Sarah Drake’s Therapeutic Play Therapy

31/10/2025

It’s not hard brain science for us to understand as parents— but It is hard to live by.
This e-book will help (see link).
And remember, the goal is progress, not perfection.
Plus, if you are still reading this, it’s already 98.6% guaranteed that you are a rock star.
Because, clearly, you care.
And that is half the battle when it comes to breaking generational cycles.
Connection before correction.
Or better yet, re-direction.
This free positive parenting ebook will get you started. 💚

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1138/3648/files/14_Parenting_Phrases_Not_To_Say.pdf

31/10/2025

Students often experience strong emotions they can’t yet name or control. These scripts help teachers use language that validates feelings, models emotional vocabulary, and guides students toward calm, safe, and adaptive responses.

31/10/2025

A sensory meltdown isn’t bad behaviour — it’s a sign of distress.
When the world feels too loud, too bright, too much,
a child’s nervous system can go into overload.

They’re not choosing it.
They’re experiencing it.

Understanding what’s really happening helps us respond with empathy,
not punishment — and to create environments where children feel safe to recover.

For deeper guidance and practical tools, explore our Managing Big Feelings Toolkit at link in comments ⬇️ or via Linktree Shop in Bio.

31/10/2025

31/10/2025

When a child’s emotional brain takes over, logic and reason switch off — and connection becomes the bridge back to calm.

These phrases don’t fix the feeling; they regulate the brain behind it.
Save this as part of your calm-down toolkit and share with anyone who supports children through big emotions.

You can find more brain-based strategies like this in The Child Brain Toolkit — download from The Contented Child via link in comments or Linktree Store in Bio.

31/10/2025

Comment 300 and I'll send you the link!

Roller coaster rides. Hawk hugs. Hot cocoa breaths. ☕🎢
These fun breathing exercises are just a glimpse of the 300+ tips, tricks, and tools inside our Behavior Survival Toolkit—perfect for creating calmer, more focused classrooms!

If you want the link just type "300" below!

18/10/2025

When a child’s upstairs brain (the thinking, reasoning part) is online, they can plan, problem-solve and make good choices.
When they’re in their downstairs brain (the survival part), logic goes out the window — they act on impulse, not intention.

Understanding this helps us respond with calm and connection, not punishment.

Visual taken from Emotions and My Brain activity pack. Link in comments or via Linktree in Bio.

18/10/2025

It’s so much more than ‘just play...’

Play isn't a break from learning - it IS learning.

While children play, their brains are literally growing, releasing chemicals that build motivation and joy, developing the executive function they'll need for life, and creating the foundation for positive relationships.

Play allows children to make sense of the world, offering them safe opportunities to process their experiences and practice social scenarios.

Discover more about the transformative power of play on our emotionally healthy schools platform:
https://clear-sky.org.uk/emotionally_healthy_schools/

18/10/2025

Too bright. Too loud. Too busy. The smell of lunch, the scratch of uniform, the hum of tube lights.

If your child comes home exhausted, angry or in meltdown after school - it could be sensory overload, not defiance or 'naughtiness'. And they may not be able to tell you!

Learn how to advocate for a calmer, safer school day in our Sensory Processing webinar this November.

We will explore so much that will help you as a parent or a teacher...

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1476905125989

08/10/2025

When a child’s emotions boil over, calm can feel a million miles away. But it is possible to help them find their way back — gently, and in the moment.

Here are five simple, sensory-based calming strategies that really work when big feelings take over.

Save this one for those tricky moments.

FOLLOW for more in our series When Worries Take Over until 12 October 2025.

IN THE RESOURCE STORE - instant electronic download with secure global checkout. Only £3.75, introductory price until 19 October 2025.
Toolkit to accompany our new series:
When Worries Take Over: Supporting Children With Everyday Worries
The Toolkit for Parents & Educators contains parent information sheets which capture the content of our posts over the series as well as tools, resources and activities to support them young person.

Electronic download available at link in comments or via our Linktree Shop in Bio.