Ms. Shannon’s Counseling Page

11/01/2025

Educated by Nature 🧡

10/29/2025

When a child is overwhelmed, they borrow the calm of the adult beside them.
If that adult’s nervous system is unsettled, the child feels it too.

Our regulation shapes theirs — it’s contagious.
Before we can guide a child through big feelings, we must learn to manage our own.

Learn more about emotional regulation and get practical strategies inside our Managing Big Feelings Toolkit (available now):
at link in comments or via Linktree Shop in Bio.

10/27/2025

10/24/2025

Brilliantly helpful! Makes understanding Executive Functions so much easier?

>>> https://www.nclexquiz.com/mnemonics/executive-function-skills-cheat-sheet/

10/24/2025

10/24/2025

Some children aren’t being defiant — their nervous system is simply doing its best to find balance.

The path to emotional regulation isn’t about control or quick fixes; it’s a gradual process built on safety, connection, and repeated co-regulation.

Our new visual — The Regulation Pathway — breaks down the five key steps children move through on their journey towards self-regulation.

When we understand the pathway, we can support a child exactly where they are, rather than expecting them to manage what their brain isn’t ready for yet.

Explore each step — from safety to self-regulation — and discover how adults can guide the process with empathy and consistency.

You’ll find a deeper dive into how the brain supports this process in The Brain Toolkit. Link in comments below or via Linktree Shop in our Bio.

10/18/2025

Ever wonder why a warm hug, shared laugh, or gentle moment can change everything?
That’s oxytocin — the brain’s bonding chemical. It’s what helps children feel safe, connected and calm.

Small moments of connection aren’t small at all — they’re brain-shaping.

NOW AVAILABLE IN THE RESOURCE STORE - to accompany our series on social media.

The Child Brain Explained: How the Upstairs & Downstairs Brain Shape Behaviour, a Toolkit for Parents & Educators - available for only £3.75 until 3 November 2025

Electronic download available at link in comment ⬇️ or via our Linktree Shop in Bio.

10/18/2025

An emotional thermometer shows more than feelings — it shows what part of the brain is in charge.

When emotions rise, the 'downstairs brain' (the survival part) takes over — driving big reactions, meltdowns and impulsive behaviour.
When calm returns, the 'upstairs brain' — responsible for thinking, empathy and problem-solving — comes back online.

Brain-based parenting isn’t about stopping emotions; it’s about guiding children safely back upstairs.

This particular resource is available at link in comments.

NOW AVAILABLE IN THE RESOURCE STORE - to accompany our series on social media.

The Child Brain Explained: How the Upstairs & Downstairs Brain Shape Behaviour, a Toolkit for Parents & Educators - available for only £3.75 until 3 November 2025

Electronic download available at link in comments or via our Linktree Shop in Bio.

10/18/2025

When a child’s upstairs brain (the thinking, reasoning part) is online, they can plan, problem-solve and make good choices.
When they’re in their downstairs brain (the survival part), logic goes out the window — they act on impulse, not intention.

Understanding this helps us respond with calm and connection, not punishment.

Visual taken from Emotions and My Brain activity pack. Link in comments or via Linktree in Bio.

10/17/2025

Ever wondered why a brussel sprout on a dinner plate can trigger the same alarm bells as a fire?

That’s your amygdala at work — the brain’s built-in alarm system. It reacts to perceived danger, not just real danger. So whether it’s a scary roar, a maths test, or a plate of greens… your body might respond the same way!

This visual comes from our EMOTIONS AND MY BRAIN resource — available in The Contented Child Resource Store. Link in comments ⬇️ or via our Linktree Shop in Bio.

10/13/2025

This week's Conscious Commitment is all about the Skill of Encouragement.

Learn more about the noticing language we use in Conscious Discipline: https://consciousdiscipline.com/creating-the-habit-of-noticing/

Are you willing to commit? If so, post "Willing!" in the comments! As always, we wish you well!