Blooming Minds Therapy Centre

Let’s be honest: many children (and even some adults!) struggle with maths. But what if we told you that teaching maths doesn’t need expensive tools or complicated lessons? In fact, your home is already filled with powerful, hands-on materials that can help children understand maths in a real and engaging way. No Whether you’re a parent supporting homework or a teacher encouraging home learning, this guide will show you how to use everyday items to bring maths to life — no fancy equipment required. 💡 Why Everyday Maths Matters When children see and touch what they’re learning, their understanding deepens. Abstract numbers can feel confusing, but everyday items make maths visual and meaningful. This approach: Reinforces school learning Builds confidence Encourages problem-solving Makes maths less scary and more fun! 🔢 7 Everyday Items You Can Use to Teach Maths 1. Measuring Cups & Spoons – For Fractions & Volume Let your child help in the kitchen and sneak in some learning: Co...

📅For many learners, Term 3 is the most important part of the school year. It’s the time when progress is tested, finals start to loom, and the pressure can feel overwhelming—not just for students, but for parents too. Understanding why Term 3 matters and how to prepare can make a huge difference in your child’s success and confidence. Why Term 3 Is So Important It’s the Final Stretch Before Exams Term 3 often includes mid-year exams, or in some schools, it’s the last full term before major end-of-year tests. This means the work done now builds the foundation for final grades. Teachers Cover the Toughest Topics Many schools plan their curriculum so the hardest or most complex subjects are taught during Term 3. Mastering these is key to doing well in exams. Skills and Habits Matter More Than Ever By Term 3, students need strong study habits, time management, and motivation. These skills are crucial for success not only this term but in future schooling. It’s a Time to C...

Not every child will tell you when something is wrong at school. Some are embarrassed. Others don’t know how to explain it. And often, what looks like laziness or bad behaviour is actually a cry for help. As a parent or caregiver, knowing the early warning signs can make a huge difference in your child’s academic journey. 🚩 Common Signs Your Child Might Be Struggling in School 1. ❌ Sudden Drop in Marks If your child was doing okay before and now their marks are falling, it’s a clear red flag—especially if it happens in more than one subject. 2. 🙅🏾‍♀️ Avoiding Homework or Studying If they suddenly hate doing homework or make excuses every day, something deeper may be going on. It could be that they don’t understand the work but are too scared to admit it. 3. 😞 Low Confidence or Saying “I’m Dumb” If your child starts to doubt themselves or says things like “I can’t do it” or “I’ll never pass,” they may be losing confidence because they’re falling behind. 4. 😠 Behaviour Cha...

  🌿 Friendly Disclaimer 🌿 Everything I write and share on this page comes from my personal experiences, growth, and the stories I’ve lived or witnessed. I write from the heart — not as an expert, but as someone who’s walked through some things and learned along the way. What works for me might not work for everyone, and that’s okay. Life isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. I kindly ask that you read with grace, take what speaks to you, and gently leave what doesn’t. We’re all just doing our best. 💛 #FromExperience #TakeWhatYouNeed #GraceOverJudgment #LifeIsNotOneSizeFitsAll

  When we think of play-based learning, we often picture toddlers stacking blocks or finger painting. But here’s the truth: learning through play is powerful at any age, not just in preschool. In fact, primary school learners and even teens benefit deeply from playful, hands-on learning. Here’s why learning through play should be part of every child’s education — and how you can support it at home and school. 🎲 What Is Play-Based Learning? Play-based learning is when children explore, experiment, and discover through activities that feel fun and self-directed — while still developing key skills like problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking. It could look like: A Grade 2 learner using Lego to understand fractions A Grade 6 learner role-playing a courtroom trial in Social Sciences A teen designing a board game to revise history topics 🌟 Why It Still Matters Beyond Preschool 1. It Builds Real-World Skills Play helps develop collaboration, communication, and creativity —...

