The Little Sanctuary Support Services

26/08/2026

❤️

Helping Kids Fail by Failing to Help.

My wish for this school year is that every child walking into their school building feels like they belong. I want them to feel that they can be their authentic selves and not have to conform to fit some mold. If they struggle, I want them to feel supported by the people who are there to teach them, not judged that they 'made a bad choice', are 'avoiding work' or 'seeking negative attention'.

My concern is that, once again, many kids will face the same old behavior plans and token systems to force compliance, and the same carrots and sticks that teach young children that praise is conditional.

Many kids, ESPECIALLY neurodivergent kids, will be exposed to these behavior systems very quickly at the start of school. Instead of being curious about WHY they're having difficulty, they will be seen as defiant, or non-compliant, and the adults will use their energy and power to try and "modify" their behavior. Often, the adults will assume its a motivation issue and be convinced that if they just motivate the student with extrinsic rewards, they'll be fine. That thinking is incorrect. They may assume that a concerning behavior was volitional, that it was a 'choice' the student made, and that a consequence is necessary. That mindset won't solve a single problem.

While we continue to try and modify their behavior without solving the underlying problem, the student will CONTINUE to struggle and CONTINUE to fail to meet expectations.

Or...

We can help them!

Help them solve a Problem
Help them navigate an Emotion
Help them meet a Need or
Help them learn a Skill they don't have or can't access.

If we don't HELP them, we set them up for failure. Kids don't want to fail. Kids want to do well. If we help them proactively instead of focusing on modifying their behavior, not only will the students have the best chance to do well, but all the behavior "management" systems will be unnecessary!

How long do kids have to struggle or fail before we help them?

26/08/2026

Our newest team member:

Jayde is a registered QLD primary school teacher with a Bachelor of Education specialising in Early Years Education and over 15 years of teaching experience, with much of her career dedicated to supporting children in the early years.
She is passionate about helping young children develop the skills, confidence and sense of belonging they need to learn, communicate, participate and thrive. Jayde works collaboratively with children and their families to understand each child’s unique strengths, interests and needs, using practical, playful and developmentally appropriate approaches to support their growth.

As both an experienced educator and a mum, Jayde values genuine, trusting relationships with children and families. She is particularly passionate about supporting children as they transition into kindergarten and school, helping to make these experiences positive, confident and successful.

Jayde has a particular interest in early literacy and language development, school readiness, play-based learning, social and emotional development, and supporting children to participate confidently in everyday routines and learning environments.

25/08/2026

Get ready! News coming this week!

Bringing on more professionals to help our local children and families.

22/08/2026

🏡 Professional Allied Health Rooms for Hire | Central Hervey Bay 💙

Are you a psychologist, counsellor, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, dietitian, social worker, behaviour support practitioner, or another allied health professional looking for a warm, welcoming space to see clients?

The Little Sanctuary Support Services has beautifully renovated consulting rooms available for hire in the heart of Hervey Bay.

✨ Our purpose-built spaces offer:
💙 Modern, air-conditioned consultation rooms
💙 Welcoming waiting room and children's waiting room
💙 Dedicated children's playroom for hire Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
💙 Three private consultation rooms - 7 days
💙 Shared kitchen and staff amenities
💙 Wheelchair accessible facilities
💙 Easy off-street parking for you and your clients
💙 A calm, professional environment designed specifically for children, young people and families

Whether you're establishing your private practice, expanding your services, or looking for a professional space a few days a week, we'd love to hear from you.
We are a growing business with a strong referral base looking to build partnerships with other professionals.
📍 Central Hervey Bay
📞 (07) 4128 8367
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://thelittlesanctuary.com.au/room-hire/
Send us an email or get in touch to arrange a tour—we'd love to show you around!

20/08/2026

A wonderful read!
It really shows the importance of kindness in our community. This is going to be really important with the pending changes in NDIS. We are already seeing changes.
Don't forget the difference you can make to parents and carers by showing kindness and interest in their children. It truly makes a difference and helps the children to feel that they belong.

As I awoke this morning, at first it seemed “normal”. As usual, I was trying to ignore the gentle shaking my body was receiving, in the hope that it would

16/08/2026

15/08/2026

We are set up at the Birthing & Babes Expo starting at 9am at the Hervey Bay PCYC. Come on down, meet some of our team, sensory activities for the kids and Sarah Coote, specialist assessment psychologist is speaking at 12:30pm.

15/08/2026

We are set up and ready to go! 🤩 Lots of great stallholders ready for our 9am start.
Come on down to the Birthing & Babes Expo at the pcyc.

15/08/2026

Only one more sleep...🤩

13/08/2026

We will have members of our team there to answer questions and some play activities for babies and young children supporting child development.