I’ve just finished watching a Christmas movie – the kind we all know so well. A bit soppy. A guaranteed happy ending. Everything neatly wrapped up with a bow by the final scene.

But this one left me thinking.

At its heart, it was about how our own fear of letting people in can quietly shape every relationship we have. Old hurts, untold stories, the times we didn’t say how we really felt – they can all build walls, even when what we’re desperately longing for is closeness.

In the movies, that gets resolved in 90 minutes.
In real life, it’s not that simple.

Many of us carry experiences where we felt rejected, misunderstood, or simply not safe to share what was really going on inside. Instead of talking about it, we swallowed it down and carried on. Life moved on, but a part of us quietly decided:

“It’s not safe to show how I really feel.”

And without meaning to, that decision travels with us into other relationships.

Our children feel this too

For many of you reading this, your children – like my son – have experienced real challenges in their lives. Experiences that have shaken their sense of safety, or left them unsure whether adults will really stick around, really understand, really care.

For some of our children, the idea of opening up and saying:

• “I’m scared.”
• “I’m angry.”
• “I’m sad.”

can feel far too risky.

Their nervous system has learnt to protect them in the best way it knows how: by shutting down, lashing out, masking, or saying “I don’t know” whenever feelings are mentioned.

And if we’re honest, many of us adults do a version of that too. We’ve learnt to be “fine”. We’ve learnt to get on with it. We’ve learnt – often very young – to put our own feelings at the bottom of the pile.

So this little Christmas movie has left me wondering:

What if the bravest present we can give our children this year
isn’t wrapped in paper at all…
but in honesty?

The gift of emotional honesty

As we move towards Christmas, I keep coming back to this:

The best gift we might offer our children is showing them that all feelings are welcome, and that it’s safe to talk about them.

Not by pushing them to open up before they’re ready.
Not by sitting them down for a big “feelings talk”.
But by gently, consistently, modelling it ourselves.

That might sound like:

• “I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed today. I’m going to have a sit down and a cup of tea to calm my body.”
• “I felt really worried when that happened earlier. It’s okay to feel worried – I just wanted to let you know where I’m at.”
• “I’m sad that we argued this morning. I love you, even when things are hard between us.”

We’re not handing our children the weight of our feelings.
We’re simply letting them see that emotions are part of being human, and that we can talk about them and still be safe and loved.

Creating space for their feelings (at their pace)

For many of our children, talking about feelings might take weeks, months, or even years.

You might notice:

• They shrug and say, “I don’t know.”
• They change the subject.
• They explode the moment you gently touch a raw nerve.

None of that means you’re failing. It doesn’t mean they’ll never talk. It simply means their system is doing its best to protect them right now.

Here are a few gentle ideas you might try over the coming days:

1. Start small – one honest sentence
   Instead of a big deep chat, simply name one feeling of your own out loud, in passing. No pressure for them to respond.
2. Invite, don’t interrogate
   Swap “Why did you do that?” for softer invitations like:
   • “Was there a hard moment for you today?”
   • “If your feelings were a kind of weather right now, what would they be?”
     And if they don’t answer – that’s okay. The invitation itself matters.
3. Make it low-pressure
   Some children talk best:
   • in the car,
   • walking the dog,
   • while drawing or building Lego,
   • or through emojis, colours, or favourite characters “talking” for them.
4. Validate first, fix later (or not at all)
   When they do share, try:
   • “That makes sense.”
   • “I can see why you’d feel that way.”
     Even if you don’t like the behaviour that came with the feeling, you can still validate the feeling itself. That’s what builds safety.

And what about you?

All of this is hard to do if we’re completely disconnected from our own emotions, or running on empty.

Many of us were never taught how to notice, name, and look after our feelings – especially the difficult ones. So offering that kind of safety to our children is also an invitation to offer it to ourselves.

As we head towards Christmas, you might gently ask yourself:

• What am I really feeling right now?
• Who could I be honest with about that – a partner, a friend, a therapist, even a notebook?
• What’s one small way I can show myself some care this week?

Because the more we allow ourselves to feel and to be supported, the more capacity we have to be that safe, steady harbour for our children’s storms too.

If this time of year is stirring things up for you or your child, please know you’re not alone. You’re doing incredibly hard, beautiful work.

If this resonates, you might like to join the Connective Parenting Hub for more support around emotions and connection.

