Get through Emotional Storms with Confidence
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Swamped by tantrums?
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Master the art of calm with empathetic strategies from a seasoned child psychiatrist.
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Improving Mental Health Services: Lessons from a home visit
Raise your hand, if anyone else here tired of the whining and complaining that the government isn't doing enough for mental health services?
A few years ago, I made a house call late in the day, responding to a parent of a patient of mine who was unable to attend the clinic due to a minor domestic incident. The atmosphere was tense, like a whirlwind of emotions - that’s what the phone call felt like. The prescribed medication? It wasn’t working as expected. We were in the midst of it, with no choice but to endure. I asked if they could wait till I got there later that day - they agreed and expressed their gratitude. I asked why they didn’t call the crisis team - they did - they were advised to call the police (for an 11 year old having a tantrum). Understandably, she did not call the police. As for the rest of the family? I didn’t ask.
Upon arrival, I observed the mother, caught in this storm, unable to connect with the other kids or to...
Connecting with anxious and neuroatypical kids
Navigating the complexities of connecting with anxious and neuroatypical children can be challenging, especially during their emotional upheavals.
At times, we may find ourselves grappling with our own anxieties, questioning our capabilities to manage and alleviate their distress. Feelings of guilt may surface, making us feel inadequate in our parenting roles.
However, it’s crucial to remember that these doubts are unfounded. You are fully capable of handling these situations. The tools you need are already within you, they just require a bit of honing and polishing.
I’m excited to share that I’ve updated the self-paced audio course ‘Connecting with Anxious and Neurodiverse Kids’, also known as the ‘Foundations of Emotional Connection’. This course is readily available on the Huddle Wisdom website.
To access the course, please visit: www.huddlewisdom.com/foundationsofconnection
Unveiling Our New T-Shirt Collection: A Nod to the Parenthood Journey
As parents, we often find ourselves in situations that are as chaotic as they are beautiful. We understand that raising children, especially those who are anxious or sensitive, can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster ride. But amidst all the ups and downs, there’s always room for a little humor and a lot of love.
When I was at university (college for my US audience) I started a t-shirt design company with a friend but life got too busy and I couldn't give it much time to actually get it off the ground. But lately I've felt inspired to resurrect it and designed a couple of t-shirts which I think Huddle Wisdom parents would be proud to wear.
And I think it encapsulates the sentiments I shared earlier.
These t-shirts, available on Etsy, are not just about style, but also about expressing the shared experiences of parenthood.
1. ‘Everything is Fine’ T-Shirt
Our first design features the text ‘Everything is Fine’...
Games to Enhance Social Skills at Home
Strengthening Connections and Building Social Competence
As parents, we recognise the importance of nurturing our children’s social skills. These abilities not only enhance their interactions with others but also contribute to their overall well-being. Whether your child is neurotypical or neurodiverse, engaging in social activities can be both enjoyable and educational.
Role-Playing Conversations: This activity immerses your child in various scenarios, allowing them to step into the shoes of different characters. They’ll practice active listening and explore various conversational styles, fostering empathy and effective communication skills. It’s a fun way to experience different perspectives and understand the nuances of conversation.
“Would You Rather” Questions: This game is a catalyst for intriguing discussions! By posing thought-provoking questions like, “Would you rather explore outer space or dive into the deep ocean?” your child is...
The Spider’s Web: A Metaphor for Mental Health
The Spider’s Web: A Metaphor for Mental Health
In my garden, a spider spun its web, a marvel of strength and resilience. This sight sparked reflections on our mental health system and the wisdom we could glean from this simple spider’s web.
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Mental Health Web (MHW): Each strand of the web symbolizes a community stakeholder - parents, schools, neighbours, healthcare professionals, police, community services. Each strand facilitates information flow, fostering a dialogue that permeates in all directions. The web is a collective endeavour, not the work of a solitary spider.
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Independent Nodes: Each strand in the MHW functions autonomously, agilely responding to our community’s unique needs. This independence allows for quick adaptation, experimentation, and innovation, bypassing the need for central directives.
