Whilst working with a student for many years as a withdrawal teacher for behaviour support, his teachers kept asking me to provide them with strategies and to work with him to make better choices. They seemed to think he was conniving, manipulative and purposefully choosing to lie in order to get out of being in trouble or facing consequences. This had been an ongoing issue which was not changing but rather imbedded in his reactive behaviours when caught or exposed.

Raising teenage boys is harder than anyone could ever describe. But my worry is it is the hardest on them. We need to hold on while they learn who they are, how they show up in this world and that the feelings they have right now are not forever. This letter would be something I would love every teenage boy to hear but they are not able to listen right now. So share this with a mother of a teenage boy and it may help them hold on too.

We need to start listening to the voices that have the inside perspective. Teachers know they are drowning, they see the behaviours increasing and the pressure on the system is at breaking point. Check out what I believe is the silver bullet to changing how school system. If only the right people will listen.

Stop comparing yourself with others. Our experiences are not the same as others. Be okay with your perspective. Raising children with perspective is empowering and imperative.

Great tips and ideas for helping manage and support your child when they are having big feelings, challenging behaviours and cannot regulate their emotions.

It’s not the behaviour or meltdown we need to stop it the support we offer to ensure our children feel protected and safe as they work through the intense feelings and calm down.