Just Pay Attention! (and other things we say that aren’t always helpful)

As adults (especially parents and teachers), we play a significantly important role in helping kids develop their internal dialogue and sense of self - am I smart? do I fit in? can I do hard things?

Kids face a tremendous amount of pressure to be really good at a lot of things (almost everything) when they’re in school, AND they’re asked to do this within a very specific learning model. But for kids who struggle with aspects of attention, these demands can start to feel really, really hard.

This presentation explores common behaviours that develop with attentional challenges and provides strategies that parents and teachers can use to help.

Colleen McLean, MSW RSW 

Colleen grew up in a family of teachers and has always been interested in the relationship between mental health and education.

Colleen spent most of her undergrad doing educational assessments and language recovery programs, and she is excited to share information about the systems of neurodevelopment.

She is the owner and clinical director of Sound Youth Counselling.