Mindshift Coach

GOOD or BAD news? What’s your opinion?

Mindshift Coach

School avoidance is reaching crisis point. 💔
For many children, walking through the school gates feels overwhelming — not because they won’t go, but because right now, they can’t cope.
Behind the behaviour is anxiety, fear, and often a child trying their very best.
Families navigating this deserve understanding, not judgement.

This headline says what so many of us are already seeing.

As a teacher, I see children overwhelmed by pressure, rules and expectations. Teachers care deeply, but many are stretched thin — juggling behaviour, targets and outcomes, leaving little space for the relationships and emotional support children need.

As a mum, this hits home. My own son is happy in junior school right now, but I know how tough the transition to secondary can be, and how quickly joy can turn into anxiety and school avoidance.

That’s why I became a life coach for kids.

I support children struggling with anxiety and school avoidance, giving them tools to cope, build confidence and feel safe in their own minds — while bigger changes are still needed in education.

No child should feel like school is something they have to survive.

💔 “I regret pushing my daughter into school until she broke.”
The move from junior to secondary can feel huge — and without the right support, it can overwhelm even the brightest kids.
At Mindshift Coach, I help children (and parents!) navigate this transition with confidence and resilience.
✨ Worried your child is struggling? Message me today — let’s make the shift smoother.

Northamptonshire mum regrets pushing daughter into school School leaders say emotionally based school avoidance is increasing, but what should be done to help?

For those of you collecting GCSE grades tomorrow:

Tomorrow isn’t just about grades – it’s about how your child feels and how you support them. 💖
✅ Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. Every grade has a story of hard work behind it.
✅ Spot the personal wins. A pass in a tough subject can be just as big as a top grade.
✅ If results aren’t as hoped – remind them this isn’t the end. It’s just a new direction.
✅ Keep perspective. GCSEs matter, but they don’t define who your child is or who they’ll become.
✅ Be their safe place. Unconditional love and support mean more than any exam result.
👏 Celebrate the highs.
🤝 Hold them through the lows.
🌱 Remind them their future is still wide open.

Choosing a secondary school can feel huge (I know as a parent currently choosing and as a secondary school teacher) and even more so when the 11+ is involved.

Whether you’re starting your journey or deep in prep mode, you’re not alone. There’s no “perfect” path- just the one that’s right for your child.

I hope this post helps you with:
✔️tips for books to read together that will help prompt questions and supportive chats.
✔️non threatening conversation starters that encourage understanding of emotions and why and when we feel.
✔️and method to ask things we might usually feel silly or awkward to talk about.

At the ❤️ of it CONNECTION, not perfection. Because your support is the most powerful preparation of all.

Save this for later, share it with another parent, or drop a ❤️ if you’re on this journey too.

Have you got kids that feel all the feels but not sure when to use them?
Have you tried this?

Create their own EMOJI MASKS to show emotions.
The result? Lots of laughs, learning, and discussions on when they felt the emotion and how they reacted to it.

This is just one of the many activities I use to help kids handle their emotions.

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Mindshift Coach Helping children and young people build confidence, resilience and the skills they need to thrive.