Blog

How Parents Can Cope with Their Child Starting Primary or Secondary School.

  • by

The start of a new school year can be a time of mixed emotions for both parents and children, especially when the child is entering a new primary or secondary school. Whether the move is transitioning from one school level to another or it’s due to moving to a new area or, this period of change can be challenging. As a parent, it’s natural to feel anxious about how your child will adapt to their new environment. However, there are several strategies you can adopt to make this transition smoother for both you and your child.

Struggles of Returning to School After Summer

  • by

The summer holiday have been upon us – 6 weeks of relaxation, adventure, and freedom for students of all ages. The long, sunny days are filled with days out, meeting friends, late nights, and the joy of not having to worry about homework or early morning alarms. But as the final days of summer slip away, the looming reality of returning to school starts to set in. The transition from the carefree days of summer to the structured routine of school can be challenging. Let’s explore some common struggles students face when returning to school after the summer holiday.

How To Deal With Disappointing Exam Results

  • by

Disappointing exam results can feel like a significant setback, especially for young people who often tie their self-worth and future prospects to academic performance. However, it’s crucial to understand that exam results, while important, do not define your potential or determine your entire future. This blog will explore various ways young people can recover from not getting the exam results they wanted, focusing on emotional recovery, practical steps forward, and long-term perspectives. Processing the Emotional Impact Before you can move forward, it’s essential to process the emotions that come with disappointing results. It’s natural to feel upset, frustrated, or even… Read More »How To Deal With Disappointing Exam Results

How Kids Can Support a Friend with Cancer: A Guide for Young Helpers

  • by

When someone we care about is going through a tough time, like dealing with a cancer or other illness, it can be hard to know how to help. If your friend has cancer, you might feel worried, sad, or even a little scared. These feelings are normal, but remember that you can still be an amazing friend. Here’s a guide on how you can support your friend through this challenging time.

Coping with A Friend’s Death in Childhood: A Parent’s Guide

  • by

The death of a friend during childhood is a deeply challenging experience. For a child, the loss can be confusing, frightening, and overwhelming. As parents or guardians, helping a child navigate their grief is essential in ensuring they process their emotions healthily and constructively. This blog will explore strategies to support a child through this difficult time, understanding the impact of loss during childhood, and how to foster resilience.

The Positive Impact of Dogs on Mental Wellbeing

  • by

Dogs have been long celebrated as “man’s best friend,” but their role goes beyond companionship. Numerous studies and personal anecdotes highlight the profound positive impact dogs have on mental wellbeing. Whether it’s reducing stress, combating loneliness, or enhancing social interaction, dogs play a crucial role in fostering emotional health. In this blog, we will explore the various ways in which dogs contribute to mental wellbeing.

The Person-Centred Approach And Facilitating Behaviour Change

  • by

Behaviour change is a fundamental goal in many domains, including healthcare, education, and social services. Achieving sustainable behaviour change can be challenging, as it often requires individuals to alter deeply ingrained habits and beliefs. The person-centred approach offers a powerful framework for fostering meaningful and lasting behaviour change by focusing on the individual’s unique needs, values, and experiences. In this blog, we will explore how the person-centred approach facilitates behaviour change and why it is a critical strategy for professionals working to support positive transformations.

Understanding The Person-Centred Approach: The Principles And Applications In Our Services

  • by

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the emphasis on individualised care and support has never been more crucial. The person-centred approach, originally rooted in psychotherapy, has transcended its origins to influence various fields such as healthcare, education, and social services. This approach prioritises the individual’s needs, preferences and values, ensuring they are at the heart of any work undertaken with them. In this blog, we will explore the fundamentals of the person-centred approach, its benefits, and its application to the work we undertake with young people at Focusing Minds. What is the Person-Centred Approach? The person-centred approach, developed by psychologist Carl… Read More »Understanding The Person-Centred Approach: The Principles And Applications In Our Services

Lockdown: the impacts on our children

  • by

The government recently announced expectations for all children to return to school in September. By this time, the majority will have been absent from the classroom for a staggering six months. Naturally, it is not just the teaching and learning time the students have missed out on; UNICEF claiming that children will have missed out on some 700 million days of teacher contact time. For some, school is a place of safety, a place of routine, a place where they can learn a whole host of life skills outside the pressures of receiving good grades and results. The period of… Read More »Lockdown: the impacts on our children

healthy mind

Keep a healthy mind: Covid-19 lockdown

  • by

These are unprecedented times. The Covid-19 outbreak is a global problem affecting every continent on the planet: wreaking havoc across health services, stifling economies and significantly, since being introduced in the UK on March 23rd, plunging us into an often described ‘new way of living’ through lockdown. The restrictions of the lockdown, the requests to stay at home for all but essential travel for supplies, food, medical appointments, exercise or work, are being described by most outlets as ‘draconian’ but however it’s viewed, it’s a reality we all have to cope with. The pressures raised by the lockdown, in terms… Read More »Keep a healthy mind: Covid-19 lockdown