Introduction In recent years, the field of early childhood education has recognised more fully the prevalence and profound impact of trauma on young children’s development. Children exposed to adverse experiences—such as abuse, neglect, loss, impacts from covid, war or displacement—are at risk of disruptions in regulation, attachment, executive functioning and learning (Maynard 2019). Within thisContinue reading “Title: Play as Healing: Harnessing the Prepared Environment to Support Young Children Who Have Experienced Trauma”
Category Archives: Relevant Reading
When the Past Doesn’t Stay in the Past: How Childhood Trauma Echoes Through Adult Life
When people seek therapy, they often describe symptoms like anxiety, low mood, relationship struggles, or a persistent sense that something is missing. Yet when I ask about childhood, the response is frequently: “Nothing terrible happened, it was fine really.” This is an important moment, because trauma is not always obvious. It doesn’t always look likeContinue reading “When the Past Doesn’t Stay in the Past: How Childhood Trauma Echoes Through Adult Life”
When Life Gets You Down: What it means to be Browned Off, Fed Up, and the Quiet Ripples Through the Family
There comes a point in many people’s lives when they feel emotionally wrung out. Not quite depressed, but certainly not content. A quiet kind of exhaustion seeps in—resentment at daily demands, emotional flatness, the sense of going through the motions. You might mutter, “I’m just browned off,” or “I’m so fed up.” And while theseContinue reading “When Life Gets You Down: What it means to be Browned Off, Fed Up, and the Quiet Ripples Through the Family”
The Soothing Power of Sensation: Why Early Sensory Experiences Matter for Babies’ Development
When you watch a baby reach for the grass beneath them, wiggle their toes in soft sand, or splash joyfully in water, you’re witnessing something profound. These simple, natural moments aren’t just adorable—they are crucial developmental experiences. As a psychologist who works with early childhood development, I often speak with parents and early years practitionersContinue reading “The Soothing Power of Sensation: Why Early Sensory Experiences Matter for Babies’ Development”
Learning Theory and Early Childhood Development: A Critical Analysis of Practice
The early years of life represent a critical developmental window, where the foundations for future learning, behaviour, and well-being are established. Early childhood education (ECE) must therefore be underpinned by theoretical knowledge that informs pedagogical decision-making and supports educators in meeting complex developmental needs. However, the use of theory in practice is not a matterContinue reading “Learning Theory and Early Childhood Development: A Critical Analysis of Practice”
Nurturing Healing: The Role of Nature and Social Connections in Trauma-Informed Practice
Trauma-informed practice is gaining recognition as a crucial framework in supporting individuals who have experienced adversity, emphasising the importance of understanding trauma’s far-reaching impacts on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Integrating nature-based interventions and building supportive social connections offers a holistic pathway toward healing for both children and adults. This article explores how these elementsContinue reading “Nurturing Healing: The Role of Nature and Social Connections in Trauma-Informed Practice”
Embracing the potential of Forest School Education: Nurturing Children’s Wellbeing, Fostering STEAM concepts and embracing loose parts play
In an age dominated by screens and structured routines, the significance of immersing children in nature has never been greater. Drawing inspiration from O’Doherty’s neurological research (2011) and the timeless theories of Piaget (1968), this article delves into the profound influence of forest school education. By delving into the symbiotic relationship between outdoor exploration, cognitiveContinue reading “Embracing the potential of Forest School Education: Nurturing Children’s Wellbeing, Fostering STEAM concepts and embracing loose parts play”
Dr M’s thoughts 