In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I delve into the issue of children feeling overwhelmed in the classroom. From sensory sensitivities to emotional dysregulation, I explore the myriad reasons behind this distress and offer a suite of practical strategies designed to create a more supportive and understanding learning environment. CONNECT…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I delve into the transformative journey of unmasking for masked autistics. I share personal insights and strategies drawn from my own experiences and those of my daughters, Lyra and Ellie, guiding listeners through the liberating process of self-discovery. This episode is a treasure trove of practical a…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I delve into the fascinating world of ARFID - Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Join me as I unravel the mystery behind this often misunderstood condition, exploring its definition, prevalence, and impact. Discover the differences between ARFID and anorexia, and gain insight into the causes and…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I delve into the unique challenges and triumphs faced by neurodivergent students transitioning to new schools. With a focus on practical and empathetic approaches, I share insights into developing self-awareness, navigating complex school rules, mastering time management, and more. CONNECT You can find …

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I delve into the impactful words that shape a child's world. I explore five essential messages every child needs to hear for healthy development. From expressing love and pride to offering sincere apologies, ensuring safety, and active listening, I share practical insights for parents, teachers, and any…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I delve into the intriguing world of child behaviour, tackling the often misunderstood concepts of tantrums and meltdowns. Inspired by my challenging personal experiences as a parent, I share insights that I wish I had known earlier in my journey. From unravelling the true meanings of tantrums and meltd…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I delve into the fascinating realm of executive functioning skills and their impact on neurodivergent children's learning journey. Join me as I explore what these skills entail, why they pose challenges for individuals with conditions like autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD, and how we can better sup…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore the essential elements of being a supportive and understanding friend to autistic individuals. Join me as I share valuable insights into navigating friendships with autistic people, offering practical tips on communication, patience, and fostering inclusivity. Discover the importance of respec…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I delve into the intricate world of fostering friendship skills in 5-7-year-old boys. Join me on a journey as I explore the significance of structured play activities, social skill teaching, and the buddy system in nurturing positive connections. From engaging role-playing scenarios to promoting emotion…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I delve into the complex world of parenting during the teenage years. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, this episode is a treasure trove of practical insights and strategies to help you navigate the emotional rollercoaster that adolescents often experience. From fostering effective communi…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I delve into the world of ADHD, specifically focusing on creating an environment where children with ADHD can thrive in the comfort of their homes. I'll provide you with a toolbox of practical tips, from establishing designated activity zones and implementing routines to employing effective parenting st…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I delve into the intricate world of selective mutism, a complex anxiety disorder that affects children's ability to speak in specific social settings. I explore what selective mutism is, who it affects, and most importantly, how we can support these children in school. CONNECT You can find me in the fol…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I take you on a captivating journey into the world of play and its profound influence on child development. Discover how play serves as a potent catalyst, enhancing cognitive development, nurturing emotional regulation, cultivating social skills, promoting physical growth, and enriching language profici…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I delve into the seemingly small yet immensely impactful aspect of classroom dynamics – seating arrangements. Discover how sensitive seating plans can make a monumental difference in a child's engagement, learning experience, and overall classroom success. I share practical insights and thought-provokin…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore a range of ideas for building the confidence of anxious children in social situations. CONNECT You can find me in the following places: • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pookyh • Newsletter: https://substack.com/profile/94569808-pooky-knightsmith • Website: https://www.pookyknightsmith.com • …

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore the power of crying and how we can learn to embrace the physical and psychological act of crying if we’re someone who is used to locking our feelings and our tears away. Support the show ***If you’d like to support my work, you can do so by sharing my resources; by joining me on Patreon for £1…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I delve into the world of assertiveness and share a treasure trove of practical tools to help children master this crucial skill. From role-playing activities that bring scenarios to life, to the powerful "I Statements" technique that fosters effective communication, I explore a toolkit designed to enha…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I delve into the fascinating world of children's behaviour. Discover why it's crucial to look beyond surface labels and understand the deeper emotions driving their actions. Join me as I explore the profound impact of our responses on a child's sense of safety and self-worth. By the end of this episode,…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I delve into empowering neurodivergent students with effective homework and study strategies. I guide you through embracing neurodiversity, providing clear instructions, and cultivating supportive learning environments. We also explore empowering self-advocacy, goal setting, task management, and self-re…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, we delve into the crucial topic of helping children express their anger constructively. Join me as I explore the importance of recognising anger, providing safe outlets, modelling healthy expression, and nurturing problem-solving skills. Discover valuable insights and practical strategies to support the…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore how we can help children to make friends that feel good and build a little tribe where they belong. The ideas work well for adults too. I hope it’s helpful. CONNECT You can find me in the following places: • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pookyh • Newsletter: https://substack.com/profile/945…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore simple suggestions to enable us to get active. Being physically active is well proven to boost mood, but when we most need this boost are the times when it’s hardest to motivate ourselves. These ideas should help and can be used either for yourself or to support a colleague or child. CONNECT Y…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore how we can maintain a positive, loving, supportive relationship with a child who becomes emotionally distant or pushes us away. CONNECT You can find me in the following places: • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pookyh • Newsletter: https://substack.com/profile/94569808-pooky-knightsmith • Web…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore some simple phrases for taking conversations deeper. These simple prompts can make a real difference whether you're supporting a child or an adult. CONNECT You can find me in the following places: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pookyh TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pookyknightsmith Twitter:…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore whether we should always try to be bold and brave or whether sometimes it's simply okay to say no... CONNECT You can find me in the following places: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pookyh TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pookyknightsmith Twitter: https://twitter.com/pookyh Facebook: https://w…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore what flow is, how it can help with anxiety, low mood or overwhelm and how we can find our way to flow, or support a child to. CONNECT You can find me in the following places: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pookyh TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pookyknightsmith Twitter: https://twitter.com/p…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore the power of language and how fairly simple changes to the way we talk about children can make a big change to how we think about and subsequently behave towards children. CONNECT You can find me in the following places: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pookyh TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@p…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore why some children seem to feel happier with their hoods up and whether this is something we should be more supportive of. CONNECT You can find me in the following places: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pookyh TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pookyknightsmith Twitter: https://twitter.com/pooky…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore a range of activities to support the transition from one activity, place or person to another. For example, calming things down when moving from break time to lesson time or school to home. Recorded with neurodivergent children front and centre in my mind, these activities can work for a wide …