Connective Parenting isn’t about quick fixes.
It’s about showing up consistently, compassionately, and with presence. It’s based on the principles of Non-Violent Resistance (NVR), a relationship-based approach that moves us away from control and towards connection.

This doesn’t mean we don’t have boundaries. We do. But they’re built with love, not fear.

1. Show them you love them, no matter what

When a child is struggling, they may believe they’re unlovable. Our job is to gently show them otherwise. Not through words alone, but through actions:

• Cooking their favourite meal

• Playing their favourite game

• Offering a cuddle or walk

• Spending time together, no strings attached

These gestures aren’t rewards. They’re reminders: I see you. I care. You are loved, even when it’s hard.

2. Understand yourself

Connective Parenting starts with us. Not because it’s your fault, but because your responses shape the emotional weather in your home.

Begin by noticing your patterns and triggers. Are there certain times of day when you feel more reactive? Are there behaviours that remind you of something from your past?

Journaling, quiet reflection, even a few deep breaths in the car before school pick-up, these small acts of awareness help you respond rather than react.

3. Be truly present

Not just physically, but emotionally. Children sense when we’re distracted. Even 5–10 minutes of undivided attention can be deeply grounding.

Turn off the TV. Put your phone away. Sit down with them, eye-to-eye. Listen. Play. Be there.

Connection grows in these quiet, ordinary moments.

4. Parental presence: Your calm matters

When things feel chaotic, your presence can be the anchor. Not by being perfect, but by being consistent.

Over time, your child will begin to internalise that calm. They’ll feel you with them, even when you’re not in the room.

This is the heart of NVR: becoming the safe harbour in your child’s storm.

5. Prioritise what matters

You can’t tackle every behaviour at once. And you don’t need to.

We often talk about the “baskets” approach:

• Red basket: One priority issue (e.g., violence) to focus on first

• Amber basket: Things that matter, but can wait

• Green basket: Behaviours you’re choosing to ignore for now

As connection strengthens, many green basket behaviours improve on their own.

It’s not always easy, but it is powerful

This approach takes time. Some days it will feel like progress. Others, like you’re back at square one. That’s okay.

Keep going. Be kind to yourself. You’re building something strong and lasting.

Connective Parenting is about doing, not just saying.

It’s how we show up. It’s the little choices we make each day to meet our children with presence, compassion, and courage.

You don’t have to do it all at once. Just start where you are.

Now, let's go deeper - into how you can hold emotional space with grace and connection, even during the wildest storms.

Become the harbour
Imagine your child as a small boat tossed by rough seas. You are the harbour walls - steady, solid, protective. You don’t stop the waves, but you soften their force. You offer safety.

When you regulate yourself first, you naturally create a calmer container for your child's emotions.

Allow the storm
It’s hard to witness your child in pain without trying to fix it or shut it down.

But emotions, like waves, need to crest and crash safely. Trust that your child’s feelings will rise, peak, and fall - especially when you remain present.

Use simple anchoring phrases
During a meltdown, a few soft words can remind both you and your child that safety is still possible:

"I’m right here."
"We’ll get through this."
"You’re safe. I’m with you."

Repair and reconnect after
If you got overwhelmed too - maybe you yelled, froze or stormed off - remember: repair is powerful.

A genuine apology teaches your child that it's okay to make mistakes and rebuild trust. "I'm sorry I shouted. That wasn't your fault. I'm working on staying calm. I love you always."

You are enough
You don’t have to be perfect.
Your child doesn’t need perfection.

They need your presence, your effort, and your return after ruptures.
You are already becoming their harbour, even on the days when it feels messy.

When your child is overwhelmed, it’s completely natural to feel your own nervous system rising too. But when you can steady yourself - even just a little - you create the safety your child needs most in that moment.

Here are some simple ways to regulate yourself when the storms hit:

1. Ground yourself physically

   Feel your feet on the floor. Press your hands gently together. Notice something solid around you — the table, the wall, your own body.

2. Breathe slowly and intentionally

   Use a simple 4–6 breathing rhythm:
   Breathe in for 4, hold for 4, breathe out for 6.
   Longer exhales help signal safety to your nervous system.
   

3. Lower your body and voice

   If you can, crouch down, sit or kneel — it can be less overwhelming for your child and grounding for you.
   Speak slowly and softly. It may feel unnatural at first, but it helps.

