Is Your Child Thriving at School?

Learn the two most important factors that determine your child’s experience at school.

1. Self-regulation!

A skill often discussed in relation to children and their perceived inability to identify and effectively manage their own emotional states. Ironically, it only takes a glimpse inside a classroom to recognise that MANY teachers themselves struggle with being dysregulated (I struggle with three children, let alone thirty!).

This is a cause for concern because when a teacher feels stressed, frustrated, triggered, or overwhelmed, these emotions inadvertently transfer to the students and can significantly impact the child's experience in the classroom, often leading to a vicious circle of stress-related behaviours from both teachers and students.

2. The Teacher-Student Relationship!

Not something we typically consider a crucial element for school success, however the teacher-student relationship carries significant weight in determining whether a student survives or thrives at school.

Neuroscience tells us that we learn through relationships because our brains require a felt sense of safety and connection. As Dr Dan Siegel says, “Human connections shape neural connections”.

Sadly many students don't experience this, and those who so desperately need and want this connection often ask for it in the most unloving ways!

I remined myself that just as our children need the right relationships and conditions to do well, so do our teachers.

When we drop our children off at the classroom we don't get to dust our hands off or, worse still, complain about the state of our education system without first attempting to engage, collaborate and offer support.

Remember inside every classroom is a human being who most likely started because they care. For teachers to do the best they can, they need the right tools, support, environment, and relationships, just like our children do!📚✏️