18petals - Child Behavior, Psychology and Parenting

01/12/2025

School Refusal
When your 11 year old child refuses to go to school.
What is that one thing that you should NEVER do....and what is that one thing that you MUST do to support your child well....

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRtcPgYDHGa/?igsh=eGp6aW94MHpuNDA4

01/12/2025

28/11/2025

28/11/2025

They didn’t take phones away from kids.
They tried to give childhood back to them.

Denmark has just approved a nationwide law banning social media use for anyone 15 and under — one of the boldest digital protections ever attempted.

The decision wasn’t sudden.
It came after years of research showing how early online exposure affects young minds: rising anxiety, disrupted sleep, shrinking attention spans, and the addictive pull of infinite scrolling.
The government made its goal clear — protect developing brains before harmful habits take root.

Under the new rules, tech companies must build real age checks, stop targeted ads toward minors, and redesign apps so children aren’t trapped in endless engagement loops.
Schools and parents are being trained to guide kids through this transition, teaching healthier ways to navigate the digital world.

Supporters believe it could change everything — reducing cyberbullying, improving emotional development, and restoring the balance childhood has slowly lost to screens.
Critics warn that it may drive kids toward hidden or unregulated platforms, creating new risks instead of removing old ones.

But one thing is certain: Denmark’s choice has sparked a global question.
What if the best way to protect the future… is to rewrite the present?

Fun Fact:
Studies show that teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media are twice as likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Because maybe the conversation isn’t about banning screens — it’s about deciding when a child should first meet a world that never stops talking.



Sources:
AP News
Reuters
The Guardian

23/11/2025

When a child is in the midst of a tantrum, their brain is overwhelmed. The amygdala, the part responsible for processing fear and strong emotions, takes over. During this state, the child cannot process reasoning, instructions, or explanations. The more adults talk, argue, or try to reason, the longer the tantrum lasts.

Neuroscience shows that attempts to calm with words often backfire. Instead, the most effective approach is calm, minimal intervention. Stay composed, maintain a steady presence, and allow the child to experience the emotion safely. This helps their nervous system regulate naturally.

Physical proximity, a gentle touch, or simply being present without lecturing allows the amygdala to settle. Over time, children learn emotional regulation and resilience from consistent, calm responses.

Remember, tantrums are a form of communication, not misbehavior. Reacting with more words or frustration reinforces the overload. By reducing verbal input and focusing on calm support, you can shorten tantrums and help your child learn to self-soothe.

Patience, presence, and minimal talking are the keys to faster recovery and stronger emotional growth.