4. Use an anchoring phrase

   Something short and true like, "I can be calm," or "We are safe."
   Repeat it silently or aloud.

5. Step away if you need to

   If you feel you’re about to shout, slam or escalate, it’s OK to take a short break (if your child is safe). A minute or two to breathe and reset can protect your relationship.

6. Repair afterwards
   
   If you do lose it (and we all do sometimes), a simple, genuine apology models regulation and repair. "I'm sorry I yelled. That wasn’t your fault. I'm working on staying calm."

    

7. Focus on connection, not control
   
   Your child’s meltdown isn’t bad behaviour - it’s a sign their nervous system is overwhelmed.
   When you shift from trying to control the behaviour to trying to connect, everything softens.

    

You don’t have to fix the storm. You just have to steady the harbour.

Discover how to offer emotional safety during your child's meltdowns - even when you feel overwhelmed. Holding space with heart and hope. 

Whether it’s in our membership groups, one-to-one work with families or chats with social workers, this topic always sparks strong opinions

So let’s talk about it - about what works, what doesn’t and what might help shift things for you and your child.

Understanding where we’re coming from

First things first: your approach to consequences is shaped by your upbringing, your environment and your past experiences. That’s totally normal. But sometimes, those patterns don’t serve us or our children well - especially when we’re parenting neurodivergent children or those with trauma or attachment needs.

You might find some of what I share challenging and maybe you’ll find yourself triggered by it. If so, take a breath. This is a space for growth and reflection, not judgement.

Discipline vs punishment

The word discipline means ‘to teach,’ not ‘to punish’. Yet so often consequences are used as punishments. I used to do it too - time-out, grounding, threats. But what I’ve learned through years of parenting and working with families is that these strategies often don’t work. They might stop a behaviour in the moment, but they rarely lead to long-term change.

The three types of consequences (and why they may not help)

1. Illogical consequences

These are often arbitrary and disconnected from the behaviour - “If you’re rude to your brother, you’re not going to the party.” It’s easy to fall back on these, especially when we’re stressed. But they don’t help a child learn to manage their emotions or actions. Instead, they often fuel resentment and confusion.

2. Logical consequences

These are more closely linked to the behaviour - “You threw the controller, so you can’t play Xbox.” They sound better in theory, but still often miss the mark. Why? Because they don’t teach emotional regulation. For neurodivergent children especially, the leap from “I was angry and threw the controller” to “I shouldn’t do that again” isn’t always straightforward.

3. Natural consequences

These happen on their own - like refusing to wear a coat and then getting cold. They can be powerful teachers, but only if we avoid the dreaded “I told you so.” Let the experience do the teaching and be there to support your child without shame or blame.

What if we focused on outcomes instead?

Rather than asking, “What consequence should I give?”, try asking, “What outcome do I want?” That shift in perspective can change everything.

Do you want your child to stop shouting when they lose a game? To be able to play nicely with their friends? To manage transitions without meltdowns?

Focusing on the outcome helps you guide your child towards something, not just punish them for what went wrong.

How do we get to that outcome?

Here are a few tools that can help:

Realistic expectations

Is your child just being a child? Loud play and strong emotions are normal. Sometimes the problem isn’t the behaviour, it’s our expectation of it.

Model emotional expression

Let your child see you managing your emotions. “I’ve had a stressful day, so I’m going to take a walk to clear my head.” That shows them it’s okay to feel big things and how to handle them safely.

Collaborate with your child

Instead of banning the Xbox, ask, “How can we help you enjoy gaming without it ending in frustration?” Sit with them. Help them regulate. Offer tools like deep breathing or something to squeeze. Show them you’re on their side.

Have the hard conversations

Talk with them, not at them, about what happened. “I noticed you were really upset earlier. Do you want to talk about it?” Avoid shaming. Be curious and open.

Apologise when you get it wrong

We all lose it sometimes. The power of an honest apology - “I was unfair,” or “I shouted and I’m sorry” - cannot be overstated. It builds trust and models accountability.

Reflecting on our own role

Finally, ask yourself: Is what I’m doing helping my child learn and grow? If the answer is no, it’s okay to change tack. You’re not failing, you’re evolving.

Remember, parenting this way won’t change things overnight. But stick with it and it pays off.

