Pamela’s Book Spot

Why It’s Powerful: This bestselling book explains how understanding your child’s brain can help you respond to challenging behaviour in ways that build emotional intelligence. Key Concepts: Integration is the Goal Help different parts of the brain work together for balanced behaviour & emotional well-being. Upstairs Brain vs Downstairs Brain Teach kids to use their upstairs brain (logic & empathy) over the reactive downstairs brain (fight, flight, freeze). Name It to Tame It Use storytelling to help children make sense of emotional experiences. Connect & Redirect Connect with empathy first, then guide with logic. Engage, Don’t Enrage Appeal to the rational brain to avoid power struggles. Use the Left & Right Brain Combine facts (left brain) with feelings (right brain) to help children feel understood. Why I love and highly recommend this book! ✔️ A Backed by neuroscience ✔️ Easy-to-follow strategies ✔️ Promotes emotional resilience

1. The Whole-Brain Child By: Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson Explains how children’s brains develop and how parents can support emotional regulation using 12 practical strategies. 2. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk By: Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish Communication strategies that promote empathy and emotional awareness. 3. Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids By: Dr. Laura Markham Emotionally connected parenting that reduces conflict and promotes regulation. 4. The Emotional Life of the Toddler By: Alicia F. Lieberman A deep dive into toddler emotions and how to respond supportively. 5. Parenting from the Inside Out Daniel J. Siegel & Mary Hartzell Helps parents understand their own childhood to better support their child’s emotional needs. 6. Brain-Body Parenting By: Mona Delahooke Uses polyvagal theory and neuroscience to help children with emotional and behavioural regulation.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6) 1 pack  MEB Wholegrain Mini Pita Pockets  (approx. 6) 1 cup  cooked chicken , shredded or chopped 1 cup  roast pumpkin , diced and cooled ½ cup  cherry tomatoes , sliced ½ cup baby spinach ½ small  red onion , thinly sliced ½ cup  smokey BBQ sauce 1½ cups  shredded cheese  (mozzarella, tasty, or a blend) Olive oil spray (optional) Salt & pepper to taste Instructions Preheat oven  to  200°C (fan-forced)  or  220°C (conventional) . Prepare pita bases : Place  wholegrain mini pita pockets  flat on a lined baking tray. Optionally, spray lightly with olive oil for a crisper base. Spread the BBQ sauce : Spoon  smokey BBQ sauce  evenly over each pita round. Layer your toppings : Add  baby spinach,   shredded chicken ,  roast pumpkin ,  sliced onion , and  cherry tomatoes  to each pizza. Top with cheese : Sprinkle generously with  shredded cheese ....

Understanding the Message Behind the Meltdown If you’ve ever wondered why your toddler throws a toy when asked to tidy up or your preschooler has a meltdown when it’s time to leave the park—you’re not alone. These behaviours are more than just mischief or defiance. They’re messages. All behaviour is communication . This simple idea is one of the most important things a parent can understand when supporting their child’s emotional and behavioural development. What Does “All Behaviour Is Communication” Mean? Young children (especially those under age 6) often lack the language, brain maturity, and emotional control to express what they feel or need. So they show us instead. A child who is: Screaming → may be overwhelmed. Throwing toys → may feel frustrated or powerless. Refusing to share → may be anxious or unsure of what to do. According to The Circle of Security model (Cooper, Hoffman, Marvin, & Powell, 1998), children’s behaviour often reflects a need for connection, sa...

Why Emotional Development Matters From the very first cry to those toddler tantrums and preschooler power struggles, children are learning how to understand and express their emotions. Supporting emotional development in the early years lays the foundation for lifelong mental health, relationships, and learning. Behaviour Is Communication When your child throws a toy, refuses to share, or clings to you at daycare drop-off—they’re not being “naughty.” They’re telling you something. Young children don’t yet have the words to explain their feelings or needs. Instead, they show them through behaviour. That’s why it’s essential to look beyond the surface and ask: “What is my child trying to tell me right now?” Understanding behaviour as communication helps shift our response from punishment to support. What Is Co-Regulation and Why Is It Important? Co-regulation is when a caring adult helps a child manage their emotions by staying calm, connected, and responsive. Think of it as emoti...