It’s been another busy and heart-filling month at Happy Confident Kids, everyday we are so grateful we get to do this. From on boarding new Kids Confidence Coaches to seeing even more of the real-world impact of our tools across the UK, we are more committed than ever to bringing “the light” to children’s (and the people that support them) lives.

Training Our First Glimmer Seeker Trainers

Yesterday was a huge milestone: we trained our very first coaches to become Official Glimmer Seeker Trainers. Which means they can now deliver locally our Glimmer Seeker Training.

During one of the training session, Laura spoke about the powerful role that adults—teachers, staff, and coaches—play in a child’s world. Often, these supporters don’t realise that a simple act of kindness can change a child’s entire trajectory.

Laura shared a moving story about a teen client who found strength in a decade-old memory of a primary school teacher, you can read the full, heart-warming story of that session here:

CRT Trails: Impact Across the UK

We are also thrilled to share that our partnership with the Canal & River Trust (CRT) is growing. We have been working on even more trails, and it has been wonderful to see the results of CRT delivering these well-being sessions across the UK.

By taking our techniques “In the Wild,” we are helping kids connect with nature while building the emotional literacy they need to thrive.

Whether it’s a walk by the water or a quiet moment of presence, these sessions are proving that the right environment—coupled with the right tools—makes all the difference. Read more about the power of being present here and how it can help you:

Exam Confidence: Help Learners Thrive

With exam season approaching, a quick reminder about our Exam Confidence Masterclass.

If your a teacher and want to support your students “en masse,” let us know! We can set up these workshops for entire schools or year groups, equipping students with simple, independent techniques to self-regulate and stay calm during their SATs, GCSEs, or A-Levels. It’s about giving them the confidence to show what they truly know without the weight of anxiety.

Be the Difference

If you would like to learn amazing skills that make a real difference to kids or need support from our amazing network of Confidence Coaches please get in touch.

Warmly,

The Happy Confident Kids Head Office Team (Miranda and Laura)

A 'Glimmer' is the opposite of a trigger—it’s a small moment of joy that cues our nervous system to feel safe and connected.

People who support children—teachers, coaches, staff—often have no idea how much benefit their simplest actions bring. It reminded me of a coaching session I had with a teenager who has faced challenges no child should ever have to endure. They were going through daily challenges and navigating a world where many things were out of their control.

Together we were exploring times they felt safe, which for them had been rarely. Thinking about it they smiled, my client’s entire posture shifted. Their face lit up as they travelled back to a point in time at primary school.

They told me about a day they had fallen asleep in class. Instead of a reprimand, their teacher recognised a child who simply needed peace. The teacher created a quiet space for them to rest, and when they woke up, there was a hot chocolate and something to eat, waiting for them.

They remembered this kindness and warmth years after leaving primary.

Using our Happy Confident Kids techniques, I helped this young person really “step back” into that memory, immersing them in that long-ago warmth to help them navigate their world today, and feel safe. Giving them a tool they could use to do this whenever they needed it.

It’s amazing how years later, we can use that one moment of safety, to create a lifeline today. When we teach kids how to return to these moments of calm, we give them a tool for resilience that lasts a lifetime.

It was a profound reminder: You might be the one person bringing light for a child.

Our mission (well one of them) is to give every adult who supports children, tools to support both themselves and those around them.

Our Glimmer Seeker Training is now open to anyone who supports children in any capacity—parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors. Learn the skills to help kids find their light, even in dark times.

Contact us for more information.

Be the difference.

Kiran mentioned how she used to view art. She’d walk through a gallery, glance at a painting, read the tag, and just... move on. But since being around my brother (an artist), she’s learned to “actively participate” in the art. She lingers. She feels it. And the mental health benefits of that shift have been massive.

It made me realise that I’ve gone through the exact same transformation—not with a canvas, but with NATURE.

The Power of Active Noticing

Through our work helping people connect with the outdoors, I’ve accidentally cured my own “nature blindness.” I used to just drive through the world; now, I’m in it.

