Child Contact Centre Awareness Week: Myths and Truths
It’s Child Contact Centre Awareness Week in Scotland and in Europe. For those who are unaware of what a child contact centre does, Pauline Nimmo addresses some common myths and truths to shed more light. Myths Child Contact Centres are full of junkies, paedophiles and alcoholics. CCC are not full of ‘junkies, paedophiles…
Read MoreIs it time to take the time to talk?
Today is Time to Talk Day, it’s a great day to make sure you take some time out to talk to others about what matters to you. Talking is such a simple task, we do it every day, often without thinking, but how often do you talk meaningfully and how often does someone listen to…
Read MoreConsidering the child’s view in mediation
Many of us may remember times when children were expected to be seen and not heard. Children were expected to do as they were told and were simply not asked for their opinions. Decisions about them were made without consultation. Nothing could be further from current thinking. Thirty years ago, the concept of “custody” was…
Read MoreWhat if the solution was to try mediation?
When a couple split up, what is the first thing that goes through your mind? It might be about what will happen to the kids. Maybe there will be money worries. Anyone who has been close to a friend or family member going through a separation knows it is a stressful time. There are lots…
Read MoreParents can have a Vital Role in Supporting their Children’s Mental Health
TV, newspapers and social media posts constantly highlight the current mental health crisis amongst young people. Every day we read distressing stories about young people self-harming or ending their life because of harassment and bullying. It can be overwhelming for parents as they try to help their children navigate a different world than they themselves…
Read MoreMeaningful relationships are beneficial to mental health
Relationships, family, and our drive to connect with others is a fundamental human need. These are seen as base level necessities and take prominence in pioneering psychologist Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. They are second only to the physiological needs of oxygen, food, and sleep. Maslow’s pyramid demonstrates that without fulfilling the base layers of…
Read MoreThe Power of Pets – National Pet Day
Nearly half of all adults in Scotland own a pet and with around 5.5 million people in Scotland that’s a lot of pets! The benefits of having a pet in your life are many and wide reaching and when you think about those individual benefits, they are all markers for good mental health. Exercise: many…
Read More10 Free things to do with children in Scotland
With Easter Holiday beginning and the Summer on its way we thought it would be a good idea to round up the ten best free family days out in Scotland. Hopefully there is something for everyone here: National Museum of Scotland – Edinburgh With thousands of amazing objects across multiple galleries, the Museum offers you…
Read MoreHow can I support my child going to counselling?
If your child has is having counselling, it can cause difficult feelings for you, and you may not know how to approach the subject or know what to say during this time. This guide has been written to help parents navigate this time and has been written with input from young people. Children and Young…
Read MoreHow everyone can make this Valentine’s a special day
For many couples, Valentine’s Day is not taken very seriously and is often viewed as an overly commercialised and cynical event designed to make us spend money that we can ill afford. This, perhaps understandable reaction fails, however, to make the most of an opportunity for couples to take a little time to remember that…
Read MoreChristmas – festive joy or family conflict?
Leading relationship support charity gives top tips on surviving a family Christmas The festive period is supposed to be a magical time full of goodwill and kindness, but for many it can be extremely fraught, often resulting in conflict. Stress, financial worries and the pressures of expectation can all add to the turmoil, creating strain…
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