Building Trust Through Listening With Your Child

Building Trust Through Listening With Your Child

In a world that feels increasingly busy and overstimulated, one of the most powerful tools we can offer our children is our full attention. Genuine listening doesn’t just help you understand your child better – it helps build a solid foundation of trust that will serve both of you for years to come.

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How to Support Your Child’s Interests and Passions

Support your child's interests

Every child is born with a unique set of interests and potential. Whether it’s painting, football, coding or cooking, nurturing these early passions can help children develop confidence, motivation and even a lifelong career path. Here’s how you can support your child’s interests in a balanced and meaningful way.

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Helping Your Child with Exam Stress

Help your child with exam stress

Exams can be a stressful time for children and parents alike. With mounting pressure to perform, it’s not uncommon for children to feel overwhelmed or anxious. As a parent, your support and understanding can make a huge difference. Here’s how you can help your child manage exam stress effectively and healthily, inspired by the teachings of this private school  in Richmond.

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Whispers of Spring: Creating a Nature-Inspired Junk Journal Full of Quiet Joy

Junk Journal

There’s something gently magical about the act of collecting, layering, and stitching together life’s soft moments. As spring unfolds outside—daffodils stretching, birds weaving their nests, light lingering longer each day—it offers an invitation not just to observe, but to gather, to reflect, and to create.

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Nurturing Reflection: Seasonal Journaling Prompts for the Cosy Soul

Seasonal Journal prompts

There’s something deeply comforting about putting pen to paper—especially as the seasons shift around us. Journaling can be a gentle way to notice what’s changing, both in the world and within ourselves. Just like swapping thick blankets for lighter ones or changing the scent of your candle, your thoughts deserve room to breathe and settle with the turning year.

For the cosy-hearted, journaling isn’t about goals or productivity. It’s about tenderness. It’s about holding space for both joy and uncertainty, and anchoring yourself with small rituals that feel like home.

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How to Talk to Teachers About Your Child’s Needs

Teacher

Whether your child has a diagnosed learning difficulty, is struggling emotionally, or just needs a little extra support at school, communicating with their teacher is key. Teachers want to help—but they may not always have the full picture. As a parent, you know your child best. Here’s how to start an open, supportive conversation with their teacher to ensure your child gets the help they need, inspired by the practices of this private school in Kent.

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Soulful Renewal: A Cosy Soul’s Spring Cleaning Ritual

Spring Cleaning Ritual

Spring may be all fresh air and birdsong, but for those of us with autumn hearts, the season’s energy doesn’t mean rushing to strip back or pare down. At A Long November, we believe in gentle shifts, quiet rituals, and a kind of spring cleaning that nurtures the soul rather than empties the cupboard.

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The Benefits of Unstructured Play For Children

Unstructured Play

In a world that often feels overscheduled and goal-oriented, it’s easy to overlook the importance of letting children simply play. Unstructured play – the kind that isn’t led by adults or guided by rules – plays a crucial role in a child’s development. Whether it’s building forts, inventing games, or simply running around the garden, this type of play offers a wide range of physical, emotional and cognitive benefits.

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Teaching Your Child To Be More Optimistic

Teaching Your Child To Be More Optimistic

Optimism isn’t just about seeing the glass half full – it’s about approaching life’s challenges with a hopeful and resilient mindset. Children who learn to think optimistically tend to cope better with stress, bounce back from setbacks more easily, and generally feel happier. As a parent or carer, you play a key role in shaping this outlook. Here’s how to encourage a more optimistic mindset in your child.

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Helping Your Child Overcome Obstacles

Helping Your Child Overcome Obstacles

Every child faces challenges at some point in their development—whether it’s struggling with schoolwork, managing friendships, or dealing with changes at home. As a parent or carer, your support and encouragement can make all the difference. Helping your child navigate obstacles is not just about solving problems for them, but about empowering them to develop resilience and confidence in the face of adversity.

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