The Mindful Toolbox: A series dedicated to mental and emotional wellbeing
The Mindful Toolbox Podcast Practical tools for overwhelmed parents raising school-aged kids (9-16) in a high-pressure world. You’re juggling school stress, screen time battles, and emotional meltdowns and still trying to raise kind, capable humans. If you’re craving a more grounded, compassionate approach to parenting through the school years, you’re in the right place. The Mindful Toolbox Podcast is your weekly dose of sanity, strategy, and support hosted by an experienced educator and parent coach who gets it. Inside each episode, you’ll find: Research-backed study strategies for procrastinators and perfectionists Tools for building emotional regulation and resilience in tweens and teens Advice for handling school refusal, anxiety, or motivation dips Mindful parenting practices you can actually use in busy real life Real stories from real families with just enough humor to keep it human Whether you’re trying to get your Year 9 to revise without a meltdown, helping your 11-year-old manage exam stress, or wondering if you’re doing enough, this podcast offers relatable insights and actionable tools that help you breathe easier and parent smarter. Who it’s for: Parents of children aged 9–16 navigating: Academic overwhelm and underperformance Parents of Neurodiverse Children Screen-time stress and distracted learning Big feelings, low motivation, and school burnout The pressure to “get it right” without burning out themselves What you’ll walk away with: A calmer, more connected home A better understanding of how your child learns, feels, and copes Tools that help your child study smarter, not harder More confidence in your parenting - even during tough seasons New episodes every other Thursday Hosted by Sarahlynn, a UK-based educator and parent mentor with over a decade of experience helping families thrive through the messiest, most meaningful years of school and growing up.
The Mindful Toolbox Podcast Practical tools for overwhelmed parents raising school-aged kids (9-16) in a high-pressure world. You’re juggling school stress, screen time battles, and emotional meltdowns and still trying to raise kind, capable humans. If you’re craving a more grounded, compassionate approach to parenting through the school years, you’re in the right place. The Mindful Toolbox Podcast is your weekly dose of sanity, strategy, and support hosted by an experienced educator and parent coach who gets it. Inside each episode, you’ll find: Research-backed study strategies for procrastinators and perfectionists Tools for building emotional regulation and resilience in tweens and teens Advice for handling school refusal, anxiety, or motivation dips Mindful parenting practices you can actually use in busy real life Real stories from real families with just enough humor to keep it human Whether you’re trying to get your Year 9 to revise without a meltdown, helping your 11-year-old manage exam stress, or wondering if you’re doing enough, this podcast offers relatable insights and actionable tools that help you breathe easier and parent smarter. Who it’s for: Parents of children aged 9–16 navigating: Academic overwhelm and underperformance Parents of Neurodiverse Children Screen-time stress and distracted learning Big feelings, low motivation, and school burnout The pressure to “get it right” without burning out themselves What you’ll walk away with: A calmer, more connected home A better understanding of how your child learns, feels, and copes Tools that help your child study smarter, not harder More confidence in your parenting - even during tough seasons New episodes every other Thursday Hosted by Sarahlynn, a UK-based educator and parent mentor with over a decade of experience helping families thrive through the messiest, most meaningful years of school and growing up.
Episodes

Sep 11, 2025
Sep 11, 2025
24 min
Back to School Tips for EBSNA: Calm Mornings + a Parent Re-Entry Playbook
Want me to help you navigate teen anxiety, back to school stress and Emotional based school non attendance? If so, click here: https://betteringyouth.co.uk/mindful-toolbox-podcast-resources
Is your child struggling with EBSNA (Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance)? You’re not alone, over 1 million children in England missed school persistently last year. In this episode of The Mindful Toolbox Podcast, Sarahlynn shares a step-by-step, 4-week guide to re-engaging EBSNA students and creating safer, calmer mornings.
💡 What you’ll learn:
- Why mornings often trigger school anxiety in EBSNA kids
- School reintegration strategies that actually work (and what the law says schools must do)
- How to use predictable routines, sensory-first tips, and micro-choices to support your child
- A practical “getting kids back to school guide” parents can adapt at home
- Insights into DfE’s August 2024 statutory guidance on attendance
Time Stamps:
00:00 September: A Time of Transition
00:46 Understanding Emotional-Based School Non-Attendance
02:23 The Morning Routine: A Battleground
07:01 Creating a Safe Start Morning Strategy
13:54 The Four-Week Re-Entry Plan
19:18 Real Stories: The Journey of Reintegration
23:22 Building Bridges to Learning
📘 Show Notes Resources:
Free 4-Week Re-Entry Playbook PDF (including scripts + email templates)https://betteringyouth.co.uk/mindful-toolbox-podcast-resources
💬 Let’s keep the conversation going! Share your takeaways with me on Instagram @TheMindfulToolbox_Podcast - I’d love to hear how this episode lands for you.
If you found this helpful, please leave a review and share it with another parent who’s navigating similar challenges.
🔗 Useful Links & Resources:
- Subscribe to Mindful Toolbox Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindful-toolbox-a-series-dedicated-to-mental/id1816214722
- More about Bettering Youth Tutoring: https://betteringyouth.co.uk/tutors
- Wellbeing Coaching: https://betteringyouth.co.uk/child-confidence-and-resilience-coaching
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themindfultoolbox_podcast/

