Because it’s not about control, it’s about safety.

If you’re caring for or working with a child who has experienced trauma, you’ve probably seen big emotional reactions: explosive outbursts, intense shutdowns, tearful meltdowns, or unexpected aggression. And you may have wondered, “Why does this happen over such small things?”. The answer often lies in the nervous system and how trauma impacts a young person’s ability to regulate their emotions.

It’s not just what the behaviour looks like, it’s what it’s doing. When we see a behaviour of concern, such as swearing, running away, hitting, or yelling, it’s easy to focus on what it looks like. But in behaviour support, what we really care about is why it’s happening. This is the difference between form and function.

Because every behaviour tells a story. It’s easy to describe a child or young person’s behaviour as “bad,” “naughty,” or “challenging”, especially when it’s loud, disruptive, or confronting. But what if we paused and asked ourselves, ‘What’s really going on here?’ Because here’s the truth: Behaviour isn’t bad. It’s information.

Your go-to tool for understanding what’s really going on. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to figure out why a child behaves in a certain way, the ABC model is a great place to start. It’s not about blaming or labelling, it’s about understanding. Because all behaviour is meaningful, and this simple three-part framework can help us decode the message behind it.

When a child is melting down, shouting, or shutting off, it’s easy to react without thinking. But the way we respond in those critical moments can either escalate the situation or help regulate it. Here are five simple, trauma-informed steps to take before you respond to a behaviour of concern, starting with something as small (and powerful) as a breath.

Have you ever found yourself asking:
“Why is she doing this?”
“Why does he keep doing that even after I’ve told him not to?”
“Why does this keep happening at the same time every day?”Those why questions are exactly where good behaviour support begins. Enter: the Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)

If you’ve ever heard the words “behaviour support” and pictured someone coming in with a clipboard to stop meltdowns or “fix” behaviour, you’re not alone. The truth is, behaviour support is so much more than that.

Positive parenting is a powerful approach that fosters strong parent-child relationships, teaches essential life skills, and nurtures emotional well-being.

The bonds we form with our parents in childhood profoundly influence how we connect with others throughout life. These patterns, known as attachment styles, affect everything from our friendships and romantic relationships to how we parent our children. By understanding attachment styles, we gain valuable insights into our own parenting approach and discover ways to build stronger, more secure bonds with our kids.

One of the most impactful things you can do as a parent or caregiver is to help your child build strong self-esteem. When children and teens feel good about themselves, they’re more likely to succeed in school, build meaningful relationships, and face life’s challenges with confidence.

Play therapy is a powerful and transformative tool that uses the natural language of children, play, to help them process emotions, overcome challenges, and build essential life skills. Whether addressing behavioural issues, navigating life changes, or healing from trauma, play therapy provides a safe and supportive space for children to express themselves and work through their struggles.

The shift from middle school to high school is a major milestone for both students and parents. It’s an exciting time filled with new opportunities, but it can also bring challenges as your child steps into a world of greater independence, responsibility, and expectations.

Bullying is a term we hear often, but its true impact is sometimes misunderstood. Defined as repeated, unwanted, aggressive behaviour involving a real or perceived power imbalance, bullying can leave lasting scars on children, physically, emotionally, socially, and academically.

We all know how amazing it feels to wake up refreshed after a good night's sleep. But for kids and teens, sleep is more than just a chance to recharge; it’s a crucial part of their physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Sleep hygiene, or the habits that promote quality sleep, is key in ensuring they get the rest they need.

The teenage years are a whirlwind of change, physically, emotionally, and mentally. During this time, teens embark on one of life’s most significant challenges: developing a sense of identity. But what happens when the road to self-discovery feels like a maze? Many teens feel like they’re in the middle of an identity crisis, unsure of who they are or where they fit.

Everyone has a story to tell. Our lives are a collection of experiences, some uplifting, others challenging, and how we frame these stories profoundly impacts how we view ourselves and interact with the world. For teens struggling with mental health challenges, narrative therapy offers a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing.

Mindfulness is one of the most talked-about tools in mental health, and for good reason! While its benefits for adults are widely recognised, mindfulness is equally transformative for kids and teens. It can improve focus, emotional regulation, behaviour, communication skills, and more.

The tween and teen years bring about some of the most significant changes in a child’s life and for parents, too! It’s a time filled with growth, discovery, and, yes, challenges. Knowing what to expect and how to support your child can make this journey smoother and more rewarding for everyone involved.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially for kids and teens navigating the ups and downs of growing up. One powerful tool that can support their mental well-being is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This evidence-based therapy helps young people manage anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and more by transforming their thoughts and behaviours.

Life transitions and challenges can be overwhelming for anyone, but for kids and teens navigating developmental stages, these moments are even more complex. Their social and emotional needs are heightened, and their brains aren’t yet equipped with the tools adults use to cope. This makes them more vulnerable to the world around them.