08/10/2025
We are big believers in Dr Ross Greene’s idea that “kids do well if they can”. 🌱
If a child is having a difficult time - whether it be big emotions, big behaviours, or inflexible thinking - it isn’t because they won’t do well. It is because in that moment, they actually can’t.
Children do well when their environment and the expectations placed on them match their current skills and needs. Not doing well is a sign that something is getting in the way of this 🚧 - this may be difficulties with emotion regulation, communication/processing abilities, or lagging skills in areas of problem-solving or flexible thinking 🧠
By shifting our perspective and getting curious, we start to approach behaviour with empathy and view it as communication rather than manipulation. Instead of asking “Why won’t they just do what they’re being told?”, we might ask “What is getting in the way of them being able to?” and “What skills do they need to handle this differently next time?”. 💭
When we understand that kids do well when they can, not just when they want to, our approach becomes more compassionate and effective. This creates so many opportunities for growth, connection, and confidence - for both kids and parents 🌱