  Helping your child fall in love with reading is one of the most powerful gifts you can give. But not every child instantly takes to books — and that’s okay! With a little creativity, you can turn reading into a magical adventure that sparks curiosity and builds lifelong literacy. Here are 5 practical and fun ways to help children love reading at home: 1. Create a Reading Nook Turn a small space in your home into a cozy, inviting reading corner. Think blankets, pillows, fairy lights, and a small bookshelf. Let your child help decorate it so they feel a sense of ownership. A special space makes reading feel like an experience — not a chore. 2. Let Them Choose Their Books Children are more likely to enjoy reading when they have a say in what they read. Visit the library or bookstore together and allow them to choose based on their interests — even if it’s comics, joke books, or picture-heavy stories. All reading is valuable! 3. Make Reading Interactive Turn reading time into play ti...

(Because Studying Doesn’t Have to Be a Struggle!) Let’s be honest—getting your child to sit down and study can sometimes feel like trying to herd cats. But what if studying didn’t always mean books, silence, and stress? Learning at home can be effective and fun! Here are creative ways to help your child study without turning your house into a battlefield. 1. 🎲 Turn Study Time Into Game Time Kids love games—so bring learning into their world! Try: Flashcard competitions (e.g. who can answer the most in 2 minutes) Board games with a twist – Turn Monopoly money into a math lesson Online quizzes with platforms like Kahoot or Quizizz Make it a family challenge and they’ll forget they’re even studying. 2. 🎤 Let Them Teach You One of the best ways to remember something is to teach it. Ask your child to explain a topic to you as if you know nothing about it. Let them use: Drawings Mini whiteboards Songs or raps It boosts their confidence and shows you exactly what th...

When we think of tutoring, we usually picture extra lessons to catch up on missed work or improve grades. While that’s true, there’s a whole other side to after-hours tutoring —a side that goes beyond textbooks and test prep. Here’s a look at the real benefits of after-hours tutoring that don’t get enough attention. 1. 💬 One-on-One Confidence Boosting During school hours, learners often don’t get the chance to ask questions freely, especially in large classes. After-hours tutoring provides a safe, calm space for students to speak up, make mistakes, and try again—without the fear of judgment. Over time, this builds confidence not only in academics but in themselves. 2. 🧠 Personalized Learning at Its Best Every child learns differently. Some grasp concepts better through visuals, others through repetition or hands-on practice. After-hours tutors can tailor their approach to suit your child’s learning style—something that’s nearly impossible in a busy classroom. This makes lea...

  As we welcome the fresh start of Term 3 , there’s a sense of renewed energy and focus in the air. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or learner, this is a critical time of the year — a time to refocus, reset, and reignite our goals. 🌟 The Second Half Begins Term 3 marks the beginning of the second half of the academic year , and with it comes both opportunity and responsibility. It's the perfect time to: Reflect on what worked (and what didn’t) in Terms 1 and 2 Set new academic and personal goals Tackle challenges head-on with more determination For many learners, Term 3 is make-or-break — a chance to improve marks, prepare for upcoming exams, or solidify concepts that will carry into Term 4 and final assessments. 📅 What to Expect in Term 3 Here’s what Term 3 usually brings: Mid-year exams and feedback Extra classes or support programs for struggling learners School projects and sports commitments Spring prep : warmer weather, seasonal transitions, and renewed m...

Some people shout to be heard. Others withdraw to protect their peace. And then there are those of us who choose stillness over drama, grace over noise, and boundaries over battles. But make no mistake — just because we are quiet does not mean we are weak. In a world that often equates loudness with power and silence with passivity, being firm with kindness can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to protect your boundaries without becoming harsh. You want to speak truth without losing your softness. But here’s the truth: you can be kind and clear. Gentle and unshakable. Calm and powerful. 🌍 A World That Misreads Silence We live in a culture that often confuses volume with strength . If you're not loud, you're seen as unsure. If you're not confrontational, you're assumed to be submissive. If you walk away instead of arguing, people think they’ve won. But what if silence is a choice, not a weakness? What if walking away is wisdom, not surrender? What ...

