Foundations Child & Family Therapy

10/02/2026

💻🌐 Safer Internet Day 2026

This year’s focus is 'Smart tech, safer choices. Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI'.

Safer internet day, run by the UK Safer Internet Centre , is all about supporting and educating children and young people in how to make safer choices online. While technology can offer incredible opportunities, it’s important to recognise the risks alongside the benefits.

By helping children develop digital awareness and critical thinking skills, we can empower them to use online tools safely, question what they see, and navigate the digital world with confidence.

👉 Find helpful resources and guidance on supporting children and young people here:
https://f.mtr.cool/ikkmhgapnm

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

We’re supporting with Place2Be
This year’s theme is ‘This is My Place,’ encouraging self-acceptance and belonging.
Place2Be are raising vital funds for children’s mental health.

To find out more, you can visit: https://f.mtr.cool/gkwqtzwmfq

05/02/2026

Behind every window is a story you might not see, and a burden you might not know someone is carrying. You never know what someone is going through.

Today is , a reminder that you don’t need to be an expert to listen, sometimes being there is enough. One conversation might not solve everything, but it lets someone know they aren't facing their "behind-the-scenes" alone.

Who are you checking in on today?

05/02/2026

Time to Talk Day 2026 is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. Run by the charity, Mind, it’s a moment to pause, reach out, and remind each other that no one has to struggle alone. By listening openly, sharing honestly, and talking about what really matters, we help break down stigma and build understanding. Opening up about our mental health can be the first step towards getting help and every conversation can make a difference.
Brave the big talk this .

Visit https://f.mtr.cool/syzicysvlq for more resources or if you, or someone you care about, needs help.

04/02/2026

A politics graduate reflects on life being autistic and experiencing alexithymia and aphantasia.

03/02/2026

03/02/2026

The Red Zone is a state of nervous system overwhelm.
In this moment, behaviour is not a choice — it’s a stress response.
For children, the Red Zone may show up as:
• meltdowns or shutdowns
• refusal or “oppositional” behaviour
• humour or distraction that escalates
• after-school explosions

What doesn’t help:
❌ reasoning
❌ consequences
❌ repeated demands

What does help:
✔ fewer words
✔ calm, predictable presence
✔ space or closeness (depending on the child)
✔ reduced sensory input
✔ pausing demands

Skills are built after regulation, not during crisis.
The Red Zone isn’t a teachable moment — it’s a support moment.

Understanding behaviour as communication helps children feel safe, supported, and capable.

FoundationsChildandFamilyTherapy

03/02/2026

Foundations Insights 💡
This week, we talked with our Trainee Counsellor, Gina, about what is required to qualify and what her favourite parts of training as a counsellor are.

01/02/2026

The Red Zone is a state of nervous system overwhelm.
In this moment, behaviour is not a choice — it’s a stress response.
For children, the Red Zone may show up as:
• meltdowns or shutdowns
• refusal or “oppositional” behaviour
• humour or distraction that escalates
• after-school explosions

What doesn’t help:
❌ reasoning
❌ consequences
❌ repeated demands

What does help:
✔ fewer words
✔ calm, predictable presence
✔ space or closeness (depending on the child)
✔ reduced sensory input
✔ pausing demands

Skills are built after regulation, not during crisis.
The Red Zone isn’t a teachable moment — it’s a support moment.

Understanding behaviour as communication helps children feel safe, supported, and capable.

30/01/2026

Parents are not meant to do everything alone.
On Parent Mental Health Day (30th January), we’re highlighting the importance of supporting the mental health of those who care for others every day. Parent Mental Health Day (PMHD), founded by stem4 in 2022, is held each year on 30th January. The day was created to raise awareness of the vital link between parents’ and carers’ mental health and the wellbeing of the whole family.

Supporting parents’ mental health matters because:
• Parents set the emotional tone at home
• Children benefit when caregivers feel supported
• Burnout and overwhelm don’t disappear if they’re ignored
• Looking after yourself is part of looking after your family

When parents are supported, families thrive.

If you would like to find more information visit the Stem4 website: https://stem4.org.uk/pmhd/
Or visit the resources section of our website to find calming and mindfulness techniques and therapy suggestions: https://www.foundationschildtherapy.co.uk/psychology-resources

29/01/2026

As January FINALLY comes to an end. Here’s a reminder to look after yourself - especially if you’re carrying everyone else’s needs too.

A few gentle ways to help your body and nervous system feel safer and calmer:
- Warmth matters: Hot showers, cosy layers, warm drinks. Physical warmth sends a “you’re safe” signal to your nervous system.
- Chase a little daylight : 5–10 minutes outside (even if it’s with children in tow) can help regulate mood and energy.
- Choose gentle movement: Stretching, walking. Calm and gentle, instead of intense and pushing through exhaustion.
- Lengthen your exhales: Try in for 4, out for 6. You can do this while driving, cooking, or lying on the floor with your children.
- Create small grounding routines: Low lights, candles, calm music, bedtime routines that soothe you too.
- Lower the noise: Fewer plans, less scrolling, more rest - without guilt.

Now is the time to support your nervous system so you can show up with a little more ease in February.