I find myself pointing out the specific shades of the sky to my kids while we’re in the car. I’ll stop—actually stop—to smell a flower or just pause and breathe when the light hits the trees a certain way.

Why the “Right Now” Matters

When you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed, your brain is usually living in the “what ifs” of the future or the “if only” of the past. Nature is the ultimate anchor. It only ever exists in the right here and now.

By noticing the small things, we pull ourselves back into the present. It’s a simple circuit-breaker for stress, and the best part? It’s accessible to everyone, anywhere.

Your Weekend “Present Moment” Challenge

If you’re looking for a reset this weekend, you don’t need a mountain range or a forest. You just need to look.

• The Morning Look-Out: When you wake up, open the window and look as far into the distance as you can. It literally widens your perspective.

• The City Hack: If you’re in a city centre, find that one pocket of green. And yes, go ahead and hug the tree! It sounds “woo-woo” until you feel how grounded it makes you.

• The Commuter’s Eye: Even if you’re stuck in traffic, look at the clouds. Look for the birds. See what you can spot that you usually ignore.

• The Gallery Shortcut: If you’re in a city pop into a free museum. Research shows that even looking at paintings of nature—especially water—can lower your cortisol.

  (there are over 200 admission free museums and galleries in the UK).

Nature and art aren’t just things to look at; they are things to experience. Take a moment this weekend to just be. I promise you’ll feel the benefits.

We’ve been busy running several “In the Wild” sessions lately, and they’ve served as a powerful reminder of how important it is to get outside in nature—even when it’s raining! Speaking of which, it was wonderful to see so many of you join us Canalside at Westport Lake.

🌿 Urban Nature & Digital Detox in Walsall

The In the Wild sessions along the canal are always a huge reminder of how vital these “slim” nature spaces are, especially in urban settings. We loved meeting so many families and seeing their joy as they discovered nature right on their doorsteps—nature they didn’t even know was there!

It was particularly lovely to see families de-tech (zero phones) and truly engage with one another in the moment.

Note: All of our current Canal & River Trust Family Wellbeing sessions are fully booked, but watch this space. We will be launching more dates very soon.

🗺️ New Wellbeing Trails Launched!

We’ve launched several more Family Wellbeing Trail as part of our ongoing partnership with the Canal and River Trust since we last messaged. These are designed to help you slow down and connect as a family at your own pace:

• [Download your Wellbeing Trail Maps here]

🎓 Setting Up for Exam Success

Laura recently ran a session for West Coventry Academy to support students during this high-pressure season. The feedback has been incredible; we always love hearing about the immediate impact our tools have on children (and their teachers, too!).

Help your teen stay calm and confident: You can sign up your young person for our Exam Confidence Masterclass for just £25. It’s available online so you can watch it whenever you need.

Sign up here

🛠️ Putting Our Tools into Practice

Speaking of our tools, I’ve been putting them into practice myself this month. One of my own children has been going through a bit of a challenge ahead of an overnight school trip, and it’s been a timely reminder that these techniques are for us parents just as much as the kids.

I’ve written a short piece about our experience and how we use our “toolkit” to handle whatever life throws at us, even in stormy waters:

💭 We’d love to hear from you...

What would you like to hear more about next month? Hit reply and let us know!

With love and glimmers, The Happy Confident Kids Team

It doesn’t have to be that way.

We’ve been running some incredible Exam Support Workshops in secondary schools recently, and the feedback from the students has been amazing.

Train Like a Champion

If it’s good enough for the greats, it’s good enough for GCSEs and A-Levels!

Cristiano Ronaldo, Chloe Kelly, Jonny Wilkinson… these legends don’t just “hope” when they kick the ball. They see it, feel it, and believe it before they even move. They’ve trained their bodies to stay calm and focused in the biggest stadiums.

