in household tasks has lasting benefits, for the child, for the parents, and for the family as a whole.

Children who take part in household chores tend to develop a stronger sense of responsibility and self-worth. Helping out gives them a feeling of capability and contribution. Long-term studies even suggest that children who begin helping at home from an early age are more likely to be successful and independent in adulthood. These early experiences build a work ethic and teach that their actions matter.

Chores help children learn to manage their time. Even the busiest child can find a few minutes to feed a pet, make their bed, or clear the table. Regular responsibilities teach them to balance tasks with leisure and understand that some duties can’t be delayed. Beyond time management, chores are a way to learn essential life skills, cooking, cleaning, laundry, so that when they leave home, they can take care of themselves confidently.

An added bonus is that chores keep children away from screens for a while. That break from constant digital stimulation is good for their focus and mental health. It also gives them a sense of respect for the environment they live in, learning that a tidy, cared-for space feels better than a neglected one. For some, unfortunately, it could also be the only form of physical exercise that they do.

When everyone in the household contributes, the workload is shared, and the sense of family teamwork grows. Children learn cooperation, communication, and problem-solving, skills that are just as valuable in the workplace and wider community. Chores also keep them productively busy. Instead of becoming bored and restless while parents are exhausted from doing everything, children are actively helping to maintain the home.

For parents, this means more breathing space. The time saved can be used for self-care, pursuing personal interests, or reconnecting with your partner. Shared chores benefit the whole family’s wellbeing, not just the child’s development.

Yes, children WILL complain, avoid, or do a rushed job. It can be tiring to insist and guide them through the process. But consistency matters. If parents hold firm, with understanding, not harshness, children adapt. Over time, they often begin to take pride in a job well done.

The short-term struggles are outweighed by the long-term gains. You’re not just getting the floors swept or the dishes washed. You’re raising a child who is responsible, capable, and confident. You’re creating a home where respect, contribution, and balance are part of daily life.

On the days when it feels easier to give in, remind yourself: this is about more than chores. It’s more than preparing your child for life and giving your whole family more space to breathe. It's helping your child respect the space they live in and understand that you all deserve to live in a clean space, which is self respect.

14/08/2025

Self Love is Saying No to Yourself!!

Loving yourself is not always about treating yourself or saying yes to what you want in the moment. Sometimes it is about choosing what will serve you in the long run, even if it feels uncomfortable right now.

It can mean going to bed instead of staying up to watch another episode. It can mean holding back from sending that message in anger. It can mean sticking to the plan you set for yourself even when motivation fades.

This is where discipline becomes an act of care. Each time you say no to a short-term urge, you are saying yes to your future self. You are protecting your well-being, building trust in yourself, and showing that you matter enough to keep your own promises.

Part of this endeavour is learning to see your patterns. If you notice the same emotions and reactions showing up again and again, take a moment to pause. That awareness gives you the power to break the cycle and choose differently.

Self-love is not always soft and manageable. Occasionally it is firm and steady. It is the quiet strength of guiding yourself towards what you truly need, not just what you feel like in the moment.

13/08/2025

Ever wondered why your child melts down 😭 over the smallest things?

✨ Gentle Parenting Tips — with Willingness Team 💙& Camp Willingness 🧡

Because to them, those moments aren’t small at all.
Their brains and emotions are still growing, so even tiny frustrations can feel overwhelming.

💡 Tip: Validate before you guide. Acknowledging their feelings first helps them settle enough to listen.

Gentle parenting isn’t about avoiding big feelings — it’s about teaching our children how to navigate them. 🌱

11/08/2025

When was the last time you woke up feeling truly rested?
If your body could talk, what would it say about your current sleep habits?

These two questions came up during our recent Self Care workshop for the Willingness team, led by our Health Psychologist and Partner, Danica Cassar. The session reminded us that sleep is not a passive activity. It is an active process during which the body and brain carry out vital functions that keep us physically healthy and mentally sharp.

Danica emphasised that sleep hygiene is not only about how long we sleep but also about the conditions that make it restorative. While we often speak about nutrition, exercise, and mental stimulation as pillars of health, good sleep is equally essential. Neglecting it can quickly affect our mood, decision-making, emotional regulation, and resilience. Over time, poor sleep habits can contribute to burnout, anxiety, depression, and a reduced ability to cope with life’s challenges.

Research consistently shows that quality sleep supports emotional stability. When we sleep, the brain processes memories, regulates stress hormones, and restores the chemical balance necessary for mental clarity. Without enough good-quality sleep, our brain becomes more reactive to negative emotions and less capable of managing stress. This means we are more likely to feel irritable, overwhelmed, or disconnected from those around us.

Sleep also plays a role in problem-solving and creativity. A fatigued brain struggles to think flexibly or focus for long periods, which can reduce productivity and make everyday challenges feel much bigger than they are. For people working in demanding environments, like our team at Willingness, this session is a reminder that self-care is not optional, it’s part of doing our jobs well.

Key points from the workshop

Keep a consistent schedule
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends. This process helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

Create a wind-down routine
Engage in relaxing activities before bed, such as reading, gentle stretching, or deep breathing exercises. Your body signals to your brain that it’s time to slow down.

Limit screens before bedtime
The blue light from phones, tablets, and computers can suppress melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Try to avoid screens at least an hour before bed.

Be mindful of caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine can stay in your system for hours, and alcohol may help you fall asleep but disrupts deep sleep stages. Both can interfere with sleep quality.

Optimise your sleep environment
A cool, dark, and quiet room supports better sleep. Blackout curtains, comfortable bedding, and minimal noise can make a big difference.

Reserve your bed for sleep (and intimacy) only
Avoid working, watching TV, or scrolling on your phone in bed. This step helps your brain associate the bed with rest rather than wakefulness.

Danica reminded us that prioritising sleep is a form of self-respect. By protecting our rest, we protect our mental health, relationships, and performance in all areas of life.

Good sleep is not a luxury, it is one of the most powerful investments you can make in yourself.