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In 2019, while caring for my disabled dad, raising two children, and running a nursery, I found myself completely depleted — though I didn’t yet know the name for it: compassion fatigue. This blog explores how caring too deeply for too long can leave us running on empty, how to recognise the signs, and the hard but necessary choices we sometimes have to make to protect our wellbeing, our families, and our ability to truly connect.

Over the past few years, I have completed my MSc in Psychology. My research explored school disruption, stress, and coping in adolescents from parents’ perspectives. What it confirmed was that school disruption is rarely just about education. It unsettles safety, identity, and wellbeing, and families often carry the emotional labour when systems don’t quite fit their child. This understanding continues to shape how I support parents with calm, thoughtful, non-judgmental guida

By Kelly Hutton Labels can be a force for good with our neurodivergent learners Having worked in education for over 20 years, I have seen an evolution happen before my eyes in the way we discuss and understand neurodivergence. 20 years ago, we were just really starting to understand how those considered "Special Educational Needs" (SEN) were only ever spoken about in terms of a diagnosis, or a difference from the norm, neurodivergence wasn't even a word within our lexicon. Bu

Discover how the Calmer Parenting Approach, grounded in research and everyday reality, can reduce conflict, support emotional regulation, and create a more connected family environment. Learn about the calming cycle, co-regulation, and practical routines, and download this week’s tool, My Calming Circle, to help bring calm into your home.

Friendship shapes our wellbeing across a lifetime, grounding us through sleepless nights, big feelings and life’s transitions. In this week’s blog, I explore how we build friendships, why boys need extra support to form deeper connections, and how every child can grow their own village, just as I found mine eighteen years ago in the most unexpected place.

When our children’s big feelings collide with our own, even the calmest parent can feel overwhelmed. I still remember the day I had to step away, two toddlers screaming, my chest tight, and no calm left to give. Co-regulation doesn’t always look perfect; sometimes it begins with admitting we’re drowning. But it’s in the repair, the reconnecting, that children learn safety, resilience and connection.

Positive reinforcement is far more than praise or stickers; it’s how children learn, build confidence, and understand their strengths. Research shows it creates lasting improvements in empathy, cooperation, and self-regulation. When mistakes are met with calm guidance rather than punishment, children grow rather than withdraw. Positive reinforcement isn’t permissive; it’s structured, relational, and truly transformative.

Discover why everyday demands can feel overwhelming for autistic children with a PDA profile. Learn how anxiety, not defiance, drives avoidance, and explore calm, connection-based strategies to support your child and yourself.

As our children grow, so do we. Parenthood isn’t a fixed role, it’s a journey of evolving identity, shifting from hands-on care to gentle guidance, and learning to let go with grace. Watching Megan drive away, I realised she wasn’t just moving forward, we both were. This blog explores how parents can navigate the emotional transition of growing children, rediscover their own identity, and understand why nurturing ourselves is vital to nurturing them.

By Kelly Hutton Mathematical understanding is much more than just counting or adding up... but how is it? For many parents, me included, the word maths may bring a small internal sign, memories of confusing worksheets or lessons that made it feel like a secret code only a few could understand. It's a life skill which quietly shapes how we navigate the world, from budgeting our weekly shop and comparing energy bills, to understanding data, time, and even making confident caree

By Kelly Hutton A key component to parenting is knowing when you are stressed. If you have ever found yourself negotiating with a toddler about putting their shoes on in January, you'll know parenting can sometimes feel like a full-contact sport. My youngest, for instance, used to make every school run an exercise in emotional endurance, shoes? No. Coat? Absolutely not. Tantrums? Loud, occasionally airborne (the toys, not the child). And then there's the stage where an eight-

In a world of ChatGPT, Spelling Shed, and Sparx Maths, technology can make learning smarter — but only if we keep the human connection at its heart. This post explores how to use AI wisely in home education, from crafting effective prompts to navigating the “algorithmic forest,” and how simple digital detoxes can help families stay grounded, connected, and fully present while embracing the best of both worlds.

Disruptive behaviour isn’t a sign of bad parenting, it’s your child’s way of communicating unmet needs. From toddler tantrums to teenage door slams, behaviour is often a signal of frustration, fear, or a craving for connection. Whole Needs Parenting encourages us to look beneath the behaviour, stay curious, and respond with empathy. When we understand what’s really going on, we move from firefighting to building stronger, calmer connections.

Talking with children about difficult topics — from illness to troubling world events — is never easy. But research shows that when parents speak with their children, not at them, it builds trust, resilience, and understanding. Using approaches inspired by doctors, this blog offers practical steps to start honest, gentle conversations. You are not alone — our community and 1:1 family support are here to help.

Worrying about your child’s development is natural, but you don’t have to face it alone. Some children need extra support with learning, communication, or attention, and recognising this early can make all the difference. The SEND Code of Practice (2015) sets out clear steps to identify needs and access help. With the right support, labels can empower rather than limit, giving children understanding, tools, and opportunities to thrive.

Strong early literacy doesn’t just help children in school; it shapes their entire future. From higher educational achievement to better mental health and job opportunities, the ability to read and write well has a lifelong impact. Backed by research, this blog explores why early literacy matters more than you might think, and how simple everyday actions at home can make all the difference.

Anxiety is a normal part of growing up, but for some children, worries can feel overwhelming. Around 1 in 6 young people experience anxiety that affects daily life, often showing up as tummy aches, meltdowns, or sleepless nights. Because anxiety and emotional regulation are closely linked, children who struggle to calm down can find worries harder to manage. The good news? With the right support at home and in groups, children can learn skills to find their calm and thrive.

Self-monitoring and impulse control are key skills for children’s learning, behaviour, and confidence. This blog explores how these skills develop, how neurodiversity can affect them, and practical strategies to support all children. With 1:1 support sessions available online or face-to-face, I help families manage anxiety, behaviour challenges, and executive function needs through calm, non-judgemental guidance tailored to each child

Executive function skills are like a child's brain control centre, helping them to plan, organise, and adapt when things change. These skills don't just support learning; they shape friendships, independence, and confidence. In this blog, we explore what planning, organisation, and cognitive flexibility really mean, how parents can nurture them at home, and how the Collaborators Collective helps children strengthen these skills through real-world, child-led projects.

Executive function skills like planning, focus, and self-regulation are the hidden tools every child needs to thrive. This blog explains what executive function is, how it affects learning, behaviour, and confidence, and why some children find it harder to develop. With 1:1 support sessions — online or face-to-face — I help families strengthen executive function, manage anxiety, and build strategies that support both home education and school learning