Get a Grip - Evidence-Based Conversations for Parents and Educators

Lucy Bray, Professor of Child Health Literacy at Edge Hill University chats to us about the things that children need to help them feel better prepared for medical procedures, whether routine appointments or something more serious. Find out more about the things that can improve both children’s and parent’s knowledge and satisfaction regarding planned procedures and what reduces worries and wobbles that both we and they might feel.

Our latest Researcher of the Month, Dr Caoimhe Dempsey, chats to Dr Cassie Rhodes about her new paper, which focuses on how the different relationships that young children have with important adults in their lives interact with each other, and how these relationships contribute to children’s school adjustment. The interview is packed with useful tips for parents and educators alike and outlines interesting new findings about the power of positive child-teacher relationships for children who might have a conflictual relationship with their mum (specifically) at home.

Christine Cunniffe, Principal of LVS Ascot in Berkshire, talks to Tooled Up about her approach to lesson observations and building school culture: what makes an emotionally healthy school where there is an optimal relationship between staff and students? Christine is the author of 'Transforming School Culture Through Lesson Observations' (Routledge, 2021).

Jessica Bondy and Dr Pienaar talk to us about new charity Words Matter, which aims to end the verbal abuse of children by the adults around them. Find out more about the prevalence of verbal abuse and get some top tips for how we can build children up, rather than knock them down.

Dr Sue Roffey chats to us about her new books, ASPIRE to Wellbeing and Learning for All in Early Years and Primary and ASPIRE to Wellbeing and Learning for All in Secondary Settings. A must listen for all educators and parents, Dr Roffey describes a framework for creating learning environments where all pupils can thrive and make progress in learning, and where wellbeing for everyone is at the heart of every school.

Understanding, responding to and supporting young people who self-harm is vital. Friends are typically the first and sometimes the only source of support sought by teens who self-harm. For young people, this can be a challenging and pressured role, which many may feel unequipped to deal with. We spoke to Dr Delfina Bilello about her work which explores the perspectives and experiences of these friends. Tune in for her great advice for friends themselves and her top tips for those parents and educators supporting the supporters.

Board-Certified paediatrician, Dr Joel “Gator” Warsh’s new book, 'Parenting at Your Child’s Pace: The Integrative Paediatrician’s Guide to the First Three Years' is due for publication in August 2024. Tune in to find out about the seeds of wellbeing and get Dr Warsh's perspective on harmoniously bridging the gap between the “right way” of doing things, and the way that is right for your unique, individual child - whilst remaining reasonable and safe. Topics addressed include sleep, screen time, diet and developmental milestones.

We are joined by five members of OPTIMA, a research programme which tests whether a new mobile phone app called STEPS can help families of children awaiting clinical assessment for conditions such as ADHD or autism. STEPS (which is still being trialled) does not replace clinical support, but gives parents access to additional help while they are on the waitlist. Any families in this situation will want to find out more about this eight module app, hear insights from parents who have lived experience of the assessment process and get some top tips for managing challenges. If you'd like to learn more, visit the OPTIMA website or watch the project animation.

Our Researcher of the Month, Dr Kasia Kostyrka-Allchorne, chats to Dr Cassie Rhodes about her new paper which reviews the evidence on how young people with clinically significant mental health difficulties engage with the digital world. She discusses some emergent themes and explores how teachers and parents can best support children and teens to maintain a healthy and beneficial digital diet.

In this interview, Professor Claire Hughes, a developmental psychologist at Cambridge University, talks to Dr Weston about her forthcoming book, The Psychology of Starting School. Learn more about school readiness, early friendships and what parents and teachers can do to impact positively on this period of transition.