We teach young people to do the exact same thing with their exam papers. ✨

“The tools were original and 100% useful. For me personally, they were super helpful for life challenges.” — Warwick University Psychology Student

“You can tell they were really engaged and really thinking about it. Some really useful techniques for the kids” — West Coventry Academy Teaching Staff, listen to full feedback here:

The Secret Weapon: Your “Mental Movie”

The truth is, most of us are already “visualising”—we’re just not doing it the right way around!. Have you ever dreaded a tough meeting or a social event and spent the whole morning “rehearsing” everything that could go wrong? You felt your heart speed up just thinking about it, right?

That is the Mind-Body Connection in action. It’s a superpower. And we show teens how to flip the switch in a positive way. A really great way we can also access calm, when we need it, is with mindful breathing and here is a really simple technique:

Help them walk in tall and walk out proud 🌟

Give your teen the mental edge they deserve. Our Exam Confidence Masterclass is designed to be easy, encouraging, and effective.

Investment: £25
Access: Online & On-Demand (Watch whenever they need a boost)

Click here to grab their spot in the Masterclass

A few weeks ago Miranda and I travelled to the bustling town of Walsall in the Black Country. It’s a vibrant, busy urban landscape where opportunities to truly “get into nature” can feel few and far between. We were there to deliver a Let’s Go Outdoors workshop in partnership with the Canal & River Trust, proudly sponsored by Sport England.

💧 Connection at the Water’s Edge

Weeks before we even arrived, the workshops were fully booked. This spoke volumes: urban families are hungry for opportunities to connect with the outdoors and reclaim their local canal spaces.

As the sun broke through the clouds, the water began to sparkle, and so did the mood. It was incredible to watch families—whom many spend most of their time navigated by concrete and traffic—instantly soften as they connected with the environment.

Some highlights from the day:

• Wildlife Spotting: Children became mini-explorers, delighting in spotting Canadian geese and nesting moorhens.

• Quality Connection: Parents and kids threw themselves into towpath activities, learning new wellbeing skills side-by-side.

• Urban Glimmers: We captured some beautiful “glimmers” (tiny moments of joy) from our participants:

🌧️ Rain or Shine: The Resilience of Play

One of my personal highlights was seeing how nature builds resilience. During our second workshop, the sky turned grey and the heavens opened.

In many settings, a heavy downpour would end the fun. But here? The children didn’t even notice. They were so deep in their flow—creating arts and crafts and laughing—that the rain just became part of the adventure. It proved a powerful point: Getting outside, whatever the weather, is a game-changer for happiness.

📍 Visit the Walsall Wellbeing Trail

Whether you live in a leafy suburb or the middle of the city, your local canal is a sanctuary waiting to be discovered.

Want to try it yourself? You can now experience our Self-Led Wellbeing Trail at Walsall Basin. It’s free, grounding, and the perfect way to find your own “glimmers”.

A huge thank you to all the families who braved the weather to join us at Westport Lake in Stoke-on-Trent. Running these sessions always brings us so many glimmers*, but a few moments really stood out this time. Including:

• A robin that stopped by the workshop and brought joy to those around it.

• A Dad smiling seeing how much his son enjoyed the session, even in the rain.

• A Granny taking her time and loving doing the mud painting, seeing her have such joy in something so simple.

Here are some glimmers from the families that joined us:

*tiny moments of joy

It was a beautiful reminder that being in nature with family is an incredibly powerful and FREE way of building connections and creating core memories that last a lifetime.

The best part? This is something we can all do, no matter where we are. Canals are amazing nature spaces available in even the most urbans of places in the UK.

📍 Try Our Self-Led Wellbeing Trail!

If you’re looking for a free, grounding activity to do with your family, you can now experience our Self-Led Wellbeing Trail at Westport Lake.

I actually took my own family along the route when we were surveying it, and we absolutely loved it. It’s a fantastic way to slow down and explore the lakeside together.

How to get involved:

• Download the Map: Click link for all our trails with Canal & River Trust, see a sneak peak below

• Explore: Follow the trail at your own pace.

