The Parent Toolbox

Mother with her arm on her daughter, calming her down

Why "Calm Down" Doesn't Work (And What Your Child's Brain Needs Instead)

By Aimee F | B.PSYCH.SC. | HONS (IN PROGRESS) • April 12, 2026
If you have ever said "calm down" to a child in the middle of a meltdown, you already know it doesn't work. What you might not know is why - and why knowing the why completely changes what you do instead.
A child seen from behind wearing a tan shirt and a yellow backpack featuring a cartoon animal face.

"I Don't Want to Go": What's Actually Happening in Your Child's Brain on School Mornings

By Aimee F | B.PSYCH.SC. | HONS (IN PROGRESS) • April 8, 2026
School Refusal? What's Actually Happening in Your Child's Brain on School Mornings

Want tools, not just articles?

Daniel's Diaries gives your child a way to understand their own brain - and gives you a shared language to work with them.