Aug 28, 2025
Aug 28, 2025
22 min
Change is hard...especially for kids. Whether your child is starting high school, moving to a new school, coping with back to school anxiety, or navigating big life changes, this episode gives you tools to help them feel safe, grounded, and resilient.
Drawing on my own story of attending 11 different schools, plus recent insights from Dr. Bruce Perry’s research on rhythm, regulation, and relationships, I’ll share how parents can:
🕰 Keep routines stable to calm anxiety
💬 Use open conversations to reduce fear
🧘 Practice mindfulness as a family
🎉 Celebrate small wins to build resilience
🛠 Co-create routines that help kids adapt faster
These evidence-based back to school tips are designed for parents of children facing transitions big and small from returning to school after summer break to managing new routines or friendships in high school.
👉 If this resonates, make sure to subscribe and share with another parent who’s navigating change.
💬 Let’s keep the conversation going! Share your takeaways with me on Instagram @TheMindfulToolbox_Podcast - I’d love to hear how this episode lands for you.
If you found this helpful, please leave a review and share it with another parent who’s navigating similar challenges.
🔗 Useful Links & Resources:
- Subscribe to Mindful Toolbox Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindful-toolbox-a-series-dedicated-to-mental/id1816214722
- More about Bettering Youth Tutoring: https://betteringyouth.co.uk/tutors
- Wellbeing Coaching: https://betteringyouth.co.uk/child-confidence-and-resilience-coaching
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themindfultoolbox_podcast/

Aug 14, 2025
Aug 14, 2025
29 min
"My child knows the strategies… so why don’t they use them?"
If you’ve ever thought this while watching your child walk away from the exact skill you’ve been practicing together, this episode is for you.
In today’s episode of The Mindful Toolbox, we’re bridging the gap between knowing a tool and actually using it so your child can move from learning to owning the skills they need to thrive.
I share real-life stories from my work with students, including:
ADHD-friendly habit building
How to reduce homework stress without nagging
Emotional regulation techniques that work in real moments
My 3-phase method for turning skills into automatic routines
Whether your child struggles with emotional regulation, ADHD memory retention, or independent learning, you’ll walk away with practical steps you can start using today.
📥 Download your free habit tracker here →
💬 Let’s keep the conversation going!
Share your takeaways with me on Instagram @TheMindfulToolbox_Podcast - I’d love to hear how this episode lands for you.
If you found this helpful, please leave a review and share it with another parent who’s navigating similar challenges.
🔗 Useful Links & Resources:
- Subscribe to Mindful Toolbox Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindful-toolbox-a-series-dedicated-to-mental/id1816214722
- More about Bettering Youth Tutoring: https://betteringyouth.co.uk/tutors
- Wellbeing Coaching: https://betteringyouth.co.uk/child-confidence-and-resilience-coaching
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themindfultoolbox_podcast/
🎯 Includes:parenting habits that stick, morning routines for kids, effective parenting strategies, building routines with children, healthy habits for families, fun habit-forming activities, parenting tips for consistency, evening routines for toddlers, overcoming parenting challenges, success with family routines, ADHD learning strategies, Emotional regulation for kids, Parenting tips for neurodiverse children, Study habits for ADHD, Mindfulness for children, Building resilience in children, Parent coaching tools, Homework help for ADHD, Behaviour as communication, Routines for ADHD learners, Helping kids manage anxiety, Building independent study skills

Jul 31, 2025
Jul 31, 2025
21 min
As a tutor working with neurodiverse learners every day, I know how painful it is to watch your child work so hard… and still forget it all by exam day.
This episode is for you if you’re tired of guessing what might help and want real, ADHD-informed memory strategies that stick.
Inside, I share:
- The neuroscience behind memory loss in ADHD,
- How executive function impacts learning,
- And practical techniques like active recall, spaced repetition, and dual coding
...all tailored to ADHD learning styles. You’ll also learn why mindfulness matters more than motivation, and how to support your child with confidence-building techniques that go beyond the books.
You’ll leave with tools, not just talk! And hopefully, a renewed sense that your child’s brain is wired for success, not failure.
02:15 – Why Your Child Struggles to Retain Information You’re not alone. If your child’s bright but forgets everything on test day, this episode is for you.
03:41 – Meet Leo: A Real-Life Study Transformation When traditional methods failed, playful tools and movement turned everything around.
05:54 - How Does the ADHD Brain Impact Memory and LearningLearn how ADHD brains need to approach memory and learning
08:24 – Focus Sprints: A Better Way to Study Ditch cramming. These 7-minute active recall bursts are backed by neuroscience—and ADHD-friendly.
10:00 – Multisensory Study Tools for Neurodiverse Brains Learn how dual coding, visuals, and even magnetic fridge letters improve retention.
12:50 – Study Routines that Actually Stick (Even for ADHD) Flexible structure, color-coded timetables, and emotional buy-in create study habits that last.
14:43 - Personalised Learning EnvironmentsHow can we reduce distractions and work with the brain rather than fighting against impulsivity
17:00 – Gamify It: How to Make Study Sessions Fun & Effective From flashcard battles to teaching the dog...turn memory into a game.
19:02 – Study Smarter, Build Confidence It’s not just about knowledge, it’s about trust. Help your child believe in their brain again.
19:40 – TL;DRQuick recap on all of the tools from this episode
If today’s episode made you feel a little less alone, please share it with another family who’s facing the same silent battles. We’ll be here every two weeks, tackling the real-life challenges of parenting kids who think, feel, and learn differently. Follow along for practical tools, compassion, and clarity you can trust.
🔗 Useful Links & Resources:
- Subscribe to Mindful Toolbox Podcast on Apple Podcast
- Watch this episode on YouTube!
- More about Bettering Youth Tutoring
- Wellbeing Coaching
- Instagram
🎯 Includes: ADHD memory techniques | ADHD cognitive exercises | ADHD learning disabilities | mindfulness for ADHD learners | neurodiversity in learning
Jul 17, 2025
Jul 17, 2025
36 min
If your teen studies for hours but forgets everything on exam day, you're not alone. In this episode of The Mindful Toolbox, I break down the neuroscience of memory and show you how mastering emotions and using brain-based strategies can completely transform the way your child learns.
Together, we’ll explore why emotional regulation is key to retention, how to recognize your child’s learning style, and three simple, but powerful, tools to help them remember more with less stress.
00:00 – Introduction + Brain Teaser ➤ Sets up a memory challenge and introduces the importance of understanding memory—not just as recall, but as a skill to master using neuroscience.
01:56 – Why Your Child Forgets What They Study ➤ Addresses the emotional frustration of revision not sticking. Introduces Ebbinghaus' Forgetting Curve and the importance of using retention techniques for students.
04:30 – How Memory Works: Encoding, Storage & Retrieval ➤ A mini masterclass in the neuroscience of memory. Ideal foundation for understanding how to regulate your feelings about learning setbacks.
07:08 – What Doesn’t Work: Myth-Busting Popular Study Habits ➤ Common missteps like rereading, highlighting, and cramming—and why they don't help your teen retain information. A must-listen for study hacks for exams.
09:20 – Method #1: Spaced Repetition ➤ Explains this memory technique with practical daily steps. Ideal for building emotional resilience strategies when exam stress hits.
13:00 – Tools for Spaced Repetition ➤ App suggestions (Anki, Quizlet) and how to use calendars or sticky notes for spaced learning. Supports Pomodoro technique for studying and ADHD brains.
15:09 – Method #2: Active Recall ➤ The power of self-testing. How to turn passive notes into powerful active recall methods. Connects to confidence building for teens.
18:20 – Blurting and Teaching Back: Memory in Action ➤ A success story from a Bettering Youth student. Learn how teaching others strengthens memory, focus, and emotional strength for teens.
22:10 – Method #3: Dual Coding ➤ Why visualization in learning matters. Combines mind mapping methods, doodling, and diagrams with audio learning for neurodiverse learners.
26:00 – Memory Wins for Neurodivergent Teens ➤ Real tips for supporting ADHD, dyslexia, and autistic learners. How to adapt learning strategies using visual, auditory, or kinesthetic cues.
28:56 – Practical Takeaways & Parent Challenges ➤ A roadmap to start studying smarter, not harder. Clear ideas for parents—no teaching degree required. Pairs well with emotional intelligence techniques and mindfulness for emotional control.
You’ll walk away with practical, research-backed emotional intelligence techniques that make revision less overwhelming and actually stick. Whether your child is neurodivergent, struggles with motivation, or just wants to feel more confident in exams, this episode is your roadmap.
Let’s shift from stress management and emotions to emotional resilience strategies that work. Because memory isn’t magic… it’s a method
If today’s episode made you feel a little less alone, please share it with another family who’s facing the same silent battles. We’ll be here every two weeks, tackling the real-life challenges of parenting kids who think, feel, and learn differently. Follow along for practical tools, compassion, and clarity you can trust.
🔗 Useful Links & Resources:
Subscribe to the Bettering Youth Youtube channel
Subscribe to The Mindful Toolbox Podcast on Spotify:
More about Bettering Youth Tutoring + Wellbeing Coaching
Youtube
Instagram

