This week’s round-up is full of practical tools and thoughtful resources for anyone supporting children through change, whether that’s the long game of parenting in the primary years, the nerves of an interview, or the tricky transition back to school after a long time away.
PRESENT: Parenting Through the Primary Years
The primary school years bring their own unique joys and challenges - from navigating friendships and academic pressures to supporting your child through big emotions and new independence. These slides, from a talk for parents, offer gentle, practical guidance for parents walking alongside children aged 4-11, covering everything from building emotional literacy and managing meltdowns to fostering resilience and maintaining connection during this pivotal stage.
(To book me or to find out more about my talks and webinars, email pooky@inourhands.com )
DOWNLOAD: Interview Tips for Neurodivergent Young People
Job interviews can feel overwhelming, especially when you're neurodivergent. This practical guide offers ten strategies to help young people approach interviews with confidence and authenticity. From the STAR framework for structuring responses to choosing sensory-friendly clothing and requesting adjustments, these tips focus on creating conditions where your unique strengths can shine. It's not about masking who you are - it's about showing up as your best self.
WATCH: Supporting Students Back to School After Long-Term Absence
When a student has been absent for weeks or months, the journey back isn't about "returning to normal" - it's about rebuilding safety and belonging from the ground up. This video explores gentle, practical strategies for supporting students with emotionally-based school avoidance, from asking the magic question "What would make tomorrow feel possible?" to creating soft landing strategies with safe people, spaces, and signals.
LEARN: EBSA Prevention
Learn to notice the early signs of anxiety/avoidance in students and respond with calm, practical strategies - short lessons for busy educators. Inc: Short video lessons, full companion notes and range of resources. £29 per seat - email me if you need a discount /multiple seats etc - pooky@inourhands.com
READ: Gilly the Giraffe Self‑Esteem Activity Book
If you’re supporting younger children and want something gentle, fun and creative, this book is a gem. Gilly the Giraffe mixes a therapeutic story with hands‑on activities aimed at building self‑esteem, emotional awareness and confidence (ages 5‑10). It’s not heavy duty, just warm and playful — great for classrooms, homes, or moments when kids need a reminder of how much they matter. Perfect when you need something uplifting and soft in your toolkit.
UNDERSTAND: Transition challenges for ND children
This carousel is looking at smaller day to day transitions such as moving between activities and why this can feel so tricky for some people and what we can do to support.
JOIN: Free Webinar on EBSA Morning Anxiety
I'm hosting a live session on Thursday 25th September at 4pm BST: "7 Quick Wins for EBSA: Morning Anxiety." If morning drop-offs feel like daily battles, this 30-minute session offers practical strategies that work - without adding to your workload.
Perfect for teachers, TAs, and school leaders. The session will be recorded, so even if you can't attend live, everyone who registers receives the recording and supporting notes.
[Register here - completely free - limited spaces]
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Please use or share my resources - if they help even one child, one family, or one teacher feel a little more understood or supported, then it’s all been worth it.
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Thanks, as always, for reading.
Until next time,
Pooky
Pooky Knightsmith PhD
Keynote Speaker
Speaking and webinar enquiries: pooky@inourhands.com