Olivia Williams

As I contemplate the issues facing our children in 2024, it is apparent to me that there are many factors that contribute to the stresses we so often read about for young children.

Recently, I revisited Angela Duckworth’s research on grit while considering the paramount skill young people need to succeed in life. While digital literacy, leadership, confidence, and resilience are valuable, I believe the most crucial skill is strength.

It can be heartbreaking to watch someone consumed by so much physical, psychological, and emotional energy while anticipating a test or exam, that they are unable to perform at their best.

Every child is born with unique interests and aspirations, and as parents, many of us consider it our responsibility to encourage and support them in pursuing their dreams.

As a Kindy Director on Maternity Leave following the birth of my third child, I suddenly lost the love of teaching. Wanting a challenge and something completely new that I could sink my teeth into, I stumbled across the concept of Play Therapy in the form of a Master’s Degree and set out to complete it full time over 2 years – all whilst raising a family and assisting with the management of our family sheep and cropping farm (crazy, I know!)

While aiming for calm and efficiency in the mornings, the reality is, getting out the house sometimes feels like a race where two people have run in different directions and another has lost a shoe. A successful morning sets the tone for the day for all children, and can be even more crucial for those with neuro-differences.

Tips for parents (and teachers) to help students flourish.