Jul 3, 2025
Jul 3, 2025
14 min
If your teen shuts down after one mistake, avoids challenges, or crumbles under pressure… you’re not alone. In this episode of The Mindful Toolbox, we unpack exactly what resilience means: not grit, not pushing through, not pretending everything’s fine, but the kind of emotional strength that helps young people adapt, bounce back, and believe in themselves again.
We’ll explore:
Resilience is about providing children with tools to bounce back.
Emotional safety and connection are crucial for resilience.
Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
Praise effort to encourage a growth mindset.
Reframing failure helps children learn and grow.
Modeling resilience is important for children to see.
Predictable routines create a sense of security.
Family meetings can enhance communication and connection.
Encouraging children to express their feelings is vital.
Parents are not alone in their challenges; support is available.
Chapters
00:00 The Challenge of Protecting Our Children
00:19 Understanding Resilience
01:09 New Chapter
01:30 The Messy Middle of Resilience
03:48 Actionable Steps to Build Resilience
07:15 Family Dynamics and Communication
Whether you’re supporting your child through friendship drama, school refusal, or exam pressure, this episode offers emotional resilience strategies that blend research-backed tools with real family stories.
Perfect for parents seeking guidance in: ✅ building mental toughness for teens ✅ resilience and mental health support ✅ understanding resilience vs perseverance ✅ supporting teen resilience through change
🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every 2 weeks — and don’t forget to share this episode with another family who’s navigating the emotional rollercoaster of raising a teen.
🔗 Useful Links & Resources:
More about Bettering Youth Tutoring
+ Wellbeing Coaching
Youtube
Instagram
Parent resources
Keywords
resilience, parenting, emotional safety, growth mindset, vulnerability, connection, child development, mental health, emotional intelligence, family dynamics
Jun 19, 2025
Jun 19, 2025
44 min
Emotional regulation isn’t innate, it’s a skill your child can learn. I’ll share simple, research-backed strategies to help you reduce meltdowns, manage stress, and build emotional intelligence at home... one mindful step at a time.
⏰ Episode Timeline – What You’ll Hear:
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Emotional Regulation
07:16 The Wave Theory of Emotions
10:02 Window of Tolerance
16:04 Tools for Co-Regulation and Emotional Support
16:48 Co-regulation
23:30 Introduction to Emotional Regulation
24:01 Teaching Children About Emotions
27:22 Modeling Emotional Regulation
31:34 Normalizing Emotions in Parenting
32:53 Micro Moments of Connection
35:30 Creating a Calm Corner
37:08 The Importance of Presence in Parenting
39:45 Emotional Regulation as a Skill
42:04 The Journey of Emotional Growth
If today’s episode made you feel a little less alone, please share it with another family who’s facing the same silent battles.We’ll be here every two weeks, tackling the real-life challenges of parenting kids who think, feel, and learn differently. Follow along for practical tools, compassion, and clarity you can trust.
Download the Common Missteps to Emotional Regulation: What to Do Instead
More about Bettering Youth Tutoring + Wellbeing Coaching
Youtube
Instagram