• Share: We’d love to hear what you think of the NEW trail! Tag us and share any GLIMMERS you find along the way. ✨

One of my children has been struggling deeply with overwhelm, in advance of going on an overnight school trip and also changes in her emotions as she grows-up. Worries have been building and building until she feels like she’s ready to explode. It is incredibly hard to witness your child in distress, but we’ve been working through it together, bolstered by the invaluable support of Laura, our Head Kids Confidence Coach.

One tool that has truly transformed things for her is looking for GLIMMERS (those small bursts of everyday joy). By focusing on the "here and now," she is practising leaning into what is good right now, rather than worrying about what might go wrong later.

The Progress We’re Seeing

We are seeing so many positive changes. She is identifying her feelings more clearly and becoming much more open with us. Most importantly, she is happier in herself and has started saying “I’m sorry” after a tough moment—which, for her, is an absolute milestone.

Tools That Are Keeping Us Grounded

If you are navigating a similar season of “big feelings,” these are the tools that are really helping us:

• The Power of Co-Regulation: I constantly remind myself that my calm becomes her calm. If I can keep my nervous system steady, it gives her a safe place to land. Mindful breathing really helps me with this—taking just three slow breaths can be the difference between reacting and responding.

• Acknowledge Feelings: Instead of trying to shut the feelings down, we validate them. Acknowledging that the feeling is real helps it pass so much faster. It lets her know she isn’t “bad” for having big emotions; she’s just overwhelmed.

• Highlight the Moments of Calm (Not the Explosion): It is so easy to focus on the “meltdown,” but its so powerful to shift that focus. When she is playing quietly or we are sharing a snuggle, I help her to recognise that skill and feeling, so that she can remember what calm feels like and know that it is something that she can get in touch with.

• Time for You: You cannot pour from an empty cup. Whether it’s a five-minute walk alone, a hot cup of tea, or just stepping into another room to reset, making time for your own regulation isn’t selfish—it’s a parenting essential.

Using “Calm Narratives”

We often spend so much time talking about the “explosions” that the quiet moments go unnoticed. By narrating the calm, we help our children recognise what peace feels like in their own bodies.

Give it a go saying these out loud during the peaceful windows:

• “I can see how relaxed your shoulders look right now. It feels really peaceful just sitting here with you.”

• “Your breathing is so nice and steady. You look very comfortable.”

• “I love how we are both just enjoying this quiet moment together. My heart feels very happy.”

• “I noticed how you took a big breath there. It’s amazing how that helps our bodies feel safe.”

Struggling to find the Glimmers?

If you’re currently in the thick of the “explosion” phase and finding it hard to see a way out, you aren’t alone. We’ve put everything we know about navigating these storms into one place.

👉 Join our Meltdown Masterclass here – Let’s find the calm together

👉 Contact us for information about our amazing Kids Confidence Coaches

Back to School (and Back to Nature)

Laura and I kicked off the year with an amazing teacher training day at Alderbrook. It was such a joy to work with so many educators, showcasing our award-winning “In the Wild” skills and the power of outdoor learning.

What stood out most was the impact on the teachers’ own well-being. Despite it being a bit crisp (and even snowing), the power of nature combined with our well-being tools grounded everyone. There was so much laughter and so many smiles. One teacher even shared in their feedback:

"I loved how peaceful it was and how kind the staff were. I have been using my glimmer book everyday since the Inset day with my family! It’s brought us altogether at the end of our days to share small moments of joy as one, it’s so nice to reflect on our days-despite if it wasn’t all joyful. Thank you for introducing me to glimmers!"

You can read more about it here:

Exploring Our New Trails & Workshops

Our project with the Canal & River Trust continues to grow! We have several new trails that have just gone live:

• Manchester,

• Birmingham

• Foxton Locks

• Trent Lock

• Westport Lake

• Devizes Wharf

• Tower Hamlets

• Gloucester Docks

Download MAPS here

• Free Workshops: Canal & River Trust team are currently running FREE family wellbeing sessions, packed with our tools in:

  • Walsall, Westport Lake, Trent Lock, Gloucester Docks and Stanley Locks (one of my favourites) in Liverpool. Get your spot here

  • If your interested in our FREE school workshops with the Canal & River please email us.