The harbour walls analogy

I often talk about being our child’s harbour walls - the steady, reliable presence that holds them safe when the sea gets stormy. That’s what we’re aiming for.

Consequences might feel like we’re doing the ‘right thing’, but if they’re not working, it’s time to try something different. Connection, support and emotional teaching create long-term change.

If you’re thinking about delivering an announcement or struggling with your child’s behaviour, we’re here to help if you’d like us to. 

A trauma-informed approach to parenting.

Many parents turn to reward systems to manage challenging behaviours. While rewards may seem like a quick fix, they often fail to address the root cause of the behaviour, especially for neurodivergent children or those with a trauma history.

Why rewards don't work (and can actually harm)

Rewards can be problematic because they:

• Fail to address underlying needs: Challenging behaviours are often a way for children to communicate unmet needs or distress. Rewards simply mask the problem without addressing the underlying cause.
• Increase shame: For children who struggle with automatic or impulsive behaviours, rewards can create a sense of shame and failure when they can't meet the requirements. This can lead to a negative cycle of feeling ‘not good enough’.
• Diminish intrinsic motivation: Over-reliance on rewards can undermine a child's internal motivation to do things for the sake of enjoyment or a sense of accomplishment.

Understanding your child's behaviour

For neurodivergent children and those with trauma histories, behaviours are often survival strategies or responses to sensory overload or emotional dysregulation. 

Instead of focusing on rewards, consider these trauma-informed approaches.

• Build connection and safety: Create a safe and nurturing environment where your child feels seen, heard, and understood. Prioritise connection and attachment through quality time and emotional attunement.
• Focus on co-regulation: Help your child learn to regulate their emotions by modeling safe ways to express and process their emotions, and offering support during challenging moments. Teach them regulation ideas like deep breathing or moving their bodies.
• Meet needs proactively: Identify your child's triggers and needs. Proactively address these needs to prevent meltdowns or challenging behaviours. This might involve sensory breaks, predictable routines, or clear communication.

Shifting the narrative

Try these strategies:

• Relational gestures: Show your child unconditional love and acceptance, even after challenging behaviours. Repair any ruptures in the relationship with warmth and understanding.
• Positive language: Use encouraging and strengths-based language. Focus on effort and progress rather than perfection.
• Indirect praise: Offer subtle and genuine praise that focuses on the process or specific actions rather than general traits.
• Presence and connection: Be present with your child and build a strong connection through shared activities and meaningful conversations.

Remember, you're not alone. Parenting neurodivergent children and those with trauma histories can be challenging. We’re here to help you, through our free resources but also our training courses, membership Hub for parents or through individual support.

Ready to ditch the rewards and create a more connected and supportive relationship with your child? If the answer is yes, our individual support and parent coaching sessions are here to help.

I understand that (because I’ve been there) but unfortunately when our children are struggling it’s not very often we can make changes at the flick of a switch. None of us can. It takes time and effort from us as the parents to change things and that isn’t easy. 

One part of Connective Parenting NVR that parents might have heard of is the announcement. As soon as they hear about it they want to do it, thinking that it will change everything. It can be very effective but it can also be very shaming and punitive.

At Connective Family we don’t recommend doing it very early on, but focusing on building the relationship first and it’s actually something we rarely use as we focus on regulation and connection, and through that we see positive changes.

What is the Announcement?

The Announcement is a letter that is written to the child and delivered to them by the parents. It’s a clear, firm, yet caring letter that shows your child that you love them, whilst also making it clear that a particular behaviour must stop. In it we also include a behaviour that, as parents, we are going to stop as well. We have to be honest here because many of us know that at times we don’t help the situation. For example, I can shout when my son is escalating. I know I shouldn’t but at times I just can’t stop myself. I’m not perfect despite having used Connective Parenting NVR for a long time. I do always make sure I apologise and repair afterwards though. 

How does it work?

The letter is not about shaming the child, or punishing them, but making it clear that things need to, and will be, changing.

The letter is hugely empowering for the parents and increases the sense of authority within the family.  

Planning and preparation are key for the Announcement. When it’s written in a rush, or done at the wrong time (like in the heat of the moment) it won’t work. It needs to be done when things are calm (or at least calm-ish) and you have had time to prepare it. 

The way the letter is written, the language used and style of communication needs to work for your child. There’s no point using words they won’t understand. 