Jun 5, 2025
Jun 5, 2025
1hr 1 min
If you’ve ever watched your child shut down during homework, meltdown before school, or freeze up in an exam—even though you know they understand the material—this episode is for you.
You’re not imagining it. And your child isn’t being dramatic, difficult, or defiant. What you’re seeing might be anxiety showing up in the body—often long before they have the words to explain what’s wrong. Today, I’m diving deep into what anxiety actually looks like in children, how it differs from simple nerves, and most importantly, how to build a calm, supportive environment so they can show up as their best selves.
As a tutor and cognitive behavioural therapy specialist, I’ve supported hundreds of families navigating school refusal, big emotions, exam stress, and neurodivergence—and I’m bringing that lived experience right to your earbuds today.
In This Episode: Here’s What You’ll Learn
00:00 - What anxiety really looks like in children From meltdowns and stomach aches to refusal and rage—how anxiety hides in plain sight.
03:00 -My own story: 11 schools and a whole lot of bathroom floor cries Why my childhood anxiety fuels the work I do with families today.
08:00 - Nerves vs. anxiety: the key difference parents often miss Plus the one question that helps you tell them apart instantly.
13:00 - The “Flip the Lid” Brain Science Model A child-friendly, research-backed way to explain anxiety and overwhelm (your new favourite dinner analogy).
18:00 – The 3-Layer Toolbox for Tackling Anxiety ✔️ Body Layer: Breathing, grounding, and the Butterfly Hug. ✔️ Mind Layer: The 4Fs for managing spiraling thoughts (facts, focus, feel, flow). ✔️ Environmental Layer: Rituals, sensory supports, and safe spaces.
33:00 – Real Parent Story: How R went from shut-down to self-regulated This bright child with OCD tendencies reclaimed calm—and connection with his family.
55:00 – The Transition Timeline Tool A simple before/during/after reflection strategy to prepare for transitions (like back to school).
Resources & Links Mentioned
🎁 The Guide To Unlocking Calm
🧰 Bettering Youth Website - Emotional literacy, family meetings, and well-being resources
📷 Follow us on Instagram - Weekly breathwork + mindset tips
📥Join the Newsletter - Get skimmable, practical tools for student wellbeing straight to your inbox
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be the fixer. You just have to be the calm.
Whether you’re building a worry box, practicing breathwork together, or helping your child name their emotions—you are already doing more than enough. You are showing up. And that’s the game-changer.
✨ If this episode helped shift something for you, share it with another parent navigating a tricky patch.
🔔 And don’t forget to follow the podcast on Apple Podcast or Spotify- we drop biweekly episodes packed with tools, stories, and support for families like yours.
And if you're looking for something more visual, come join me on Youtube for accompanying video and behind the scenes episodes.
Until next time: You bring the tea. I’ll bring the tools. 💛

