Resilient Kid: Therapy and tips for raising strong kids and teens

More children are starting school without the skills they need to feel confident, settled, and ready to learn — and it’s not because parents don’t care.
In this episode, Ashley explores why so many nursery-aged children are being described as “not school ready,” what professionals across early years and education are seeing, and how small, everyday changes at home can make a big difference.
With warmth, honesty, and practical guidance, this episode covers speech and language development, independence, toileting, screen use, and the simple skills that truly prepare children for school — without panic, blame, or unrealistic expectations.
In this episode, we cover:
What “school readiness” really means (and what it doesn’t)
Why more children are struggling with communication, regulation, and independence
The rise in speech and language delays in nursery-aged children
Why toilet training is an important part of school readiness
The impact of screen use on communication and social skills
Why iPads at the table don’t support language development
How independence, turn-taking, and conversation build confidence
What parents can do — practically and gently — to support readiness at home
Why school readiness isn’t about pushing children faster, but building strong foundations
Practical takeaways:
Create screen-free mealtimes to encourage conversation
Practise turn-taking through games and everyday interactions
Support toilet training with consistency and gentle leadership
Build independence through everyday tasks
Reduce background noise and increase face-to-face interaction
Focus on emotional coaching, not perfection
Key reminder:
School readiness isn’t about academic ability — it’s about communication, connection, independence, and confidence. Small, consistent changes at home can make a powerful difference in helping children feel safe, capable, and ready for the transition to school.
Who This Episode Is For:
Parents of nursery and pre-school children
Early years practitioners and educators
Parents feeling unsure or worried about school readiness
Anyone wanting practical, realistic guidance without judgement
Resources & Support
If you’d like more support around emotional regulation, confidence, and helping children feel ready for big transitions, explore Ashley’s work at The Resilient Kid, including workshops, resources, and the Resilient Kid Programme for families and schools.
Resources & Support
If you need support, you can reach out via social media or email [email protected]. We have an Anxiety Workshop coming up in February for £25, which includes a 60-minute session and a 30-minute Q&A. Sign up here - https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/parent-workshop 
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction: The School Readiness Crisis
01:31 Understanding School Readiness
02:05 Communication and Emotional Regulation
02:29 The Role of Independence and Social Skills
03:06 Challenges in School Readiness
03:33 Impact of Screen Time on Development
06:16 Practical Tips for Reducing Screen Time
07:29 Building Independence in Daily Routines
10:23 Toilet Training: Overcoming the Challenges
16:33 Enhancing Speech and Language Skills
27:26 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
31:00 Conclusion and Resources
Find all the resources in our Listeners Lounge
https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/lounge
Useful Links
Sign up to our newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/240667/93026367927485942/share
Get “A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Resilient Kid”: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739302605
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresilientkid
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Pinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/resilientacademy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theresilientkid957
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ashley-costello
Website: https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk

Low mood in children often shows up in ways that are easy to misinterpret — especially in January.
In this Blue Monday week episode, Ashley explores what low mood can look like in children, what’s happening in the brain, and how parents and teachers can respond in ways that support recovery rather than add pressure.
This episode is for anyone supporting children at home or in school.
In this episode, we cover:
How low mood in children often looks like irritability or withdrawal

The difference between low mood and defiance

How stress and reduced daylight affect children’s brains

Why January increases vulnerability for many children

How school and home responses can work together

Practical takeaways:
What genuinely helps children experiencing low mood

How predictability and connection support emotional safety

Why adjusting demand can be protective, not permissive

What well-intentioned responses often make things harder

When to keep an eye on things and seek extra support

Key reminder:
Low mood is information — not failure.
And children recover best when the adults around them respond with steadiness, understanding, and connection.
🎧 Share this episode with a teacher or parent supporting a child who feels “not quite themselves” right now.
Spotify –
YouTube –
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to Low Mood in Kids and Teens
00:30 Understanding January Blues
02:14 Recognising Low Mood Symptoms
03:35 Brain Science Behind Low Mood
07:14 Why January Exacerbates Low Mood
09:03 Effective Strategies for Parents and Educators
16:59 What Not to Do: Common Mistakes
19:03 When to Seek Help
20:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Find all the resources in our Listeners Lounge
https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/lounge
Useful Links
Sign up to our newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/240667/93026367927485942/share
Get “A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Resilient Kid”: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739302605
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resilientkiduk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresilientkid
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientkid
Pinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/resilientacademy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theresilientkid957
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ashley-costello
Website: https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk

Mornings and bedtimes often take the biggest hit after the holidays — and this episode explains why.
Ashley breaks down what’s happening in children’s brains during transitions, why routines fall apart before they improve, and how parents and carers can support calmer starts and smoother evenings without constant battles.
This is a practical, reassuring episode for families who are feeling stretched at the bookends of the day.
In this episode, we cover:
Why transitions are hard for children’s nervous systems