The structure can vary a little but it includes: 

• An opening sentence where you tell your child what you like about them. 
• The first statement saying what you’ll will stop doing as parents.
• The second statement clearly telling your child what behaviour needs to stop (1 behaviour, not a whole list). 
• The third statement telling them which supporters are going to help you with this change and reminding them you are all working on this together.
• An ending statement looking towards the future. 

You’re going to read it out to them, so if it’s too long they will stop listening and it can end up sounding more like a lecture. 

We only deliver an announcement once for a behaviour. If the behaviour continues we move on to do a ‘Sit In’, which can be repeated if necessary. We also suggest only working on one behaviour at a time and not doing several on different behaviours at the same time. It’s also important to keep focusing on all the relationship aspects of the approach whilst you're doing this.

Done well, and at the right time, the Announcement is a powerful way for parents to actively resist the behaviours and show the child that things need to change. Done at the wrong time and it won’t be as effective. 

If you’re thinking about delivering an announcement or struggling with your child’s behaviour, we’re here to help if you’d like us to. 

Our individual support sessions are a great opportunity to work through the issues and get personal support. Get in touch, we’d love to help.

Parenting can be a joyous but challenging journey, especially when navigating the complexities of neurodivergence and trauma. If you're feeling overwhelmed by your child's behaviours and yearning for a deeper connection, embracing the power of relational gestures might be the transformative step you need.

What are relational gestures?

Relational gestures are thoughtful actions, verbal expressions or even small gifts that convey love, care and appreciation to your child. These gestures transcend the realm of mere actions; they are powerful tools for building connection, fostering emotional regulation and creating a sense of safety and security for your child. 

Why are relational gestures important for neurodivergent children with trauma?

Neurodivergent children and those who have experienced trauma often struggle with emotional regulation, social cues and forming secure attachments. Relational gestures can be particularly beneficial because they provide:

• Emotional reassurance: Consistent gestures of love and acceptance help to create a sense of safety and stability, allowing your child to feel more secure and regulated.
• Improved communication: Gestures can bridge communication gaps, especially when words fail. A gentle touch, a warm smile or a shared activity can speak volumes when verbal communication is challenging.
• Strengthened connection: By intentionally showing your child that you care, you nurture your relationship and build a stronger connection, even amidst challenging behaviours. 

Types of relational gestures:

• Verbal affirmations: Expressing your love and appreciation through words, such as "I love you" , "I'm proud of you" or "I enjoy spending time with you". 
• Physical touch: Offering hugs, cuddles or gentle touches to convey warmth and affection.
• Acts of service: Doing something kind for your child, like making their favourite meal, helping them with a task or offering a listening ear.
• Quality time: Setting aside dedicated time for one-on-one activities with your child, like playing games, reading together or going for walks. 
• Gifts: Giving small, meaningful gifts that reflect your child's interests or show that you're thinking of them.

Tips for using relational gestures effectively:

• Be consistent: Make relational gestures a regular part of your daily routine. Consistency reinforces your love and commitment, building trust and security for your child. 
• Be present: When offering a gesture, be fully present with your child. Put away distractions, make eye contact and offer your undivided attention. 
• Be specific: Tailor your gestures to your child's interests and preferences. Show them that you truly know and understand them by choosing gestures that resonate with their unique personalities. 
• Be creative: Think outside the box! Gestures don't have to be grand or expensive. A simple note in their lunchbox, a silly song or a spontaneous dance party can create lasting memories and strengthen your bond. 

Examples of relational gestures in action:

• Leaving a loving note in your child's lunchbox.
• Joining your child in their favourite activity, even if It's not your cup of tea. 
• Creating a special handshake or ritual just for the two of you.
• Offering a warm hug when your child is feeling overwhelmed. 
• Expressing gratitude for something specific your child did.

Are you ready to experience the transformative power of relational gestures in your own family? Start today!

Choose one small gesture and offer it to your child with full presence and love. Observe the impact it has on your connection and build from there. 

Remember, parenting is a journey, not a destination. By embracing the power of relational gestures, you can create a more connected, loving and supportive environment where both you and your child can thrive.

We cover all this and more in our training courses for parents.  There's something for everyone, whatever level of support you'd like. Have a look - we're here to support you.

