ParentTV: From behaviour to belonging: Tiny shifts to turn meltdowns into moments of connection

October 1, 2025

If classrooms feel a little heavier as we head into Term 4, you’re not imagining it. Big feelings, tired brains and tricky behaviour are common as the year wears on. The encouraging news is that small, consistent nudges at home can noticeably improve regulation, attention and relationships at school.

Below are five simple, trauma-aware practices you can share with families. They require no new programs, just everyday moments, done a little differently.

1) Name it to tame it (30 seconds)

When emotions surge, kids lose access to their “thinking brain.”

Try: “I can see your body is telling me this is hard. I’m here.”

Label the feeling, offer calm presence, and circle back to problem-solving once everyone’s settled.

Want to know more about this strategy? Check out the video link below on ParentTV.

2) Create an after-school “landing” (10 minutes)
School uses up a lot of coping fuel. Suggest a predictable routine snack → quiet → movement before homework or sport. Consistency beats complexity, and nervous systems love rituals.

3) Repair beats perfect
If you do get it wrong just remember all families rupture; strong ones repair. A three-step micro-script helps:

“I’m sorry for my part.”
“Here’s what I’ll try next time.”
“How can we make this right together?”

4) Sleep is the secret sauce
Gentle cues like dim lights an hour before bed, devices parked outside bedrooms, and same-time lights-out even on weekends lift mood, memory and self-control across the school day.

5) Screens with a purpose
Invite families to pick a “why” before a device goes on (learn, create, connect, relax). When the “why” is done, screens go off. It’s easier to follow a purpose than a timer.

If you’re looking for ready-made, parent-friendly resources that model these ideas, there are short, expert-led videos available through ParentTV, used by schools across Australia. They’re bite-sized (3–5 minutes), practical and non-judgemental ideal for embedding in school newsletters or portals.

If you are interested in giving one ago feel free to share the below image and link from Maggie Dent in your next newsletter: