I got up this morning, knowing it had the potential to be a challenging morning. I needed to change our usual routine to get a few important things done, and I was expecting some resistance from my son. So I wanted to make sure that I was in the best state I could be in, … Continue reading Resourcing myself to prepare for a tricky time
Taking the time to grieve what we’ve lost

I’ve been feeling really tired the last few days. Even first thing in the morning, after a solid night’s sleep. I’ve been finding it hard to get motivated to do things, and just feeling like hunkering down with a book or film. And, I’ve been irritable. Lacking the patience with my son that I might … Continue reading Taking the time to grieve what we’ve lost
You don’t need to do this alone …

So many things are CHANGING drastically at the moment, and we are being called on to adjust to NEW WAYS of doing almost everything in our lives! There is more UNCERTAINTY than ever, and there are lots of BIG FEELINGS - fear, anger, grief - up for most of us. Many of us parents are … Continue reading You don’t need to do this alone …
Playful parenting can shift feelings of tiredness and irritability

It’s tough right now. Even though my family has been impacted upon in less dramatic ways that many others, it has been a challenge adjusting to being in lockdown. We’ve had fewer pleasant diversions, such as going out, eating out, and seeing friends. And we’ve had more screen time. I found myself feeling really tired … Continue reading Playful parenting can shift feelings of tiredness and irritability
A parenting strategy for when we reach our limits

With many families in isolation right now, I imagine that parents all around the world will be starting to feel STRETCHED to their limits. I want to share with you a strategy that I've found can be particularly helpful when I’ve "hit a wall"! 👉 PLAYFUL EXAGGERATION is a way of expressing our authentic feelings … Continue reading A parenting strategy for when we reach our limits
A way to move through relationship tensions (especially in lockdown!)

Here's a strategy I think could be a particularly supportive in these stressful times, especially for those of us who are going to be in very close quarters with our loved ones for the foreseeable future! PLAYFUL EXAGGERATION can be a wonderful approach for expressing our emotions in a way that is non-threatening to others. … Continue reading A way to move through relationship tensions (especially in lockdown!)
Resourcing ourselves as we listen to others

As I sit and listen to my husband expressing his fear and anger over the way the coronavirus is being handled, I keep "resourcing" myself. I'm stroking my gorgeous cat, who is sitting on my lap purring, and I'm tuning into the enjoyable sensations of his fur on my skin. This helps to keep me … Continue reading Resourcing ourselves as we listen to others
How singing can help us to feel calm and connect with our kids
Did you ever wonder why you feel so much better after belting out a few tunes in the car? Or singing along with the music in the supermarket? (Or, is that just me?) Singing is a form of controlled breathing due to the way it lengthens our exhalations (breath out). It slows down our breathing, … Continue reading How singing can help us to feel calm and connect with our kids
Stress-busting ideas to curb coronavirus stress

😰 Chronic stress occurs when our body detects a threat and doesn’t return to a sense of safety. 😰 It means our “Fight or Flight” response stays switched on. 😰 This results in our body being constantly flooded with stress hormones. 😰 Over the longer term, this can suppress our immune system. 😰 Which can result in us being more … Continue reading Stress-busting ideas to curb coronavirus stress
Playful ways to help kids with coronavirus fears

I have started hearing about kids who have developed fears surrounding the coronavirus. It isn’t surprising. They have no doubt heard about the illness by now. They might not understand the specifics, but they can sense the vibe around them. Things that are a part of kids’ normal everyday lives are suddenly changing. And that … Continue reading Playful ways to help kids with coronavirus fears