How easily we can forget that each person’s world is unique and even in the closest of relationships there will be differences in perspective, taste, reactions and desires. This is especially so within the world of home. Parents, partners and children can forget that …Read more
Babies may cry, smile, cling, protest their carer’s departure, greet their carer, be frightened, explore, be curious, play and demonstrate many more behaviours. Many of these behaviours change as babies and toddlers develop; until eight weeks of age, a baby will cry as a …Read more
One of the consistent complaints by youth is that adults do not listen to them—they don’t mean passive hearing, but active listening and understanding. Youth discern very quickly whether people are genuine. If they are listened to and responded to with respect they …Read more
Central to all models of life coaching is the belief that people have a capacity to change their own lives. This capacity can be diminished or constrained by many factors, both internal and external to the person. Change can come from many different places, …Read more
‘The value of Reflexions is found in its ability to build … conversations in new and existing directions.’(Reflexions booklet, p8) Innovative Resources’ cards can act as ‘conversational prompts’. That is, when used in conversations with other people, they can suggest pathways of communication that …Read more
‘We are surrounded by symbols. They are present in every facet of our existence. At a practical level, they point us in the right direction, they issue caution, they give us choices, and they limit our choices. Symbols are necessary to navigate …Read more
Now in its third edition, Strength Cards for Kids features a mixed bunch of raucous, funny, serious, quiet, loud, big, small and rather outrageous animal characters. They get up to all kinds of antics, most of which you will never see when you are …Read more
‘Metaphor has a paradoxical power. It distances an experience by equating it with something else, but in so doing actually brings that experience closer.’ James Geary, ‘The Secret Life of Metaphor’, Ode Magazine, Spring 2011, p. 55 Human language is alive with metaphor. Not …Read more
In March I had great pleasure in attending the inaugural Wellbeing Australia conference in Cairns. What made it special was the inspiration and passion shown by so many teachers and wellbeing officers towards the children—and extending further to the parents and the broader school …Read more
For most people, feelings of worry or anxiety happen every now and then and are part of a healthy emotional range. Such feelings can serve us well by warning us of potential danger and helping us ‘gear up’ for performance. However, sometimes these feelings …Read more
‘Everyone benefits in cultures where their strengths are appreciated and noticed. Children, in particular, blossom when they are held in positive regard by the people around them.’ We are surrounded by many different cultures—not only the obvious cultural differences between countries and peoples—but also …Read more
Optimism is NOT positive thinking; so what is it? Optimism involves generating: HOPE that things can change ACTION to make sure they do change. Most people assume that optimism is the same as positive thinking. Positive thinking is when you reassure yourself that a …Read more
Ever been to a funeral of someone you liked and thought you knew well, only to discover through the eulogy that there was so much more about the person than you knew? How many times have you walked by the reception desk, said hello …Read more
‘Two things make a story: the net and the air that falls through the net.’ (Pablo Neruda) Keen observers of the Funky Fish Feelings cards will have noticed that a seahorse manages to make an appearance on every card. (Well, …Read more
In exploring strengths-based practice, we navigate the term ‘labelling’, and how using labels can be a form of power-over, can affect people’s identities and behaviour, and confine what is possible for them. Some labels are certainly devisive but when are they useful and helpful? …Read more
‘When autumn darkness falls, what we will remember are the small acts of kindness: a cake, a hug, an invitation to talk, and every single rose. These are all expressions of a nation coming together and caring about its people’. Jens Stoltenberg The following …Read more
Christmas means many things to many people. To some it is filled with magical memories of sparkling lights, tinsel and brightly coloured presents under the tree. Others anticipate the delights of a table laden with meats, salads, puddings and in the Southern Hemisphere at …Read more
In the hurley-burley of daily work with the ever-present ‘To Do’ list, it can be easy to lose track of the principles and values that guide good practice. Right in the midst of a supervision session, or when we are about to meet with …Read more
We may all know what a patchwork quilt is, even if we each hold a slightly different impression in our mind’s eye. But what is a patchwork life? A Patchwork Life is one made up of different parts of one’s self, all sewn together. …Read more
Change only happens when it is noticed. Change and growth can be slow and incremental; it can be missed if our attention is not drawn to it or if we don’t have the right tools to ‘see’ it. Noticing change can be more …Read more
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