Tooled Up Education

After the initial back-to-school rush when we’re getting used to new stages, new environments and new routines, it’s normal for some nerves and anxiety to creep in for children and parents alike. This is a great time to consider the ways that we support each other at home and within the family.

Family “audits” are periodic conversations where you evaluate what is working well in family life, and perhaps some things that need improving. When we ‘check in’ with our children, we are showing them we care about their feelings and are committed to taking proactive steps to improve family life. Try this template to spark a family chat or use these tips to navigate through more difficult family conversations. If co-parenting, consider areas of consensus or disagreement with our Parenting Behaviours Audit.

If wobbles (feelings of anxiety and uncertainty) – are affecting your family at the start of the new academic year, Tooled Up has resources to help your children and adults. Our popular wobble ladder, and the slightly more detailed wobble worksheet for older children, offers an easy and visual way to plan for dealing with moments of anxiety. For more information on childhood anxiety listen to this podcast with Professor Cathy Creswell of Oxford University.

Staying connected is vital to family relationships but can be tricky once the routine of work and school kicks in. This webinar with Dr Gauri Seth explores how we can stay emotionally connected with our children while juggling our stressful lives. Dr Seth also joined Tooled Up for this webinar on navigating the teen brain and staying connected with your child as they get older. Parents of boarders can use these strategies over the period of separation. 

Please contact the school office if you have forgotten the PIN for Tooled Up