Big News: New Confidence Coaches

In December, we began training a brand-new Confidence Coach based in Spain! She will be providing online coaching for children globally. If you feel your child needs a little extra support, our three week programme are designed to provide immediate, life-changing tools. Watch this space next month, for a spotlight on TWO new Kids Confidence Coaches.

One of Coach Laura’s secondary school leaners is feeling much happier and calmer, and now consistently coming into school - go Laura!

Our coaches have been supporting many children in our sessions, who after returning to school from the Christmas break have been finding themselves stuck in “Fight or flight mode”, read more about this here and some Coaching Tips to do at home:

Two Simple Tips for a Mindset Shift

There is a lot of pressure in January to “fix” everything with resolutions. Instead, we recommend two tiny daily habits that make a massive difference:

1. The 5-Minute Reset: Find five minutes for yourself, get outside in nature, and practice “mindful-breathing.” It’s the fastest way to signal safety to your nervous system. Below is an amazing mindfulness tool we use to access calm, keep an open mind, find a quiet space somewhere comfy and give this a go and take some time out for you:

1. Practice “Glimmer Seeking”: This is a game-changer for kids and adults alike. It’s the intentional practice of looking for tiny moments of joy. It actually retrains your brain to look for the positive instead of scanning for stress.

Here is some inspiration from our Teacher Training day:

Let’s Connect

If you’d like to know more about becoming a kids coach or any of our coaching sessions, please get in touch. Let’s make this the month we reset together, with that in mind what glimmer* did you have today? I had a few today, but one was my daughter going into school with a spring in her step.

*tiny moment of joy

Our coaches have been supporting children in our sessions who after returning to school after the Christmas break have been finding themselves stuck in “Fight or flight mode” Getting stuck in this survival response can be both draining for the child involved and their families…..

What is ‘Fight or Flight’?

It’s a survival instinct designed to save us from physical harm—like running from a predator. While we aren’t being chased by lions today, our bodies can react to a school stressor or a sensory overload in the exact same way, which can be unhelpful.

When a child (or parent) is stuck in a state of fight or flight long-term, it feels like:

• Hyper-Vigilance: Always being “on guard.” You jump at loud noises or get easily startled by shadows.

• Brain Fog: Feeling “spaced out” or finding it impossible to make simple decisions.

• Emotional Fragility: Feeling like you are “walking on eggshells” or that you’re one small inconvenience away from a total meltdown.

• Total Exhaustion: Being in fight or flight is physically draining. When the adrenaline wears off, you feel a heavy, bone-deep tiredness.

When we see our children’s well-being shift, our instinct is to “fix” it immediately. But that internal pressure can push us into overwhelm, causing us to react rather than respond. If you feel like you’re in the “pit” right now, I see you. Here are three things to helping us find our way back to the surface:

1. Be the Calm Anchor ⚓

It sounds cliché, but you cannot co-regulate a child if you are dysregulated yourself. Taking five minutes for yourself or spending time in nature isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifeline. You don’t need the perfect “parenting script” or all the answers. Sometimes, simply being a quiet, safe presence in the middle of their storm is the most powerful thing you can do.

So keep an open mind, find a quiet space somewhere comfy and give this a go and take some time out for you:

2. Celebrate the Calm

Small wins are actually huge milestones. Recently, I watched the physical signs of worry building in my daughter’s body. Instead of spiralling, she took herself off to bounce on a trampette—releasing that pent-up energy all on her own.

I acknowledged it by asking, “Does it feel better to let that energy out?” When she nodded, I told her she did an amazing job finding her calm. Shifting our focus to these moments of calm—helps retrain ours and our kids brains to look for safety instead of just scanning for the next explosion.

3. Play it Out 🎭

When kids are in a survival loop, “talking about feelings” can feel like an interrogation. We’ve been using role-play instead. Watching my daughter “coach” a toy through a worry was a total lightbulb moment for her. By helping a character, she was actually teaching herself how to cope. You can do this by having a teddy practice “finger breathing” or letting a doll talk about its “big feelings.”