We often think of teenagers appearing in our homes the morning after their 13th birthday, like the scene from Kevin and Perry. But actually pre-teens or ‘tweens’ develop from about 8-12 years of age.

During this time our tweens often start to worry more about what other people think of them, they may become more self-conscious, keen to fit in with peers and even confident children can become more insecure. This can be a time where we start to see bullying. 

So, what can we do as parents to stay connected with our children while they navigate these years? 

Our parenting journey is an ever-changing landscape of rough roads, smooth country lanes and mountains, which is why being able to adapt to our child's needs is crucial if we want to create a calm and connected home life. 

Prioritise self-care

Parenting leads us to pour from our cups constantly throughout the day, so looking after ourselves is crucial. 

The most important thing we need to remember is that we cannot pour from an empty cup.

When we practise self-care, we allow ourselves to self-regulate more often and to allow ourselves to be less reactive to stressful situations. For some, self-care is small daily acts and for others is weekly or monthly acts. It’s whatever works for you, find what you need to help you to stay connected and calm. 

Remember, it takes a village to raise a child 

It’s important that, as parents and carers, we are connected with others who have a positive impact on us and our families. 

Some examples of this might be…

• Maintaining positive relationships with teachers and support staff at your child’s school
• Encouraging positive relationships between children and sports coaches
• Having positive relationships with friends and wider family
• Asking for help when needed from appropriate people 

Keep up the parental presence

Being able to maintain a positive connection with our children is key to making them feel safe and supported, which in turn has a positive impact on behaviour and wellbeing. 

You can increase parental presence in a number of ways to suit you and your child. Some simple ways you can do this include…

• Watching a movie of their choice with them
• Popping your head in to see if they want a drink or a snack 
• Being in the room with your child
• Going for walks or drives in the car together 
• Giving them a lift somewhere or picking them up
• Spending time one-to-one with them doing something they enjoy
• Taking an interest in a hobby or interest that they have

Think connection over correction

We’re not saying that we should never correct our children but if we think and practice connection first, we often don't need to correct. 

If a child behaves in a way that we do not approve of, then it’s important that we try and think why they may be behaving in this way. What are they trying to tell us or what are they trying to gain from this?

We often hear adults saying that children are just ‘attention seeking’. However, if we reframe this and think of it as though they are ‘attention needing’ or ‘attachment seeking’, it leads us to think more about connection rather than correction. 

Tweens or teens will often push away from their parents (remember your tween and teenage days!?) so it’s important that we maintain a connection but also allow them to have a little more freedom. This transition between childhood dependency and adult independence can be a scary process for many children, particularly if they do not have the skills to navigate this. 

And finally…

We so often hear so much negativity around teenagers, but if we stop and think about what they are navigating in life and the changes in their adolescent brain, then we realise how truly amazing they are! 

They’re finding their way through education, friendships, relationships with teachers and other adults, handling intense emotions, changing bodies and external pressures such as social media. And they’re told, often daily, that choices they make today will affect the rest of their lives - despite the fact that their prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for planning, prioritising and making good decisions, is the last to develop. 

The teenage brain is a wonderful thing!!

Kelly is a Connective Family Parent Coach & Trainer

This means we’re sometimes distracted when our child or young person is trying to talk to us. 

Family hurly burly can sometimes (often!) get in the way of talking and connecting, even though we know it can support children’s mental health.

There are two key parts of the Connective Parenting NVR therapeutic approach that help children and young people to understand that their voice matters. These two points below can sometimes be difficult to hear (see what I did there?!), but there's no denying that parents and carers face many daily distractions.

As we get ready for the school run, make dinner and generally spin plates, we may well be hearing but are we listening?

Here's how we can try to see our way through those distractions and really hear what our children are telling us.

Be present

Increasing your physical and emotional presence with your child tells them you care. What you do isn't the important thing, it’s that you’re giving them your full attention.

Show interest in them, in what they’re doing and what they enjoy and let them know you can see how they’re feeling.

Listen to hear

For all of us, being heard is often the important bit. Listening to hear (and not just to respond) is how we can form connections and strengthen relationships. 

By listening then repeating your child’s words, you’re checking you heard them correctly and they know you were listening. It helps them to understand that their voice matters.

Taking a moment, however brief that moment might be, to connect and listen, helps give a voice to our children and young people. And that, in turn, supports their mental health.

Ruthanne is one of the Connective Family Team