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Web’s Bulletin Board: A central bulletin board bolsters the web’s independent functioning by facilitating the sharing of successful...
The Unforgettable Journey of a Mischievous Student
As I flipped through the worn-out pages of my old school yearbook, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The memories of those golden days came flooding back, as vivid as if they had happened yesterday. We had a tradition back then, a poem that we wrote together, where each of us got a shout-out for what we were known for. And guess what? My tag was ‘naughty and loud’—a classic, right?
I was that kid—the one who always had something to say, the one who couldn’t sit still, the one who was always up for a bit of mischief. I even had a VIP seat right up front by Ms. Selby, the teacher who must’ve had the patience of a saint to put up with my antics. Does that sound like someone you know?
Ms. Selby was a gem, though. Her kindness probably kept me from bailing on school altogether. She saw something in me that others didn’t. She saw potential amidst the chaos. I bet if it was today, they’d slap an ADHD label on me in a heartbeat. (I know I...
Supporting Anxious Neuroatypical Kids at School
Imagine a student who is the epitome of decorum and respect in school, but at home, they transform into a whirlwind of emotions. This scenario is not uncommon for neurodiverse children who often remain unnoticed in educational environments. They are like hidden icebergs, their struggles concealed beneath the surface, invisible to those unfamiliar with their circumstances.
These children often employ a strategy known as ‘masking’, where they exert significant mental energy to conceal their difficulties. Sometimes it’s a conscious effort; other times, it’s an instinctive defense mechanism. Their objective? To blend in, to appear ‘normal’, to avoid being singled out.
Unfortunately, neurodiverse children are more susceptible to mental health issues. So, how can we support them? Let’s delve into some strategies.
Building Bridges of Empathy
The first step is fostering open communication between parents and educators....
Understanding Neurodiversity: A Parent’s Perspective
As parents, we often traverse the intricate landscape of child-rearing, equipped with a blend of instinct, generational wisdom, and expert guidance. However, when it comes to comprehending neurodiversity, it can feel as though we’re venturing into unknown terrain. This is primarily because neurodiversity, a relatively novel concept, challenges conventional perceptions of neurological development. It encourages us to shift our viewpoint from viewing certain neurological conditions as ‘disorders’ to recognising them as merely different ways of perceiving the world.
Understanding neurodiversity can be intimidating due to its extensive scope. It encompasses a broad range of neurological differences, each with its distinct characteristics and challenges. As parents, it’s vital for us to learn about these differences to support our children and advocate for them in various social environments like schools and local communities.
So, What is Neurodiversity?
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Fighting anxiety one step at a time: Graded Hierachies for Parents
As parents, our role in our children’s lives is multifaceted, but perhaps the most crucial aspect is the bond we share with them. This connection is the foundation upon which we can build resilience against anxiety. Today, we’re sharing the Graded Hierarchy Method, a step-by-step approach that is supercharged by the strength of your relationship with your child.
The Cornerstone of Trust:
Before diving into the method, it’s essential to understand that trust and security are the currency of any relationship, especially with your anxious child. Like money in the bank, these elements of connection ensure that you have the emotional credit to support your child through the costly process of fighting anxiety. Without a strong bond, you risk overdrafting on this account, leading to potential damage or conflict within your relationship.
Understanding Anxiety Triggers:
Identifying what sparks your child’s anxiety is the first step. Here are...
How concerned should I be about my children's mental health?
The Indispensable Role of Parents in Addressing Children’s Mental Health
Parents are not just caregivers; they are the pillars of support and the first line of defense in their children’s mental health. Their role is pivotal and multifaceted, and here’s why:
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Early Intervention: Parents, being the closest to their children, are often the first to notice any changes in their child’s behavior or mood. They can detect and address mental health issues at an early stage, leading to more effective treatment. This early intervention can prevent conditions from escalating, making parents a crucial part of the solution.
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Mitigating Long-term Impact: Childhood experiences can have a lasting impact on an individual’s future. Mental health problems during childhood can lead to challenges in adulthood, including difficulties with relationships, education, and employment. By being vigilant about their children’s mental health, parents can help them...