Need a hand getting out of the pit? 💛

For some January can feel heavy— We have lots of ways to help, if you or your child needs a reset:

• The Meltdown Masterclass: An online, on-demand session for when you need tools now. Practical, accessible, and designed for real-life chaos.

• Glimmer Seeker Training: A two-part boost. First, we help you find your own footing, then we teach you the exact tools to coach your child through big emotions - email to find out more: hello@happyconfidentkids.com

• One-to-One Coaching: Our amazing coaches (UK & Overseas) work directly with children age 4 to 18, to give them immediate tools for school and home.

Remember if you are having a tough time, this is just a moment in time - tough moments may feel permanent, it helps to remember that those moments will pass and better moments will come again. Spotting glimmers (the tiny moments of joy in everyday) are a great way to do this, what glimmer did you have today?

When we initially coach teachers and begin the conversation about how to maintain self care, we often hear the same thing:

“Self-care sounds great, but it feels impossible. I just don’t have the time.”

Let’s look at this from a different perspective;

The Rescue Dilemma 🌊

Imagine a child is struggling in a fast-flowing river. What is the most effective way to help?

• Option A: Jump in blindly.

• Option B: Throw them a life ring.

Take a second to really think about that.

If you jump in without a plan, you risk becoming a second victim. If you are “drowning” in stress, exhaustion, and burnout, you cannot effectively pull anyone else to safety. To be the life ring for your students, you have to stay afloat yourself.

The “Power of Five” Strategy 🖐️

Self-care doesn’t have to mean a weekend at a spa or an hour of meditation. We’ve seen a radical shift in the educators we coach by using the Power of Five.

It’s a simple mindset tweak that changes everything:

1. Set a “ Take 5 Alarm”: Pick one time during your day that is yours. ( imagine if you booked a doctors appointment you would stick to it . Give this time that same importance)

2. Take 5: When that alarm goes off, give yourself exactly five minutes. No marking, no emails, no “quick questions.”

   Coaching tip. This time maybe in the car before heading into school or that little window before starting the engine and heading home.

3. Reset: Breathe, stretch, or simply sit in the silence.

Ready to Stop Treading Water?

Teachers and educators deserve more than just “getting by.” You deserve to thrive. We dive deep into these practical nervous-system resets in our Glimmer Seeker Masterclass, which can be provided both online and face to face, send us an email for more info.

We help kids—and the grown-ups who support them—find their way back to solid ground. Follow us for more strategies on educator welfare.

Earlier today, I was out walking and took a moment to just stop and “stretch my eyes” by looking into the distance. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a rainbow poking through the clouds (you can see it sneaking through on the left if you look carefully). If I hadn’t taken that moment, I would have missed it entirely. It was a beautiful reminder of why we need to look up.

Community and Connection at Alderbrook

On Monday, Laura and I headed to Alderbrook School, in Solihull, to run “In the Wild” sessions for a teacher training day. It was an incredible atmosphere—I love how Alderbrook brings together educators from the school and all their feeder primaries. Seeing a whole community of educators coming together sharing ideas and growing together is really special.

We ran two packed sessions, showcasing our tools for bringing nature into learning. But what struck me most was the immediate, visible positive impact the session had on the educators themselves.

“The others staff thought we were crazy coming outside today, but you know what it feels fantastic I’ve loved it. I can already think of so many of our students who would really benefit from these sessions” Primary School Staff Member

A few Glimmers* from the session participants.

(*tiny moments of joy)

Filling Your Own Cup

Like many parents I recently had two weeks off with my family, which was wonderful, but as many parents and caregivers know, holidays aren’t always “restful.” I arrived at the session feeling drained. To make matters worse, “work mode” brain had kicked in the night before, leaving me with only about two hours of sleep.

I felt like I was running on empty. But then:

• I stepped onto the school grounds and felt the crunch of ice under my feet.

• The sun was shining down through the crisp air.

• I took a few deep breaths and felt an instant shift.

Nature has an incredible way of recharging us when we most need it.

