You’ve already handled things you once thought would break you. Moments that felt heavy, uncertain, or bigger than you expected — and yet you moved through them, step by step, learning as you went. It might not have looked strong at the time. It might have felt messy, slow, or exhausting. But you adapted, and that matters more than perfection ever could. So before you doubt your next step, remember what you’ve already survived and grown from. You don’t need to have everything figured out — just trust that the same resilience you’ve used before is still with you now!!

This is important to talk about.... Because many parents are told to pick one approach to parenting and use it for everything — more softness, more consequences, more ignoring, more talking. But real life doesn’t work like that. Some moments are true overwhelm. Some moments are strong boundary pushing. If we treat them the same, both parent and child can end up feeling stuck. This isn’t about blame or labels. It’s about helping parents recognise what’s actually happening underneath so they can respond in a way that works. 🌧️ When it’s overwhelm Overwhelm isn’t a child kicking off just to push you. • The reaction feels big, fast, and hard to stop • Tears, panic, shutdown, or explosive emotion • Reasoning doesn’t land because their body is flooded • They’re not checking your reaction — they’re trying to cope • Calm presence and co-regulation help more than consequences 👉 The nervous system has taken over. 🧭 When a child is deliberately testing your limit One big tell? They’re watching you while it’s happening. • Looking for your reaction or waiting for you to shift • Repeating behaviour after a clear no • Pulling you into debates or back-and-forth • Still able to think, talk, negotiate, or argue • Energy feels driven rather than overwhelmed 👉 They’re checking where the edge sits — not losing control. 🪴 What to notice in the moment If your child is focused on you — your tone, your response, your reaction — it’s more likely boundary pushing. They will need more direction. If your child seems lost in the emotion and not really aware of you, it’s more likely overwhelm. Connection help after. Same child. Different nervous system state. Stay steady and respond to what’s underneath, not just what’s loudest.

I am rather poorly today so I have slowed down a bit... Been told off by some of you 😉 But I just wanted to take a moment and say thank you… truly. Every single one of you who shows up here — whether you post, comment, read quietly, or just sit and breathe in this space — you are what makes Grounded Roots Parenting feel safe, warm, and real. This community isn’t built on perfection or pretending we’ve got it all figured out. It’s built on honesty, growth, learning, and supporting one another through the messy and the meaningful. Watching connections form, seeing parents feel less alone, and witnessing the courage it takes to share your stories means more to me than I can properly put into words. You help shape this space just as much as I do. Your kindness, openness, humour, and willingness to keep growing is what gives these roots strength. Thank you for trusting me, for trusting each other, and for helping this little corner of the world become something genuinely special. 🌱 — Ellie ✌️ Peace & Love 💕

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be kind to the part of you that’s doing its best today. That’s really is enough! 💕

Just finished the mindfulness course and it was a VERY well timed reminder since as I sat down to go through it, I was coming back from tending to kids needs and feeling the tension of stress and overwhelm creeping in. So we had a little hug and dance sesh to calm the energy down for everyone. 💞