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore what happens next when we learn that a child is neurodivergent. What sort of conversations can we have with them to help them better understand themselves and the world and their place within it. How can we keep things positive and just how much do they need to know? CONNECT You can find me in…

In this episode of Pooky Ponders, I explore what co-regulation is and six steps that adults can take to support the emotional regulation of children who are angry, anxious or otherwise distressed or overwhelmed. CONNECT You can find me in the following places: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pookyh TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pookyknightsmith …

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore steps you can take to support a child if they're being bullied. CONNECT You can find me in the following places: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pookyh TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pookyknightsmith Twitter: https://twitter.com/pookyh Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PookyKnightsmithMenta…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore strategies for supporting children who are struggling with separation anxiety. I also explore the need to recognise the difference between issues with leaving a parent/carer and issues going to the environment they're being left because if we don't identify the correct issue we can unwittingly…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore a range of ideas to make tasks feel more manageable and less overwhelming. Especially helpful for anyone who struggles with executive function including children/adults who are autistic/ADHD - You can download a copy of a planning template I developed to support with classwork / homeowner here…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore simple steps you can take to understand how your classroom or other space might feel for a child with sensory processing differences so that you can take proactive steps to make the space less overwhelming. -- CONNECT You can find me in the following places: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/po…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore gentle ways of preventing our world from shrinking when anxiety looms. Simple ideas that can be used by adults or children and which might feel like a more possible starting point for some than graded exposure or anxiety ladders. You might like this resource I allude to, to use alongside: DOWN…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore the use of coping statements to help us counter the negative bully that lives in our heads. ***If you’d like to support my work, you can do so by sharing my resources; by joining me on Patreon for £1 a month or by inviting me to speak at your setting or event.*** CONNECT You can find me in the…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore how we can use connecting questions at the beginning of meetings to create a feeling of belonging and connection between adults in the room and to set the tone for a positive, child-centred meeting. ***If you’d like to support my work, you can do so by sharing my resources; by joining me on Pa…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore the power of to don’t lists, one of my favourite life hacks for gaining control, and hours in the day… ***If you’d like to support my work, you can do so by sharing my resources; by joining me on Patreon for £1 a month or by inviting me to speak at your setting or event.*** CONNECT You can fin…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore why and how we can take steps to make negative self-talk stop for ourselves or others. ***If you’d like to support my work, you can do so by sharing my resources; by joining me on Patreon for £1 a month or by inviting me to speak at your setting or event.*** CONNECT You can find me in the foll…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore the power of gifting our mistakes and why sometimes, those we worth with and care for need more human, fallible role models… and how that can be more fun for us too… ***If you’d like to support my work, you can do so by sharing my resources; by joining me on Patreon for £1 a month or by inviti…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I share six ideas for offloading our worries regularly because if we don’t take control of our worries and work through them, they tend to control us and work their way out in ways we don’t want or at times we least expect. CONNECT You can find me in the following places: Patreon: https://www.patreon.co…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore six simple strategies for keeping your cool and appearing calm and in control when you’re at risk of your feelings bubbling over. These ideas are designed for times when you’re supporting a child who is anxious or angry and you know they’ll benefit from a calm adult but you’re struggling to in…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I share a range of ideas you can build into your morning routine to reduce to help maximise the chances of your child successfully going to school. These are all ideas that we were using in our household when experiencing this issue. CONNECT You can find me in the following places: Patreon: https://www.…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore a range of ideas for looking after yourself when you’re usually preoccupied with looking after others. They’re all designed to be small ideas that make a big difference and which can relatively easily be fitted in amongst life’s many other to-dos. CONNECT You can find me in the following place…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore ideas for enabling children to feel truly seen and heard by us. CONNECT You can find me in the following places: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pookyh TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pookyknightsmith Twitter: https://twitter.com/pookyh Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PookyKnightsmithMenta…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore six ideas for promoting feelings of belonging and connection for children at school or in other settings. CONNECT You can find me in the following places: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pookyh TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pookyknightsmith Twitter: https://twitter.com/pookyh Facebook: http…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore some simple ideas that can work well for children with ADHD who are sensory-seeking and need of a little activation and stimulation in order to enable to them to continue to engage. The ideas could be used in a range of contexts but are designed to be usable within a classroom setting too as t…

In this episode of the Pooky Ponders Podcast, I explore a range of ideas that we can use to reduce sensory overwhelm and calm things down when the world begins to feel too much for autistic children or others who are more sensitive to sensory input. LINKS If today’s episode piqued your interest, you might be interested in the following: Loop Experi…

In this episode of Pooky Ponders, I explore a range of ideas to help you understand what's going on with a child or young person if you're seeing concerning behaviour (e.g. self-harm, anxiety about school etc) but you're not sure what the triggers or issues are. You can download a PDF version of these ideas and the resources I refer to here: https:…