In this episode, Carmel and Chelsea explore one of the most important ideas in residential childcare: connection not correction.

When a child is dysregulated, correction doesn't reach them - because they don't feel safe. And when a child doesn't feel safe, they can't learn or reflect, only protect themselves. Chelsea shares what she's learned over a decade in children's residential care, including a story about a young person who wouldn't come down for dinner — and what changed when staff stopped calling and simply sat alongside her.

They also talk honestly about getting it wrong, the importance of rupture and repair, and why children need real adults, not perfect ones.

The takeaway: when a child is struggling, pause and ask — what do they need from me right now?

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