Amy Bryant, Wild Child Counseling

05/31/2026

05/28/2026

We can change the trajectory of our education system. We can empower students. But we can’t expect them to advocate for themselves without our support because they’re trying to survive systems that demand obedience.

This article, by Katy Purviance at The Joy of Learning, provides an overview of the long term consequences of compliance based environments.

Curiosity is the fuel for learning. Focusing on obedience snuffs out curiosity, critical thinking., and a sense of agency. When we demand obedience, we promote learned helplessness and passivity.

The evidence has been accumulating for decades. Your child’s curiosity didn’t disappear by accident.

05/28/2026

Most of us have an inner critic. It might be a steady stream of self-directed judgments or critical thoughts about others that seep into our everyday thoughts.

Sometimes, it's the kind of voice that notices deficits, irregularities, or ambiguities in the environment.

Unnecessarily commenting on our kids (or others) moods, actions, choices, or on things we see that could be done differently, or, in our minds, “better,” is a well-intentioned but unconscious pattern I'd like to interrupt.

The things we see aren’t always in need of fixing, adjusting, or, really, any commentary at all. Maybe we can consider whether our demands stem from an unconscious need to feel in control of the situation.

And this isn't always because we're looking for obedience or to be purposefully coercive, but it's a knee-jerk response to the traditions we grew up with and our ideas about who holds power.

05/27/2026

School refusal is not a child or family issue, it’s a systems issue. And in systems that are either unwilling or too overwhelmed to provide the necessary accommodations students need simply to attend school, the threats are almost inevitable. You have rights, and your children’s mental health depends on your advocacy. There are some great educational advocates who can help.

05/25/2026

05/24/2026

You don’t owe anyone unlimited access to you, regardless of the relationship - family, friends, or otherwise. Proximity isn’t the same as loyalty, and love for someone doesn’t require tolerating harm from them.

05/24/2026

Kids these days are kinder, smarter, more thoughtful, and less willing to put up with b.s. and self-sacrifice their dreams and enjoyment for suffering.

Bravo!

05/23/2026

We often forget that we’re not trying to chase the discomfort away, we’re trying to understand it and support ourselves through it.

SELF-REG
REMINDER
Self-Reg isn't about
"monitoring and managing" your emotions, thoughts or behaviours.
It's about understanding.


Shared by, The MEHRIT Centre, Ltd.

05/21/2026

Gettin clear on our view, expectations and power with kids and teens takes deep reflection and a willingness to see them as valuable humans with valuable opinions about their lives.