Jun 5, 2025
Jun 5, 2025
30 min
💔 Overwhelmed by Morning Meltdowns and the Silent Question: “Am I Doing Enough?”
If you’ve ever faced those quiet tears at bedtime or mornings that feel like walking on eggshells, this episode is for you. We’re diving into emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA):
what it is,
why it happens,
and what you can actually do to support your child.
Too many parents are being told their child is “just being lazy” or that they “need more discipline.” But here’s the truth: this isn’t about laziness-it’s about distress. And your child is not broken.
I’ve supported hundreds of families through this; and in this episode, I want to help you understand what’s really going on beneath the surface and where to start when everything feels like too much.
They're invitations- tools to experiment with, starting from exactly where your child is, not where someone else says they should be.
If you’ve ever thought:
“I just want my child to be okay again.”
“It feels like I’m failing because I can’t ‘get them’ to school.”
“I’ve tried everything. Nothing’s working.”
You’re not alone! This episode is your gentle guide toward hope, regulation, and support.
Resources + Links Mentioned:
✅ Downloadable Checklist here! A visual checklist of strategies mentioned in this episode, designed to revisit and reflect on when you need a gentle nudge.
📍 Our community: Want access to more support and resources? Subscribe to the newsletter or join us over on Instagram @TheMindfulToolbox_Podcast
🎵 Song Mentioned: Healing is not my purpose
💛 Final Thought
No matter what your mornings look like right now, please hear this: you are not alone. And your child is not broken. There’s hope. Even if progress feels slow or messy.
You’re doing better than you think. And we’re in this together.
✨ Quick favor? If this episode resonated with you, please screenshot and share it with a parent who needs the reminder that their child is not broken and neither are they. Follow us for biweekly episodes, practical tools, and real talk from someone walking beside you.
Sarahlynn
Jun 5, 2025
Jun 5, 2025
20 min
You know your child is bright, kind, and capable, so why are they crumbling at school?
Whether it's constant meltdowns, missed days, or being labeled “difficult,” you're stuck between fighting for support and holding your family together. If you’ve ever typed “how to help my anxious child at school” or “how to get an EHCP”, this podcast is for you.
Welcome to The Mindful Toolbox Podcast, where I blend coaching, mindset tools, and 10+ years of frontline experience to support families navigating emotional overwhelm and educational complexity.
I’m Sarah-Lynn Hodder: teacher-turned-coach, emotional regulation strategist, and your podcast host. In this foundational episode, I explain the heart behind this podcast, the real stories that brought it to life, and what to expect moving forward.
⏰ Episode Timeline – What You’ll Hear:
[00:30] Why this podcast matters now more than ever—and who it’s really for
[02:50] When school refusal turns your home into a crisis zone—and why this behavior is actually communication
[04:10] Why emotional safety is the key to motivation, focus, and long-term success
[05:20] My journey: from burnt-out teacher to personal trainer, coach, and SEND tutor
[06:50] Why we’re done pretending that school refusal is just about behaviour
[07:30] The power of understanding anxiety in the body—and how it transformed how I work with kids
[11:50] Topics coming soon: emotional literacy, school avoidance, and how to build trust back at home
If today’s episode made you feel a little less alone, please share it with another family who’s facing the same silent battles.We’ll be here every two weeks, tackling the real-life challenges of parenting kids who think, feel, and learn differently.
Follow along for practical tools, compassion, and clarity you can trust.
More about Bettering Youth Tutoring + Wellbeing Coaching
Access Resources for Parents in our Toolbox
Youtube
Instagram

Jul 22, 2022
S0.E10 The Power of the Vagus Nerve
Jul 22, 2022
Jul 22, 2022
16 min
In this month's episode of The Mindful Toolbox, we're talking about the vagus nerve and how we can use our knowledge of it to support students with anxiety.
We explore our emotional response, how this is impacted by the vagus nerve and how we can stimulate it to optimise it's function. We share how we, at Bettering Youth, use this knowledge to improve our 1-1 tuition sessions.
Our biggest takeaway:
"We need to make sure we're offering (students) a variety of different tools so that they can try and get the benefit and relief they've been looking for."
I'd love to continue this conversation with you.
What are your thoughts? Share them on our Facebook page.

Jul 22, 2022
Jul 22, 2022
16 min
In this month's episode of The Mindful Toolbox, we're talking about the impact of the summer slide and how we can plan for progress while keeping wellbeing + summer fun in mind.
Our biggest takeaway:
"When we plan, we're empowered to make better decisions."
I'd love to continue this conversation with you.
What are your thoughts? Share them on our Facebook page.

May 13, 2022
May 13, 2022
35 min
In this month's episode of The Mindful Toolbox, we're talking about how children can revise more efficiently.
We dive in to the top revision methods that are scientifically proven to gain higher marks. We share how we, at Bettering Youth, use this knowledge to improve our 1-1 tuition sessions.
Instead of encouraging this exam culture, it's important to talk about and model a strong sense of self-care. By teaching our children how to set healthy boundaries now, we can be sure they will thrive in their futures.
I'd love to continue this conversation with you.
What are your thoughts? Share them on our Facebook page.

