Blooming Minds Therapy Centre

  We spend so much time teaching children to listen, follow rules, and respect others. But one of the most powerful skills we can teach them is how to stand up for themselves  with confidence, respect, and clarity. That’s called self-advocacy . It’s not about being rude or defiant. It’s about helping children understand their needs, express them clearly, and ask for support when needed. Whether your child is neurotypical, neurodivergent, has a disability, or just struggles with confidence, self-advocacy is an essential life skill that starts early. 🧠 What Is Self-Advocacy? Self-advocacy is the ability to: Understand your own needs and strengths Communicate those needs clearly and respectfully Make informed decisions Ask for help or say “no” when necessary It’s about empowerment , boundaries , and communication . And yes it can absolutely be taught from a young age. 📅 When Should You Start? Right now. Self-advocacy doesn’t have to wait until high school or adulth...

  When most people hear the words “non-speaking” or “minimally speaking,” they often assume that the individual cannot understand, think, or communicate. But that assumption is not only wrong it’s harmful. We’ve been taught to equate speech with intelligence, but the truth is far more powerful and freeing: Just because someone doesn’t speak doesn’t mean they have nothing to say. 🧠 Understanding Non-Speaking Individuals Non-speaking people may not use spoken words, but that doesn't mean they’re incapable of language, thought, or deep understanding. Many autistic individuals and others with motor or neurological differences struggle to produce speech but their minds are often rich, active, and intelligent. They may be: Non-speaking : They don’t speak at all. Minimally speaking : They may say a few words or sounds. Unreliably speaking : They can speak at times, but not consistently, especially under stress or pressure. And yet, with the right tools and support, man...

  Most of us grow up learning about the five senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. But did you know that the human body actually has eight senses? For many children especially neurodivergent ones, such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing challenges these lesser-known senses play a huge role in how they experience and respond to the world. Understanding all eight senses can help parents, teachers, and caregivers better support children’s development, learning, and emotional regulation. 🧠 The 8 Senses Explained 1. Sight (Visual) This is the ability to see and interpret visual information like colour, shape, movement, and spatial relationships. Children who are visually sensitive may squint, avoid bright lights, or become overwhelmed in busy environments. 2. Hearing (Auditory) Auditory processing involves detecting sounds and understanding them. Some children may be highly sensitive to noise (e.g., loud classrooms or buzzing lights), while others may ...

  As parents, we all want the best for our children. We want them to succeed, feel confident, and reach their full potential. But in that pursuit, many of us unknowingly fall into the trap of expecting perfection perfect grades, perfect behaviour, perfect outcomes. Here’s the truth that’s hard to hear but powerful to embrace: Perfection isn’t the goal. Progress is. 🎯 Why Perfection Is a Problem Perfection sets unrealistic standards ones that even adults struggle to meet. It tells children that making mistakes is something to be ashamed of, rather than part of the learning process. It can cause anxiety, low self-esteem, and a fear of trying in case they fail. When perfection becomes the goal: Children may avoid challenges. They become overly self-critical. They seek approval instead of growth. And often, we don’t realize that our good intentions like correcting their work too quickly or overpraising high marks might be reinforcing this pressure. 🌱 Progress Buil...

 Co-parenting isn’t always easy — especially after a separation or divorce, or when parenting styles clash. But one thing is certain: children thrive when adults choose respect over resentment. Co-parenting with mutual respect is not about agreeing on everything — it’s about keeping the child’s well-being at the centre of every decision. In this post, we’ll unpack the why and the how of respectful co-parenting, and offer real-world tips to help you build a healthier, more peaceful parenting relationship — even if things have been difficult in the past. 💡 Why Respectful Co-Parenting Matters Co-parenting isn’t about the parents — it’s about the child. When parents treat each other with respect, children feel: More secure and emotionally safe Free to love both parents without guilt Less anxious or confused about loyalty Better able to focus at school and build relationships Research consistently shows that children in high-conflict co-parenting situations are more likely to experienc...