Christmas is often painted as the most magical time of year, especially for children. Twinkling lights, festive films, piles of presents, and joyful family gatherings dominate our cultural picture of December. Yet beneath the sparkle lies a far more complicated reality for many families. December brings a perfect storm of challenges for young people’s well-being: end-of-term exhaustion, flu season, disrupted routines, and intense pressure to meet festive expectations. Underst

Written for Counselling Directory by Zara O'Brien "Tell me about Grandad again." "What was Mummy like when she was little?" "Do you think Nanny would be proud of me?" When children ask these questions, they're not just seeking information. They're doing something profoundly important: they're keeping their loved one alive through story. For too long, grief support focused on "letting go," "moving on," or "closure." But contemporary grief theory recognises something children i

The image is both powerful and heartbreaking: a group of families, many holding placards and some with their children by their side,...

Every child faces setbacks, big or small — from struggling with schoolwork to navigating friendships, moving to a new class, or managing...