By Dr Maria Hadji-Michael (Clinical Psychologist) Have you ever wondered why some things feel so hard or easy? Whether it is school, friends, social life, revision or exams — being a teenager can feel like juggling ten things at once. Maybe you find it hard to focus, forget what the teacher just said, or feel...
A few months back, it was a lovely surprise to come across this old photo when clearing my parents’ house. For it captures such happy memories from a time which was so pivotal on the journey to now. And my mum and dad look so proud (they even arrived on time that day!). These photos...
today I met my younger self for coffee. perched at a bench, her legs dangled down, not even nearly reaching the floor. i ordered a herbal tea and she asked if she could have a milkshake (“I am too little for coffee!”). i could see that she had been helped to get ready for our...
I very much appreciated receiving a card this morning scribed with the words, ‘To the best mother I ever had’. This has been a recurring phrase on the Mother’s Day cards I have received over the years! Mothering Sunday was always a special day when I was growing up as I was also born in...
In April, my company Speros Consulting Limited was five! And a bit like having my own children, I can’t quite recall a time before it existed. Despite the many challenges back in 2020, I was laser focused upon the difference I knew my way of working was making for young people and their families, and...
BY SUSANNA PINKUS ‘The quieter you become, the more you can hear’ is a phrase which underpinned much of my approach to 2024. Having lost my amazing parents a very short time just before, and after years of working at full speed, this was a year for reflection, shifting foundations, and rebalancing my heart and...
BY SUSANNA PINKUS I am often asked for ways to support young children’s learning and skills when they are struggling at school. But rather than add even more supports in before and after school, I prefer (where possible) to weave the more formal interventions into the school day. Home is therefore preserved as a sanctuary,...
BY SUSANNA PINKUS ‘Someone needs to do something, and that someone could be me’. ‘You are being presented with two options: evolve or repeat’. ‘It is very hard to compete with people who absolutely love what they do’. ‘The more you smile, the faster you will go’. ‘No outrageous results without outrageous attempts’ ‘Ultimately, stay...
BY SUSANNA PINKUS I came across this photo recently (from circa 1977). Even as this little girl, I remember instinctively seeing and feeling children struggling at school and trying quietly to help. It is hard to explain really but I could just sense what was going on. And as I got a bit older, sometimes...
BY SUSANNA PINKUS I know this looks like a dog. But to me, this is not just a dog ❤️. Rather, I think of Woody as my four-legged wingman in life. He is the best friend and shadow that I never knew I needed. As well as being by my side during times of great happiness,...
