LP Child Wellbeing Coach

03/09/2026

Back to school… and it’s not always easy.

The countdown is on… and let’s be honest, some parents are counting down the seconds until the school gates open again! 😂

But for some children, the return to school can bring a whole different set of feeling:
The worry
The overwhelm
The anxiety
The change in routine
The thought of leaving the safety of home
The pressure of new teachers, new classrooms, new expectations and simply being back

If your child is struggling with the transition, that’s okay.

School isn’t an easy place for every child, and not every child skips through those school gates excited to be back. Sometimes getting dressed, leaving the house or even talking about school can feel like a HUGE achievement.

And I’ll be honest… it’s a struggle in my home too.
I’m trying to navigate the emotions, the worries and the resistance while reminding myself to stay calm, patient and supportive. Sometimes that means taking a step back, listening rather than fixing, and reminding my child that they don’t have to have everything figured out straight away.

Because sometimes our children don’t need us to say “You’ll be fine.”
They need us to say:
“I know this feels hard.”
“I’m here with you.”
“We’ll take it one step at a time.”
“You don’t have to feel excited about going back.”

So, as we head into another school year, let’s remember that a difficult start doesn't mean a difficult year.

Give your child time.
Give them understanding.
Give them a safe space to talk.
And most importantly, give yourself some grace too.
Because parenting through those big emotions isn't always easy either.

And to all the parents secretly doing a little happy dance when that school bell rings… I see you!

17/08/2026

Some days are just really bloody hard…..Today has been one of those days with my own child, and honestly, I’ve needed something to help me calm down too.

So tonight, I’m colouring while listening to my favourite tunes.
A few quiet minutes, no expectations, just something mindful to help me breathe and reset.

Because child wellbeing starts with looking after ourselves too and sometimes that looks as simple as picking up some colouring pencils.

PS: If you’re reading this send wine!

06/08/2026

💙

Just some great advice from Spider-Man himself. Thank you Tom, you’re doing so much to help fight stigma around mental health and seeking support. To anyone looking for someone to share the load with, we’re here if you need to talk to someone.

We have Side by Side which is our online peer support community available 24/7

Call our support line- 0300 102 1234 (open weekdays 9-6pm)

Or email us at [email protected] for mental health information and signposting

28/07/2026

How are the summer holidays treating everyone so far?

Please tell me I'm not the only one who's already wondering how it's only been a week...
So far, my 12-year-old has managed to:

Tell me he's "bored" while simultaneously holding a phone, an Xbox controller and sitting in front of the TV.

Eat absolutely everything in the fridge, then five minutes later ask, "What's for dinner?" Only to disapprove of my menu.

Perfect the art of sleeping until lunchtime... then moan he can’t sleep at bedtime.

Reply to almost every question with a grunt or a one-word answer... unless he's explaining something about gaming, then suddenly it's a 20-minute TED Talk.

Appear out of nowhere every time I sit down with a cup of coffee, usually because he "just needs" something.

Casually suggest expensive days out as though I'm secretly made of money.

Alternate between acting like he's 20 and insisting he still needs me when he can't find something that's exactly where I said it was.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change it for the world. Between the eye rolls, endless snack requests and questionable sleep schedule, we've had some brilliant laughs, a few adventures and made some lovely memories already.

So... tell me I'm not alone! What's been the funniest or most chaotic moment of your summer holidays so far? I'd love to hear your stories!👇
And we are only one week in!

17/07/2026

Happy Summer Holidays!

Summer holidays don't have to be perfect to be meaningful.
As the summer holidays begin, it's easy to feel pressure to keep children entertained every day.

Social media can make it seem as though every moment should be filled with exciting trips, activities and picture-perfect memories.
The reality is that children don't need a packed schedule to have a happy summer. They benefit just as much from slowing down, playing, being bored, getting outdoors, reading together and spending quality time with the people they love.

For some children, the change in routine can feel unsettling, and that's okay too. Keeping a few familiar routines in place, listening to how they're feeling and offering reassurance can help them feel safe and secure.

It's worth remembering that the moments children often remember most aren't the expensive days out, but the everyday moments of connection – baking together, playing in the garden, watching a film, or simply having time to talk.

This summer, try not to put too much pressure on yourself. There is no such thing as the "perfect" holiday. What matters most is that children feel loved, listened to and supported.

What are your family's favourite simple ways to enjoy the summer holidays?

05/07/2026

Yesterday we celebrated my son's 12th birthday, and my heart is so full. How has 12 years gone by so quickly? It honestly feels like yesterday I was holding this tiny little boy, and now he's growing into such an incredible young person with his own thoughts, interests, and independence.

Motherhood is such a funny journey. Every stage is beautiful, but every stage also asks us to let go of a little bit more. I won't pretend I don't find that hard sometimes. I miss the little hand reaching for mine, the cuddles on demand, and being the centre of his world. But I'm also so proud of the person he's becoming, and I'm learning that embracing these changes is all part of loving our children well.

After all the excitement of yesterday, today I needed to refill my own cup. A walk in nature, time with a lovely friend, fresh air, laughter... it was exactly what I needed.

As mums, we're so good at making sure everyone else is okay, but our wellbeing matters too. When we take time to recharge, we're able to show up with more patience, more presence, and more of ourselves for the people we love.

So today I'm reminding myself that it's okay to slow down, to soak up the beauty around me, and to embrace this ever-changing season of motherhood—even when it's a little bittersweet.

If you're in a season of change with your children too, know that you're not alone. Let's embrace it together.

24/06/2026

08/06/2026