Apr 25, 2022
Apr 25, 2022
26 min
In this month's episode of The Mindful Toolbox, we're talking about how we can support children in exam season.
Exam season can be very stressful and at times, all-consuming. Left unchecked, this focus on exams can lead to stress, decrease in motivation, isolation, and anxiety.
Instead of encouraging this exam culture, it's important to talk about and model a strong sense of self-care. By teaching our children how to set healthy boundaries now, we can be sure they will thrive in their futures.
I'd love to continue this conversation with you.
What are your thoughts? Share them on our Facebook page.
I talk about:
The work-life 'balance'
Setting healthy boundaries
Knowing what self-care means to us
Planning self care into a busy schedule

Mar 16, 2022
Mar 16, 2022
22 min
In this month's episode of The Mindful Toolbox, we're talking about how we can navigate difficult conversations and support children during times of uncertainty.
Often when we want to fix the struggle that our loved ones are facing. We need to remember that we can't take the pain away, but we can be there to support them through it.
What's important to remember though, is that it's not so much the words that we use, rather the feeling the child is left with.
I shared a conversation with one of my students about the Ukraine Crisis.
This isn't necessarily a: "How to talk to your child about the Ukraine" model answer.
Hopefully, it does provide some support, guidance and ideas.
I'd love to continue this conversation with you.
What are your thoughts? Share them on the blog.

Feb 10, 2022
Feb 10, 2022
27 min
In this episode I talk about:
The beliefs that say "I'm not good enough" are entrenched in shame. Shame is what keeps us feeling disconnected from others and cut off from vulnerable feelings.
In order to help soothe these thoughts and anxieties, we explore 12 activities that encourage teens and young adults to find acceptance in their imperfections.
To learn more about emotional wellbeing coaching and mental wellbeing tips and activities, visit our website: www.betteringyouth.co.uk

Jan 17, 2022
S0E4: The Power of Gratitude
Jan 17, 2022
Jan 17, 2022
30 min
In this episode I talk about:
Where gratitude comes from
How the brain can be changed by practising gratitude
How it impacts our evolution
How to use Gratitude to combat depression, anxiety and low self-esteem
Introducing a Gratitude practise
To learn more about emotional wellbeing coaching and mental wellbeing tips and activities, visit our website: www.betteringyouth.co.uk

Dec 10, 2021
S0E3: Stop the Self-Sabotaging Thoughts
Dec 10, 2021
Dec 10, 2021
21 min
In 1960s Aaron Beck discovered that humans have automatic negative thoughts.
This identification helped him to build cognitive behaviour therapy, a therapy that's focused on the present and grounded in solution-based activities.
This episode will explore 2 cognitive behaviour therapy activities that can help us to stop the negative self talk.
A powerful episode for anyone of any age. Our examples are inspired by the 1-1 emotional wellbeing coaching sessions we undergo with youth.
If you like it, be sure to leave a comment or subscribe so you don't miss out on our helpful content.

Nov 12, 2021
S0E2: How to Overcome Overwhelm in 4 Easy Steps
Nov 12, 2021
Nov 12, 2021
23 min
In this month's episode of The Mindful Toolbox, we're talking about how to overcome overwhelm and regain peace.
If your family is dealing with a big transition,
If your family has a busy schedule and their hardly feels time to sit and breathe,
If you know your child is struggling to prepare for upcoming exams,
This training is for you!
I talk about...
How the brain reacts to feeling overwhelmed
The two ways that we deal with feeling overwhelmed
4 + 1 methods to overcome overwhelm and regain peace
How to specifically handle performance anxiety
If you like what you hear, be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so we can put out more content that's relevant to you and your family.

Oct 15, 2021
S0E0: The Power of Mindfulness
Oct 15, 2021
Oct 15, 2021
14 min
The power of mindfulness is often overlooked.
It's become a buzz word - especially within the education sector - but few are truly putting it into action.
This session is to empower you so you and your family can take action and claim the benefits of living more mindfully.
Stay tuned until the end as we divulge one of our favourite activities to support children in developing emotional literacy!
What you learn about...
What is mindfulness
Do we need to clear our mind?
Two ways to practice mindfulness
How it supports our learning, relationships and mental health
How mindfulness helps to boost emotional literacy
Top activity to increase emotional literacy
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COACHING. Want to work with us to help your child handle and effectively express big emotions? Bettering Youth provides 1 to 1 coaching for (pre)teens who are dealing with anxiety, anger, confidence issues and big transitions.
Get in touch here: https://betteringyouth.co.uk/child-confidence-and-resilience-coaching
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RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:
30 Activities to support your child's emotional literacy
https://betteringyouth.co.uk/blog/emotional-literacy-30-activities
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betteringyouth
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahlynn-hodder/
Register for our monthly sessions here:
https://betteringyouth.co.uk/mindful-toolbox
#mindfulnessactivities #mindfultoolbox #mentalhealth





