It is okay to stop and ask: “What is my priority right now?” Is it a specific grade, or is it my child’s mental health? You are your child’s best advocate. You can understand the school’s perspective while still setting boundaries that protect your child’s nervous system.

When a child is in a survival state, the brain is prioritising safety - not reasoning, learning, or cooperation - so no amount of lecturing, problem-solving, or consequences will work to calm them. The nervous system just needs to feel safe again.