Why Does It Feel So Good?

In our sessions, we often ask why nature is good for us. People mention the immune system, Vitamin D, or just feeling “happier.” But one of the most powerful reasons is evolutionary.

For the vast majority of human history, we lived entirely outdoors. It is only in very recent history that we’ve spent the bulk of our lives inside four walls. We didn’t just “decide” to like nature; we evolved in it. When we step outside, our brains and bodies recognise they are “home.”

Nature Snacking

So if you do one thing for yourself this week, find time for a nature snack. Even just 10 minutes a day can have a massive impact on your mental and physical health. Step outside, look at the horizon, stretch your eyes, and keep your ears open. You never know what you might spot when you actually take the time to look.

If your looking for some inspiration check out our Family Wellbeing Trails across the UK for the Canal & River Trust.

and to Become an In the Wild leader please get in touch.

Taking a moment to pause is so important. When you’ve been “pushing” through a busy five-week sprint, it’s easy to lose sight of what you’ve actually achieved. When we reflect back it helps us to to recognise our progress, and remind us of just how far we have come.

🌊 Making Waves with the Canal & River Trust

We’ve been making incredible strides in our partnership with the Canal & River Trust. We’ve officially launched maps in

• Manchester

• Birmingham

• Foxton Locks

• Trent Lock

• Westport Lake

• Devizes Wharf

• Tower Hamlets

You can find out more and download the trails here.

• Trailblazers: A huge shout-out to Coaches Rosie, Luke and Anna, who have been instrumental in developing our new trails across the UK.

• Family Feedback: Coach Anna recently visited Ellesmere Port and she loved exploring the area with her family…

• Coach Network: It’s been a joy to provide this extra work to our network of coaches. Many have shared how much they love being by the canal—which is a new and memorable experience for some.

Read More: Why does being by the canal make us feel so good? Check out Laura’s latest article on the power of “Blue Spaces.”, and how you can access this feeling too…

✨ Glimmers of Impact

Other glimmers we have had this month include our coaching team, continuing to do amazing work helping children and young people. Laura has been busy supporting some young people who have been out of school for a while, find their way back into the classroom, with amazing results and it was great hearing feedback from students at a Careers Day that Laura attended, where all the students loved the tools she shared with them:

🎄 A Mindset Shift for the Holidays

If you’re feeling the “Christmas overwhelm” already—the mounting laundry, the endless to-do lists, the social calendar—try this simple reframe that helps me:

Switch “I’ve got to” to “I get to.”

• “I get to do the Christmas shop.”

• “I get to prep this meal.”

It’s a small shift that flips the pressure into a privilege and helps spin the holiday stress on its head. Give it a go and let us know how you get on…

Other articles from our Substack this month, for more support:

🎁 Exclusive Offers & New Opportunities

1. Special Christmas Offer: Start your 2026 with a boost. Grab our Live “Online Meltdown Masterclass Workshop” for just £5 (normally £45) if you book before the end of the year, use code: thrive2026

2. Join the Team in 2026: Are you looking for a meaningful way to help kids and their support systems next year? We are looking for even more new Coaches, to join our ever growing network.

• Interested? Drop us an email and we’ll send you our “Coach Roadmap” to show you how it all works.

Wishing you all an amazing Christmas and a brilliant New Year. Thank you for being part of our journey this year!

Happy Christmas,

Miranda and Laura

Ellesmere Port is a fascinating place where history literally sits on the water. Here are the highlights from Anna’s survey that make this route a “must-explore” for local families:

🏗️ Where History Meets the Water

The trail is steeped in the story of the Industrial Revolution. Walking past the National Waterways Museum (the old Boat Museum), you can almost hear the echoes of the Victorian dockworkers.

We walked under beautiful historic bridges and loved the vibrant graffiti art that brings a splash of modern color to the historic towpaths.

The canal is also a corridor for nature, where we saw plenty of canal boats gliding by and local birds enjoying the quiet stretches.

