Developing Active Young Minds

27/02/2026

26/02/2026

When your child hits, shouts, or lashes out… it’s easy to see defiance.

But what if it’s actually defence?

In the primary years, the fight response isn’t a choice. It’s a brain on high alert, reacting to a perceived threat. Their body floods with energy, their thinking brain goes offline, and survival takes over.

It can look like anger.
It can feel like aggression.
But underneath, it’s a child who doesn’t feel safe.

This is their voice… from the inside of the fight response.

Because when we understand what’s really happening, we stop asking, “How do I stop this behaviour?”
And start asking, “What does my child need right now?”

Girl version will also be posted.

For further support - our Managing Big Feelings Toolkit for Parents and Educators - link in comments.

26/02/2026

When a child runs away, it’s easy to see it as defiance.
But what if it’s actually their nervous system trying to keep them safe?

The flight response is powerful. It’s driven by adrenaline and a deep need to escape what feels overwhelming, unpredictable, or too much. For many children in the primary years, leaving isn’t a choice… it’s a survival response.

And here’s the part we often miss…
If flight is blocked, it can quickly turn into fight.

A child who is stopped, cornered, or told they cannot leave may not calm down… they may escalate. What began as “I need to get away” can become “I need to push through.”

So instead of shutting down flight, we can support it safely.

This might look like having a pre-agreed calm space they can go to without question. It might mean building in safe 'exit routes' like a walk, a drink break, or a movement job. It might mean recognising that adrenaline needs somewhere to go, not nowhere.

When we allow safe flight, we often prevent fight.

If you’re supporting a child with big emotional responses, my Managing Big Feelings Toolkit includes practical, brain-based strategies for moments just like this.
link in comments below ⬇️ or via Linktree Shop in Bio.

Girl version coming later today.

21/02/2026

SECOND CHANCE SUNDAY

WHAT ARE SENSORY CIRCUITS?

Sensory circuits are short, structured sequences of movement designed to help a child’s nervous system find that 'just right' level of alertness for learning, play and daily routines. They gently support the brain and body to organise sensory input, regulate emotions and improve focus.

They can be especially supportive for children who struggle with transitions, children who feel anxious about school as they start their day, neurodivergent children, and those experiencing after-school restraint collapse when the day’s demands finally catch up with them.

A sensory circuit follows a clear pattern: alerting activities to wake up the body and brain, organising activities to build focus and coordination, and calming activities to help the child feel settled and ready. The order matters. When done in sequence, sensory circuits can support regulation rather than overwhelm.

They’re flexible, quick and practical. A circuit can take as little as 10–15 minutes and can be delivered at home or at school. First thing in the morning, after lunch, before homework, or as part of an emotional regulation routine, sensory circuits fit around real life.

They’re not about pushing children. They’re about meeting sensory needs, building predictability, and helping children feel safe and supported in their bodies.

Our Sensory Circuits Resource Pack includes clear explanations, visual prompts and ready-to-use activities to help adults feel confident running sensory circuits with children and young people.
Comment SENSORY below for the link.

21/02/2026

Our webinar 'Appealing to the SEND Tribunal - practical hints and tips' is now available to view on our website.

It will walk you through the key aspects of the appeal process, including:

🔷 Submitting the appeal
🔶 Local authority response
🔷 Further submissions, including the Tribunal's new Practice Directions
🔶 Completing the case review form, including witnesses
🔷 Working Documents
🔶 Preparing for the hearing, what happens in the hearing, and after the hearing

Watch now ➡️ https://www.ipsea.org.uk/webinar-appealing-to-the-send-tribunal-practical-hints-and-tips

08/02/2026

Join our workshop exploring Autism and ADHD. Designed for parents, carers and professionals, this session will provide insights into how these conditions can overlap, practical strategies for support and guidance for navigating their unique challenges: http://bit.ly/43wVr6U

07/02/2026

Some young people feel things BIG… but can’t always find the words for it.

Alexithymia isn’t “being dramatic”, “shut down”, or “not trying”.
It’s when emotions are happening inside, but they’re hard to notice, name, or explain.

So you might see “I don’t know”, a blank face, or calm-on-the-outside… but inside?
It can be loud, confusing, and overwhelming.

This visual breaks down what alexithymia is, how it can show up, and what actually helps.

SAVE (Facebook only)
To SAVE, click on the image, tap the three dots, and choose Save.