It's Not Defiance. Here's What's Actually Happening Before September

Is your child more irritable, tearful, or getting mystery stomachaches this week? Here's why. Their nervous system is already predicting September. What to do before Back to School starts. If you've noticed your child getting snappier, quieter, or waking up with a stomachache that mysteriously vanishes by mid morning, and school hasn't even started yet, this explains what's going on. Their brain isn't living in August. It's predicting September. And if last September was hard, their nervous system is already running that simulation, right now, a week before term begins. In this episode: → Why is back to school anxiety so high?(Lisa Feldman Barrett's research) → Why can't we say "school refusal" and what to say instead → How can I support my child with back to school anxiety? → What can support my child with getting back into school? → Why week one doesn't need to mean full attendance This one is made for exactly this window, the week before UK schools go back. If you know a parent who's already bracing for September, send them this. CHAPTERS 00:00 We had a hard year last year, we can't do that again 00:21 It's real: what you're noticing this week isn't drama 01:03 The brain doesn't react, it predicts (Parents Guide) 01:50 Why their nervous system is already living in September 03:18 "School refusal" vs "I can't attend school," the language shift 04:33 Two starting points: the volatile child and the fragile child 09:15 4 things to do this week 09:21 1. Can a playlist help with back to school? 11:24 Should you talk about Back to School? 13:00 How an anxious teen reduced back to school anxiety 16:31 How are you feeling about school starting? 19:39 Why week one doesn't need to mean full attendance 22:38 What's coming on September 10 23:51 Skills your child needs to develop for a successful school year 24:15 What are Executive Function Skills? New here? The Mindful Toolbox is a podcast and YouTube channel for parents of teens navigating neurodiversity, executive function challenges, and the pressure of school. Hosted by Sarahlynn, specialist educator, CBT practitioner, and IEFCC Level 1 Executive Function Coach (Enhanced), Connections in Mind. Start here or browse the playlists below. And if September is on your mind for a different reason, the cohort link is below when you're ready. ▶️ Watch Next Playlists: Supporting Neurodivergent Learners:    • Parenting tips for SEND, Neurodivergent, A...   Emotional Regulation at Home:    • Calm Morning Routines That Actually Work   September cohort, Parenting Your Child's Brain: chipper-builder-2651.kit.com/1308c628d0 TAGS back to school anxiety, EBSNA, school refusal, emotionally based school non-attendance, child anxious about school, why is my child anxious about going back to school, ADHD back to school, neurodivergent child school anxiety, nervous system regulation child, back to school transition tips, September school anxiety, SEN parenting UK, predictive brain Lisa Feldman Barrett, Bruce Perry rhythm regulation relationships, parenting anxious teen