Let’s be honest — the system wasn’t built for all of our children. It wasn’t built for the child who learns differently. It wasn’t built for the one who needs more time. It wasn’t built for the nonspeaking child, the anxious child, the child who doesn’t “fit” the mold. I’ve watched systems — schools, policies, therapies — overlook brilliance, punish difference, and ignore potential. I’ve seen children treated like problems to be fixed, rather than people to be understood. And I’ve watched caregivers carry guilt and grief that was never theirs to hold. So, how do I stay inspired? How do I keep showing up in spaces that feel broken? Let me tell you. 💛 ✊🏾 I Stay Inspired Because I See What the System Doesn’t The system sees “challenging behaviour.” I see a child trying to cope with an overwhelming world. The system sees “delayed milestones.” I see potential unfolding at its own divine pace. The system sees “low-functioning.” I see intelligence that isn’t packaged in tradit...

Have you ever wondered why some children light up when they’re read to, while others can’t sit still for more than a few minutes? Or why some learners retain every word of a song but struggle with written notes? The answer often lies in their learning style . In this blog post, we’ll explore two powerful but very different learning styles : the auditory learner and the kinesthetic learner . Understanding the difference between these two can completely shift how we teach, support, and communicate with the children in our lives. 🎧 What is an Auditory Learner? Auditory learners process and remember information best through sound . They thrive in environments where they can listen, speak, and hear ideas being explained. Common Traits: Enjoys being read to Remembers what they hear better than what they see Talks through problems or ideas Likes music, rhymes, and sound-based memory tricks Often repeats things aloud to remember them How to Support an Auditory Learner: Read al...

Let’s tell the truth: This world isn’t always kind to tender hearts. It teaches children to "toughen up," to "stop crying," to "behave," before it ever teaches them how to understand the storm inside their chest. And yet, what we need most—now more than ever—are children who grow up knowing how to feel , how to listen , how to pause , how to be human. Because emotional intelligence isn’t a luxury skill. It’s survival. It’s healing. It’s leadership. It’s peace. What If We Raised Children Who Weren’t Afraid of Their Own Feelings? Imagine a child who knows it’s okay to be angry—and how to channel that anger without hurting others. A child who can say “I’m scared” instead of shutting down. A child who sees someone else cry and doesn’t laugh or look away, but sits beside them in silence. That child becomes the adult who doesn’t run from discomfort. That child becomes the adult who doesn’t hurt others just to feel powerful. That child becomes a...

In a world that praises academic success, social status, and material achievements, it’s easy to forget that emotional intelligence (EQ) is one of the most important life skills a child can develop. It’s what helps our children navigate friendships, express themselves clearly, bounce back from setbacks, and grow into kind, grounded adults. As parents, caregivers, and educators, raising emotionally intelligent children isn’t just a modern trend—it’s a gift we offer the world through the next generation. And the journey starts with us. What Is Emotional Intelligence? Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and express emotions—both one’s own and those of others. It includes empathy, self-regulation, motivation, social skills, and self-awareness. A child with high EQ: Can name their feelings and express them in healthy ways. Understands how their actions affect others. Can handle conflict constructively. Feels confident in who they are. Shows kind...

It’s one thing to talk about emotional intelligence. It’s another to sit in front of a child who is overwhelmed, crying, screaming, or melting down—and meet them with calm instead of control. But here’s the truth: regulation is not taught through yelling. It’s taught through co-regulation. That means we calm ourselves first so they can borrow our nervous system until theirs catches up. Here’s how we help a child come back to center—gently, patiently, lovingly: 🌬️ 1. Start With the Breath You don’t have to say much. Just breathe with them. Loud, visible, exaggerated breaths. “Let’s breathe together. In through your nose… out through your mouth. Like you're blowing out candles.” Children mirror us. If you breathe calmly, they often will too—even if it takes a moment. 🤲 2. Offer Grounding, Not Correction Avoid rushing into “What did you do?” Instead say: “Let’s pause.” “I can see this is hard.” “You’re safe. I’m right here.” Place a hand gently on their back or offer a hug if they w...

There’s a popular phrase in many educational and therapeutic spaces: “All behaviour is communication.” It’s shared with good intentions — to help us look beyond the surface, to listen more deeply, to see the person behind the behaviour. But let’s be honest. Sometimes, behaviour isn’t communication. Sometimes… it’s regulation. A nervous system doing everything it can to stay safe, stay grounded, or simply survive. And when we mistake regulation for communication , we risk misreading, mislabeling, and even punishing the very strategies that help someone hold it together. 🧠 Understanding Regulation Self-regulation is the ability to manage your internal state — physically, emotionally, mentally. It’s how we calm down when overwhelmed, focus when distracted, or recover from stress. For many of us, this process is invisible and automatic. But for others — especially neurodivergent individuals or people with sensory differences — regulation takes work . Real, physical, emotiona...

