When we try to ‘fix’ kids and families, we are trying to carry the entire emotional load.

You might find yourself constantly holding space for kids and parent at crisis moments.

A child’s meltdown
A parent’s frustration
The system’s failures

You are doing all the things you have been trained to do. Stay calm and in control, respond appropriately with the right strategy and you will see instant results.
But then nothing shifts. Nothing changes and you are left feeling like you’ve done something wrong.
What I’ve learnt through my experience is that the moment we take full responsibility for someone else’s healing, we unintentionally disempower them and disconnect from ourselves in the process.

 
Because no matter how skilled, trained or even caring we are- we actually cannot control another person’s choices, reactions or growth. Nor is that a reflection of our competence or worth as a professional.
And yet, professionals still feel the weight of this unrealistic expectation. To be the one to know exactly what to do in every scenario. To display this unwavering sense of calm, despite being placed in chaotic and challenging situations.
But the truth is; this work is MESSY. It’s relational which means there is the kid’s stuff, the parent’s stuff, our stuff and the mix between them all. There is no ‘right’ way that applies to every single situation.

This is one of the reasons why I created the Play Prescription® method.
It’s not just another list of strategies or techniques. But rather a reflective framework to help you:
- Pause before you over function
- Explore what’s really going on- in the child, the parent and in yourself
- Stay grounded in your role, without trying to rescue or control
- Use therapeutic play to support growth, rather than force growth

Because we are not here to fix people.

We are here to hold space for insight, reflection and growth- without the pressure to do it all at the detriment to the people we are supporting and ourselves.
If you want to explore a method that helps you hold the work differently, I’m here when you are ready.