Anyone who knows my work will know that I am not a fan of pathologising children (or adults). However, that doesn’t mean that anything which sounds ‘less pathologising’ is always a useful or better way to help us to understand. Recently several people have asked me why I don’t…

Anyone who knows my work will know that I am not a fan of pathologising children (or adults). However, that doesn’t mean that anything which sounds ‘less pathologising’ is always a useful or better way to help us to understand. Recently several people have asked me why I don’t…

The Pressure Paradox is one of the most powerful traps in parenting demand avoidance children. Stated in a few words, it’s this.

The more you pressure your child to do something, the less likely it is that they will do it.

The reason why this is so difficult for parents to get…

When children struggle to attend school, their parents are often urged to ‘nip it in the bud’. They’re told to insist that they continue to go and to return them as quickly as possible. The idea is that the behaviour will become ‘entrenched’ and that it’s easier to change things…

I have had the luck to work with some very clear-sighted and forthright young people. There was Jack, who would spend time with me until he’d had enough, when he’d say ‘Naomi, can you leave now?’.

Then there was Amelia, who could walk into a room, pick up on any tension and…

Hi folks, please forward to any parents who'd like to meet with a delightful doctorate researcher who is exploring the relationship between persistent absence, schooling and mental health. Square Peg

Often we are stuck in the reality gap of what is expected for our children and the reality of where they are.
'Should' be able is so often said and add pressure to us and in turn our children. 1/

Join Naomi Fisher and myself when we discuss siblings, sleep, hygiene and food, and we'll show you how to approach the tricky issues, separate expectations from reality and help your family to thrive. The Art of Low Demand Parenting - In the Real World. 2/

I have had the luck to work with some very clear-sighted and forthright young people. There was Jack, who would spend time with me until he’d had enough, when he’d say ‘Naomi, can you leave now?’.

Then there was Amelia, who could walk into a room, pick up on any tension and…

When children struggle to attend school, their parents are often urged to ‘nip it in the bud’. They’re told to insist that they continue to go and to return them as quickly as possible. The idea is that the behaviour will become ‘entrenched’ and that it’s easier to change things…

The Pressure Paradox is one of the most powerful traps in parenting demand avoidance children. Stated in a few words, it’s this.

The more you pressure your child to do something, the less likely it is that they will do it.

The reason why this is so difficult for parents to get…

Some children need to know they can say No before they can really say Yes. (with Missing The Mark)

They need to know that they aren’t being forced to be here, that they are free to go, and therefore, they are also free to stay. Knowing that they can leave makes it possible for…

Some children need to know they can say No before they can really say Yes. (with Missing The Mark)

They need to know that they aren’t being forced to be here, that they are free to go, and therefore, they are also free to stay. Knowing that they can leave makes it possible for…

When I first started to learn about #cogsci , and what passes for the ‘science of learning’ in some educational discourse, I was particularly confused by what I read about creativity. I’ve seen it repeated in many blog posts and books that creativity is not possible without…

Demand avoidance and adolescence - how do those two things go together? Come and find out in my new webinar tomorrow. It's recorded if you can't make the time. Please share if you know parents who might benefit.

eventbrite.co.uk/e/understandin…

A petition to reconsider the rule that you can’t get a blue badge for your child if they’re under 3! Please sign and share with those in early years and SEN worlds Ruth Swailes Sue Cowley Prof Adam Boddison OBE

5 August 2024 is when this petition ends and really need 10,000 for any energy behind it. I have 3 disabled children, with these two having cerebral palsy. As they are under 3 we can’t get a blue badge.

‘That is how humans learn. Creativity is integral to learning.’

When I first started to learn about #cogsci , and what passes for the ‘science of learning’ in some educational discourse, I was particularly confused by what I read about creativity. I’ve seen it repeated in many blog posts and books that creativity is not possible without…

Lots of parents get in touch with me when their children are reaching the age of ten or eleven. They say, we had just about got used to managing our child, but now it seems like we’re moving into a completely different space. Their child seems angry and upset, and all the things…