Burnout doesn’t always look like crying in a corner. It doesn’t always look like chaos or falling apart. Sometimes, burnout wears lipstick. Sometimes it smiles. Sometimes it keeps showing up — even when it’s barely hanging on. If you’re the one people count on, the one who always “has it under control,” this post is for you. Because burnout for people who keep it together doesn’t look like collapse. It looks like quiet exhaustion. It looks like numbness. It looks like doing everything… and feeling nothing. 🌡️ Signs You Might Be Burned Out (Even If You’re Functioning) You wake up tired, even after sleep. You're short with people you love, and you feel guilty about it. Everything feels heavy — even the simple tasks you used to enjoy. You scroll, distract, overthink — anything but sit with your own feelings. You forget things. You lose track of time. You're always "on," but never really present . You wonder if you're just “being lazy” — but deep down,...

There’s a quiet pressure that so many parents carry — the pressure to get everything right. To always be patient. To always have the answers. To never lose your cool. To raise children who never stumble, never struggle, and never break your heart. But here’s the truth that so many of us need to hear: Your children don’t need a perfect parent. They need a present one. 💚Presence Over Perfection We live in an age of comparison. Social media shows us filtered families with coordinated outfits, peaceful dinner tables, and smiling kids who always seem to listen. And while there’s nothing wrong with celebrating joy, it can make the rest of us feel like we’re not measuring up. But being a good parent was never about looking perfect. It’s about showing up. Again and again. For the hard conversations. For the morning chaos. For the late-night tears. For the moments when it would be easier to escape — but you stay. 🧠 What Children Really Remember Ask any adult what they remember...

We live in a time where individualism is often praised, and personal success is measured by how much you can accumulate, outperform, or outshine others. Social media is filled with highlight reels and “me-first” mantras. In all of this noise, one of the quietest — and most powerful — things we can teach our children is empathy. Empathy is not weakness. It’s not just “being nice.” It’s the courage to care. To notice. To listen. To respond with humanity. And it’s something children can learn — when it’s modeled and nurtured. 🌱 Empathy Starts at Home Children are not born knowing how to care for others — it’s something they learn over time through observation, conversation, and connection. They learn it from how we treat them, how we treat others, and how we handle disagreement, pain, or difference. If we want children to grow up with empathy, we need to: Listen to them fully , even when they’re small or struggling to express themselves. Treat others with kindness , especially...

If you’re part of the neurodivergent or disabled community — or work closely with it — you’ve probably heard it before:  “Aww, you’re so inspiring!” “I don’t know how you do it.” “God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.” These comments are usually meant well. But let’s talk about why they’re actually harmful — and how we can shift the narrative. When we call disabled people “inspirational” just for existing, we're often saying more about our own low expectations than their actual achievements. Living life while disabled is not automatically brave. Using a wheelchair or letterboard doesn’t make someone a hero. Surviving in a world that constantly overlooks you — now that takes strength. But it shouldn’t be necessary. Here’s what we need to remember: 🌟 Disabled people are not here to inspire you just by being themselves. 🌟 They are not lessons, objects of pity, or feel-good stories. 🌟 They are full human beings — with agency, desires, talents, and frustrations. In...

When we talk about inclusion in education or society, we often focus on ramps, visuals, or assistive tools. These are important — but inclusion doesn’t start with access. It starts with mindset. And the most radical, powerful mindset we can adopt is to presume competence. Presuming competence means believing that every individual — regardless of how they communicate — is intelligent and capable of learning. It means speaking to people, not about them. It means offering the same expectations, choices, and respect to a nonspeaking person as we would to anyone else. In the world of Spelling to Communicate (S2C), we see every day how life-changing this presumption is. So many of our students have spent years — even decades — underestimated, misjudged, and misunderstood. Not because they couldn’t think, but because their bodies couldn't express their thoughts in a typical way. But the moment we offer them a letterboard, a safe space, and the belief that they can, they rise. They spell. ...

