When your child has a meltdown, or you feel your own frustration rising, you’ve probably told yourself — or them — “just take a deep breath.” It turns out that’s not just good advice. Science shows that slowing down our … Continued
Self-regulation, sometimes called self-soothing, broadly refers to the ability to manage one’s thoughts, feelings, attention, and behaviour to adapt to different circumstances, pursue goals, and respond to social expectations. In children, developing self-regulation is a gradual process: early on, they … Continued
Difficult times affect all of us. Whether it’s financial troubles, the illness or death of a loved one, mental illness, or conflict within relationships, all families experience challenges. And while the adults may bear the majority of the burden, these … Continued
Trauma in children often goes unnoticed, yet its impact can be profound and long-lasting. As caregivers and educators, understanding the signs of trauma is crucial in providing the support children need to heal and thrive. Understanding Childhood Trauma Childhood trauma … Continued
Trauma significantly impacts the nervous system, particularly the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which regulates involuntary bodily functions. Imagine you’re walking through the Kruger National Park and suddenly spot a lion stalking you. Instantly, your body reacts: your heart races, breathing … Continued
Every year July is commemorated as Psychosocial Disability Awareness Month. This month aims to focus on mental health conditions and how they impact people’s day-to-day lives. While mental health conditions in children are often not a topic that people like … Continued
Inequalities are all around us: poverty and financial strain, racism, sexism, bullying, abuse, neglect, homelessness and social exclusion due to sexual orientation, health, disability or age, to name just a handful. Inequality even in the most developed countries is unfortunately … Continued
The environments in which people live, grow and work affect their mental health. Ecological inequality risk factors that increase the possibility for mental health challenges includes a shortage of suitable housing and transport choices, community deprivation, a harmful environment, living … Continued
The link between physical and mental health is undeniable: those who have one or more physical challenges are at bigger risk of developing mental health problems, while mental health problems increase the risk of physical health problems. Individuals with long-term … Continued
Being communally linked is strongly linked to good mental health outcomes; access to positive relationships from an early age is essential to our growth, as well as our physical wellness and contentment across life. On the contrary, many of the … Continued