The Hero Makers

12/16/2025

This is the voice of a child living with PDA and high anxiety.

A child who wants to do the right thing — but whose nervous system goes into threat when demands feel overwhelming.

Behaviour like avoidance, refusal, or shutdown is not a lack of care or effort.
It is anxiety, fear, and a body trying to stay safe.

When we shift from pressure to connection, from control to collaboration, everything changes.

See visual for details of how to request a copy of our free download, which includes a printer friendly version. Remember to LIKE the post to receive the link.

12/14/2025

Beautifully said…

Free WHY REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS DO NOT ALWAYS FIX BEHAVIOUR POSTER
This poster puts into words what many adults notice but often struggle to explain when rewards and punishments do not change behaviour in the long term.

When a child shouts, refuses, withdraws, lashes out or melts down, it is natural to reach for consequences or rewards to try to stop the behaviour. These responses focus on stopping what is happening, not on understanding why it is happening. If behaviour is driven by stress, fear, tiredness, anxiety, hunger, sensory overload or other unmet needs, it is likely to return because the root cause has not been addressed.

When a child is overwhelmed, their thinking brain is not fully available. In those moments, they cannot reflect, learn lessons or make better choices, no matter how consistent the reward or consequence is. Punishment can increase fear and shame, while rewards can create pressure and teach children to behave for approval rather than because they feel safe or regulated.

What helps instead is prioritising safety before consequences, connection before correction, and support before control. Calm adults, clear boundaries and repeated support help children feel secure enough to learn new skills and regulate their emotions.

This resource is especially helpful for parents, carers, foster carers, adoptive parents, teachers, social workers and therapists working with children who show challenging behaviour, emotional dysregulation or trauma related responses.

Comment REWARD and we will send you a message with a link to a free PDF of this resource.

12/13/2025

Keeping our kiddos active over the holidays helps with regulation check out this great idea!

Are you looking for ways to get your kids active this Hanukkah? These gift tags are the perfect addition to get your kids moving for the 8 days of Hanukkah. There are even a few blanks so you can fill in your own active traditions.

https://activeforlife.com/8-active-nights-of-hanukkah/

12/09/2025

A great 👍 opportunity to learn about Sensory Supports!!

12/08/2025

Need quick calm down tools? Check out some great videos to help kids reset!

11/29/2025

This is a SUPER FUN event coming up with an early sensory friendly opportunity! Dont miss out 🦖 🦕

Jurassic Quest event "Jurassic Quest | Deschutes County Expo | Redmond, OR 2025" at Redmond, OR. Get tickets now!

11/17/2025

📣 Central Oregon! We’re so excited for this…
Our 2-Day Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) Essential Foundations Training is coming IN PERSON to the beautiful new Redmond Library!

📍 Redmond, OR
📅 January 15–16, 2025
🕘 9:00 AM–4:30 PM
🎟 Early Bird pricing through Dec 15, 2025

Learn the CPS approach, rethink “old-school” behavior tools, and build strong, compassionate skills for working with kids and adults. Perfect for educators, clinicians, caregivers & community partners.

🔗 Register here:
https://www.theheromakers.net/essential-foundations-training

11/05/2025

The BEAM is something special! 💗💗💗

10/31/2025

Great reminders for a little more flexibility & fun tonight!

10/06/2025

Naps are important for learning & keeping information!

09/10/2025

CODSN provides essential resources to families in our region - we are heartbroken to hear of their loss in funding. Please read & support!!

07/16/2025

At BEAM, neurodivergent kids finally get the kind of support they’ve been missing for years. It’s more than academics. It’s emotional safety. It’s progress that lasts. 💛 Your donation helps us provide that 1-on-1 care to more kids. 📲 Support their growth today—link in bio.