How small, consistent actions can make a huge difference Every July 18th, South Africa celebrates Mandela Day — a day dedicated to the spirit of giving, kindness, and service inspired by Nelson Mandela’s legacy. The call is simple but powerful: “Do 67 minutes of good” — representing the 67 years Mandela fought for justice. Mandela Day is an incredible opportunity to raise awareness, rally communities, and give back. But what about the other 364 days of the year ? For families of children with special needs, advocacy isn’t a once-a-year event — it’s a daily journey. It’s the constant push for understanding, access, and inclusion in a world that isn’t always ready or willing. Today, I want to share some ideas and inspiration on how we can turn Mandela Day’s energy into a year-round commitment to special needs advocacy. 💡 Why Everyday Advocacy Matters Special needs families face challenges that don’t stop on Mandela Day: Schools that lack resources or refuse enrollment Social s...

Breaking the silence around autism, shame, and societal expectations In Africa, we are raised to believe in the strength of community. We are taught that “it takes a village to raise a child.” But what happens when the village rejects the child? What happens when culture — the very thing meant to uplift us — becomes a barrier to understanding and accepting children with disabilities? In my work with autistic and nonspeaking children, I have come face to face with a painful truth: disability is still wrapped in silence, shame, and stigma in many African communities. Today, I want to unpack the double stigma our children face — and why it’s time we speak louder than fear, tradition, or taboo. 💢 The Cultural Labels that Hurt In some communities, autism is not even recognized as a real diagnosis. Instead, families hear: “Your child is cursed.” “You made a mistake spiritually — this is your punishment.” “This child is not normal. Take them to the prophets.” “Keep that child i...

A call to action for a continent rich in culture but starving for inclusion I was born in Africa. I teach in Africa. And I love Africa deeply. But I also need to speak truth  because our autistic children are suffering in silence, behind closed doors, in rural villages and urban cities, in families filled with love but lacking support, and in schools that were never designed with them in mind. We cannot talk about progress, development, or Ubuntu while still hiding our autistic children , calling them cursed, refusing them education, or denying them access to tools that help them thrive. So, dear Africa, I’m writing this with both love and urgency: Our autistic kids deserve better. 🚫 What We're Getting Wrong Too often in African communities, autism is misunderstood or not even understood at all. Some of the most common, painful misconceptions I’ve encountered: “She’s like this because her mother was bewitched.” “He’ll outgrow it once he starts talking.” “It’s punishmen...

A glimpse into a space where neurodiverse minds bloom When people hear I work with nonspeaking and minimally speaking autistic learners, they often imagine a room full of silence, tantrums, or chaos. They couldn’t be more wrong. Yes, there are hard days. Days filled with emotional overwhelm, challenging behaviors, or heartbreaking stares from children who so desperately want to be understood. But those aren’t the full story. My classroom is also a place of magic  where communication is reimagined, trust is built word by letter, and silent voices roar louder than you could ever expect. So come with me. Let me take you inside my classroom  and into the hearts of some of the most incredible minds I’ve ever met. 🧰 The Tools: Building a Pathway to Expression At first glance, my classroom doesn’t look very different. Desks. Whiteboard. Posters. But look closer and you’ll notice tools that you don’t often see in traditional schools: Letterboards  These are our commun...

Why Labels Hurt More Than They Help in Autism Support “He’s low functioning.” “She can’t talk, so there’s not much going on.” “He’ll never live a normal life.” These phrases echo through clinics, classrooms, and even homes whispered with sadness or stated with finality. But what if I told you that the idea of a “low functioning” child is not only inaccurate, but incredibly harmful? As a practitioner of Spelling to Communicate (S2C) and a special needs educator, I have had the honour of working with dozens of autistic children many of whom had been labeled as “low functioning” simply because they are nonspeaking or struggle with motor control. And yet, these same children have written poetry, expressed deep emotions, questioned God, debated politics, and shared powerful insights about their world. So let’s talk about the myth of the “low functioning” child. 💭 Where Did the Label Come From? The terms “high functioning” and “low functioning” originated as a quick way to desc...