Colour Me Happy Limited

19/07/2026

19/07/2026

This is the moment, and why I advocate humanistic psychology which empowers the person to make their own change. No expert needed just a facilitator to sit by their side 🤗

11/07/2026

This is an interesting developing area about ADHD across a lifespan

ADHD: Rethink everything you thought you knew! 🧠

28/06/2026

Yes they do! Love this!

Try this messy play --->> https://mommyevolution.com/mud-sensory-play-the-ultimate-toddler-playdate/

via We Skoolhouse

28/06/2026

Does your child seem to go from calm to overwhelmed with no warning?

For some children, the warning signs are there—but they can’t feel them.

Interoception is our brain’s ability to notice what’s happening inside our body. It’s how we recognise hunger, thirst, tiredness, a racing heart, butterflies, or rising tension before those feelings become overwhelming. When interoception is difficult, children may miss those early body signals and only realise they’re struggling when they’re already in full fight, flight, freeze, flop or fawn.

That’s why emotional regulation strategies can seem to “not work.” We often expect children to use calming tools before they become overwhelmed—but if they can’t detect the early signs, they don’t know it’s time to use them yet.

This visual explains why this happens and shares practical ways to help children build that connection between their body and their emotions.

If you’d like our Bitesize Guide to Interoception, LIKE this post and comment as per the instructions in the image.

28/06/2026

Every child has a story they can’t always explain… but if we listen closely, they often show us.

Our new “I Am…” series gives a voice to children’s inner experiences at different ages, helping parents, carers and educators better understand what may be happening beneath the behaviour.

This first visual explores emotional regulation through the eyes of a 5-year-old. At this age, big feelings can arrive quickly and feel overwhelming. Children aren’t trying to give us a hard time—they’re often having a hard time.

When we understand what our children are experiencing inside, it becomes easier to respond with connection, support and confidence. Every moment of co-regulation helps build the skills they’ll gradually use on their own.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you.

How does your 5-year-old let you know they’re struggling with big feelings?

❤️ FREE DOWNLOAD

To receive your FREE copy:

1. LIKE this post.
2. COMMENT IAM5 below.
3. FOLLOW The Contented Child so I can send it to you.

Please be patient if there are lots of requests—I will work through them as quickly as I can.

If you find this helpful, please save and share it so it reaches another family who may need it today.

28/06/2026

It's not something that comes quickly or without modelling

Emotional regulation is one of the most important life skills a child will ever learn.

But it is not a skill that develops through punishment, rewards, or simply being told to “calm down.”

It develops gradually through understanding emotions, recognising triggers, noticing body signals, learning calming strategies, and being supported by safe, connected adults.

Many children know they are upset long before they know what to do about it.

That is why emotional regulation needs to be taught, practised, and modelled over time.

The good news is that every conversation about feelings, every moment of co-regulation, and every opportunity to reflect after a difficult moment helps build the foundations for lifelong emotional wellbeing.

Today’s visual outlines six key steps that help children move from reacting automatically to responding more thoughtfully and confidently.

Whether you are a parent, educator, therapist, or support professional, these practical steps can help children develop the awareness and skills needed to manage big emotions more effectively.

For a Bitesize Guide to Emotional Regulation, like this post and comment ER below.

27/06/2026

27/06/2026

☀️ ADHD & Autism During a Heatwave ☀️

The hot weather can be challenging for everyone, but for many people with ADHD or autism, it can feel completely overwhelming.

Heat doesn't just make us uncomfortable. It can affect how our brains and bodies work, making it harder to concentrate, regulate emotions and cope with everyday tasks. Sensory overload, increased irritability, exhaustion and feeling emotionally drained are all common experiences.

Please remember that if someone seems quieter than usual, more anxious, more emotional or is struggling to cope, they may not be "overreacting". Their nervous system may simply be working much harder to manage the heat.

A few simple things can make a real difference:
💧 Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
🧢 Wear lightweight clothing and stay in the shade where possible.
❄️ Keep your environment cool with fans, closed curtains or cool cloths.
⏰ Avoid unnecessary activity during the hottest part of the day.
🧩 Keep routines as simple and flexible as possible.
💜 Be patient with yourself and with others.

If you care for someone with ADHD or autism, check in with them. They may not always recognise when they're becoming overheated or overwhelmed, and a little understanding can go a long way.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. If today feels harder than usual, that's okay. You're not failing. You're doing your best in difficult conditions, and that is enough.

Stay safe, stay cool and look after one another. 💜

21/06/2026

Love this and what a great summer activity