Sundays can be strange, can’t they. There’s often pressure to reset, prepare, get organised… while your nervous system is quietly asking for rest instead. If you’re parenting a neurodivergent or PDA child, Sundays can bring: Low capacity Rising anxiety about the week ahead Big feelings with very little energy to hold them.. So this is your reminder that doing less is still doing enough. No fixing. No planning. No pushing yourself to “make the most of the day”. Just softer expectations, slower moments –one small thing that feels grounding If you’re comfortable sharing, I’d love to know: 👉 What helps your nervous system feel even 5% calmer today? And if today is a write-off — that’s okay too. This space is here for the real versions of parenting, not the polished ones 🌱

This is what emotional regulation can look like from the inside for some children. Big feelings don’t always come with big words. Sometimes they arrive all at once. Sometimes the body reacts before the child understands why. What we often see as “overreacting”, “arguing”, or “shutting down” is usually a nervous system doing its best to stay safe. When we understand what’s really happening underneath, our responses change — and so does the child’s sense of safety.

This week’s tray is all about natural materials, sensory regulation, and open-ended play. Soil, petals, leaves, stones and water invite children to explore with their hands at their own pace. There’s no right way to play here — just space to dig, sort, pour, line up, mix, and notice. 🧠 Why this supports development: Builds sensory integration through different textures, weights and temperatures Supports emotional regulation — repetitive, earthy play is calming for many children Encourages fine motor skills (pinching petals, moving stones, scooping soil) Develops language naturally as children describe what they’re doing Allows control and autonomy, which is especially supportive for ND and PDA-profile children Nature-based trays like this meet children where they are — no demands, no outcomes, just meaningful play. Every Thursday we explore a different tuff tray, each supporting development in a slightly different way 🌿

Whining is one of those behaviours that gets under almost every parent’s skin. It’s loud, repetitive, and usually shows up when we’re already stretched thin. But here’s the reframe ↓ Whining isn’t “naughty.” It’s communication from an overwhelmed nervous system. Kids don’t yet have the language for: “I’m tired.” “I need connection.” “Everything feels too much.” “I don’t know how to ask for help.” So it leaks out as that whiny tone we all know too well. --- 🌿 3 Grounded, ND-Friendly Ways to Respond 1️⃣ Name It + Hold It “I hear the whiny voice. Something feels hard. Tell me what’s going on — I’m here.” Why it helps: It acknowledges the struggle without feeding the cycle. --- 2️⃣ Invite a Do-Over “Try that again in your calm voice — I want to help.” Why it helps: It gives them a reset instead of shame or shutdown. (Brilliant for PDA profiles who need autonomy to regulate.) --- 3️⃣ Compassion + Boundary “You really want that. My answer is still no. You can feel upset, and I’ll stay with you.” Why it helps: They learn frustration tolerance with safety — not fear. --- 🌿 Before the Whining Starts… Try This Sometimes whining is the final warning sign, not the beginning. These preventions lower the likelihood of it escalating: Reduce noise/clutter when possible Offer choices before demands Meet sensory needs (hunger, movement, quiet, pressure) Slow transitions down Step close before speaking Small shifts make a huge difference in the tone of the day. --- 🌿 Remember You’re not “giving in” when you comfort. You’re not “creating a spoiled child.” You’re supporting a nervous system that trusts you enough to unravel. And that’s something you’re doing incredibly well. 💛 --- Which script do you think your child would respond to best? Drop it below — I’d love to hear your experiences.

When your child is already edgy or overwhelmed, try beginning interactions with silence instead of instructions. Here’s how it works: ✨ Walk over ✨ Get on their level ✨ Make gentle eye contact (or look nearby if eye contact is hard for them) ✨Interact with their play or offer comfort and wait 3–5 seconds before speaking. Why this works: Their nervous system notices your presence before your words. This gives their brain a moment to shift gears without feeling demanded, which lowers resistance and makes kids more receptive. It’s incredible for: — PDA profiles — sensory overwhelm — after-school meltdowns — tense transitions — kids who escalate when spoken to too quickly Less talking → less threat → more connection. Try it today and notice the difference.