What the prefrontal cortex needs to function well in the morning

Why bedtime resistance increases when children are overtired

The role of safety and predictability in sleep

Why “trying harder” rarely helps tired brains

Practical takeaways:
How to build resilience into mornings without rushing or shouting

Simple changes that reduce decision-fatigue

Why protecting the wind-down matters more than bedtime itself

Body-based strategies that help children settle at night

Language that reduces pressure and supports sleep

Key reminder:
You don’t need perfect mornings or peaceful bedtimes.
You need predictable cues, calmer rhythms, and fewer power struggles.
🎧 This episode is especially helpful after school holidays or periods of change.
Link to buy weighted blankets Ashley spoke about – Kids weight: Weighted Blanket - Kids
Teen & Adult Weight: Weighted Blanket - Teens
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction: Why Mornings and Bedtimes Go Off the Rails
00:29 Understanding the January Struggle
02:11 The Brain After the Holidays: Why Transitions Are Hard
04:31 Why Mornings Are So Hard
07:25 Building Resilient Mornings: Practical Tips
17:35 Why Bedtimes Fall Apart After the Holidays
19:25 Creating Calmer Bedtimes: Practical Tips
26:21 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Parents
Find all the resources in our Listeners Lounge
https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/lounge
Useful Links
Sign up to our newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/240667/93026367927485942/share
Get “A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Resilient Kid”: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739302605
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resilientkiduk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresilientkid
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientkid
Pinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/resilientacademy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theresilientkid957
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ashley-costello
Website: https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk

January is often sold as a “fresh start”, but for many families it feels anything but.
In this episode, Ashley explores why January can be emotionally and behaviourally challenging for children, teens, and parents — and why this doesn’t mean anything has gone wrong.
Using child development and brain science, this episode reframes January as a nervous-system recovery period, not a time for pressure or perfection.
In this episode, we cover:
Why children’s nervous systems don’t “reset” after the holidays

How stress hormones and tired brains affect behaviour

Why emotions often show up before words

Why January is particularly tough for teens

How adult expectations can unintentionally increase pressure

Practical takeaways:
How to spot when behaviour is coming from overload, not defiance

Why gentler routines help children settle faster

Simple ways to support emotional safety during transitions

What parents can do when January feels heavy for everyone

Key reminder:
January isn’t a failure.
It’s a biologically and developmentally demanding time for growing brains.
🎧 Share this episode with a parent who feels like they’re “behind” this month — they’re not.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings
00:51 Why January Feels Harder
02:00 The Myth of the Fresh Start
03:57 Brain Development and January Struggles
07:13 Why January Is Harder for Teens
11:02 Behavioural Changes and Communication
13:40 Supporting Kids and Teens in January
19:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Find all the resources in our Listeners Lounge
https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/lounge
Useful Links
Sign up to our newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/240667/93026367927485942/share
Get “A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Resilient Kid”: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739302605
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resilientkiduk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresilientkid
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientkid
Pinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/resilientacademy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theresilientkid957
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ashley-costello
Website: https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk

How do we cultivate motivation at any age? In this episode of the Resilient Kid Podcast, Ashley Costello explores how to foster motivation in children, teens, and adults. She dives into what drives motivation, including intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and offers strategies to create environments that inspire curiosity, play, identity, and belonging. Special attention is given to supporting neurodivergent minds and the role of community in keeping motivation alive. You’ll leave with practical tips to encourage purposeful action across all stages of life.
You’ll Hear
The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
How motivation develops and changes from childhood through adulthood
Practical strategies for motivating younger children
Approaches for supporting teens in finding purpose and engagement
Tips for adults to maintain drive and progress in personal and professional goals
How neurodivergent minds experience motivation differently
The importance of community and connection in sustaining motivation
Real-life examples and actionable tips for every age group
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and Podcast Overview
01:10 – Understanding Motivation: A Recap
02:50 – Motivation Across Different Ages
03:08 – Motivating Younger Children
05:38 – Motivating Teens
09:42 – Motivation in Adults
12:02 – Neurodivergence and Motivation
24:35 – The Power of Community and Connection
28:12 – Real-Life Examples and Practical Tips
35:53 – Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Find all the resources in our Listeners Lounge
https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/lounge
Useful Links
Sign up to our newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/240667/93026367927485942/share
Get “A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Resilient Kid” Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739302605
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resilientkiduk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresilientkid
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientkid
Pinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/resilientacademy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theresilientkid957
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ashley-costello
Website: https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk
Join Our Community
We’re building a space where parents, teachers, and coaches can support each other and share tools to help kids thrive. Visit our Facebook group or reach out if you’d like to get involved in creating stronger, motivated communities for children, teens, and adults alike.