The Bird's Nest Consultancy

09/12/2025

After a lovely short break away The Bird's Nest Consultancy is back open xx

09/12/2025

Yep

Strengths approach: https://www.theottoolbox.com/list-of-student-strengths-for-iep-writing/

09/12/2025

So true.

Here’s why I didn’t Push My Children’s To Develop Faster and 5 steps that I implemented;

Step 1 - I got clear on my expectations for my children.
Step 2 - I observed when they fell apart and looked for causes instead of simply assuming that I knew why.
Step 3 - I allowed myself time and space to step back and reconsider if the situation I had chosen was above their capabilities.
Step 4 - I took necessary pauses to notice if they really understood what I was asking. I recognized that sometimes they didn’t really understand.
Step 5 - I considered that there is an ebb and flow to every child’s development.

Perhaps even more important, I saw that when rushed they became anxious, nervous and fearful.
I didn’t push them to develop faster because I knew that they had time and that their childhood years are precious.
I knew that when a child feels pressured to learn something it actually makes it harder for them to learn.

I didn’t push my children to learn quicker because I wanted them to enjoy the process of learning and love learning.
I wanted them to discover the awe and wonder of self-discovery.
I wanted them to be confident in what they could do and have a strong self-esteem.
I wanted to allow them to blossom in their own time and at their own pace and be there with them to enjoy it all.
More than anything, I didn’t push my children to learn quicker because I wanted to focus on creating meaningful relationships with each of them.

I didn’t push my children to develop faster because I had been pushed and I still remember what that feels like.

Children are very vulnerable and even knowing this we sometimes push them to do more than they are capable of doing. Our eagerness to see our child taking leaps in learning can easily make us expect much more than they would do if left to follow their own developmental pace. And when criticized because they’re unable to meet expectations, they feel a deep sense of sadness, disappointment, shame and probably a number of other emotions.

Continued 👇🏾

09/12/2025

Explaining is so important so they actually understand.

When kids or teens push back on something you need them to do, it’s easy to fall into “because I said so.” But that approach teaches obedience without understanding and that only works as long as you’re standing there enforcing it.

A better strategy? Give them the why.

For younger kids, it might sound like:

“Please turn off the tablet so your brain can rest before bed,” or
“We’re picking up toys so no one gets hurt tripping over them.”

For teens, the why might be:
“I’m asking you to check in when you arrive because it helps me know you’re safe,” or
“Homework comes before video games so you don’t feel stressed and overloaded later.”

When children understand the reasoning behind a request, they’re more likely to adopt the behavior on their own, because it makes sense, not because they were forced.

Offer the why, then step back and let them choose their response and learn from the outcome. Real responsibility grows when kids connect actions to consequences, not when they simply follow orders.

07/12/2025

So important

Before kids believe in themselves, they borrow belief from us.
That’s why how we speak, comfort, and guide matters so deeply.
Our energy teaches them they can belong without changing who they are.

07/12/2025

So true.

Could a simple conversation change the way students view mistakes? This story shows how restorative discipline makes all the difference.

Read more 👉 https://lttr.ai/Alsjd

07/12/2025

So true.

The louder you get, the smaller your child feels.💔

07/12/2025

Its different to what they are used to.

The holidays can be magical, full of joy, excitement, and special memories. But for many kids, they can also be challenging. Disrupted routines, changes in structure, new environments, family gatherings, and lots of sensory input can quickly lead to overstimulation.

As parents and caregivers, we naturally want our kids to be happy and enjoy every moment. But it’s just as important to remember that big feelings often come with big events. Kids may need extra patience, breaks, and reassurance…and that’s okay.
Giving them space to rest, offering predictable rhythms when possible, and staying connected to their emotional needs can make the season feel safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Joy and regulation can coexist and when we honor both, we help our kids truly thrive through the holiday season. 🎄✨

04/12/2025

So very true.

04/12/2025

If you expect a child to apologise you must teach them why and that statts with adults apologising for their errors as well.

Kids learn so much more from what we do than what we say. When we show them that it’s okay to feel frustrated—but not okay to hurt others with those big feelings—we’re teaching an essential life skill. Everyone loses their cool sometimes, even adults, and that’s normal. What truly matters is how we respond after the moment has passed. Modeling how to take responsibility, offer a genuine apology, and make things right shows children what healthy conflict resolution looks like. When they see us own our mistakes, they learn that they can do the same. These are the moments that shape trust, empathy, and emotional growth.



Source: Institute of Child Psychology

04/12/2025

With The Autistic Teacher – I'm on a streak! I've been a top fan for 12 months in a row. 🎉