🌲 The Gear Shift: From Towpath to Woodland

One of the most amazing parts of this route is the transition. Most of the walk is on an easy, accessible footpath—perfect for strollers and little legs. But then, you hit the woodland area, and the water meets the wild energy of the trees.

We spent ages building dens and testing our balance on the low branches.

🧘 Why This Route Works for Wellbeing

As we walked, we felt that familiar “head clearing” that only blue spaces can provide.

Whether the kids were squealing at a passing boat or we were taking a quiet moment under a stone bridge, the presence of the water allowed everyone to be in the moment.

Quick Tips for Your Visit:

• Wear sturdy shoes: While the towpath is easy, the woodland section can get a little “wild” (which is half the fun!).

• Make a day of it: The Boat Museum is a world-class site right on your doorstep—well worth a visit before or after your walk!

Thanks Coach Anna for sharing you experience, if you want to know more when this trail launches you can register your interest here.

The Magic of the Stanley Flight

Our journey began right in the heart of the city. Dropped off in the hustle and bustle of a city centre housing estate, you’d never guess you were seconds away from a sanctuary. But as soon as we took those first few steps onto the towpath, the city noise faded.

The immediate effect of hearing the water lapping against the stones is honestly amazing. One of my favourite moments was crossing a bridge funded by the legendary Cilla Black—a lovely little throwback to my youth!

The Stanley Lock Flight itself is steeped in history. You feel the heritage immediately. For local residents, this isn’t just a path; it’s a vital “breathing space” in the middle of a busy day.

Pro Tip: Stopping for a moment on the small bridges and looking into the distance and just breathing, “next-levels” the calming effect of the water.

A Tale of Two Canals

What struck me most was the sheer variety of the space:

• The Green Haven: One moment you’re looking out over the river, and the next you’re in a lush green space. I can already picture families having picnics here in the summer.

• The Vibrant Docklands: We finished at the Docklands in the Liverpool. The contrast was incredible! It felt like being in New York—soaring buildings, historic museums, and a bustling network of cafes, all along the Mersey River, which is epic!

While the Stanley Flight offers quiet reflection, the Docklands offers energy and excitement. It’s a real testament to how diverse Liverpool’s waterfront is.

Why You Should Go

Whether you are a local or a visitor, I highly recommend Liverpool’s blue spaces. We are so proud to be working with the Canal & River Trust, funded by the amazing Sport England to open up these wellbeing trails. They are more than just paths; they are places to reset, reconnect, and improve our well-being (literally science says so):

Watch this space for when the new routes are live and you can explore more trails across the UK here.

Have you explored the Liverpool canals yet? We’d love to hear about your experience!

The Great Escape

Just a few meters from hustle and bustle, we found our towpath. It led us to a gem nestled deep within the housing development—a historic canal. Once a site of heavy industry, it is now a sanctuary of nature and reflection.

The change I felt inside by being by the water was instant. The sun was shining across the canal, rippling in the slight breeze. It literally stopped me in my tracks. As I stood there, I felt a deep connection to the stillness. I took a few deep breaths and noticed my racing thoughts simply vanish. It wasn’t an expensive retreat or a formal meditation; it was the simple, raw power of standing by the water.

Biologically Wired for Water

It’s no wonder we feel this pull. With our bodies and our planet both composed largely of water, we are biologically wired to respond to its presence. Experts call this an “innate predisposition”—because we evolved near water, being near a canal or river feels like “returning home” to our brains.

A recent study of 20,000 people found that humans are at their happiest when they are in “Blue Spaces.”

Research has identified a phenomenon called “Soft Fascination.” Unlike the “hard” attention required to navigate busy streets or scrolling on a phone, the sight of ripples on a canal holds our attention without effort. This allows our minds to rest, lowering blood pressure and clearing the “chemical cocktail” of stress hormones in our bodies.

The “Hidden High Streets” of Well-being

As a coach, I spend much of my time asking children about their favourite calming memories. More often than not, those stories involve the presence of water.

We saw this first-hand in Manchester when we watched a little boy squeal with delight as he arrived at a Canal & River Trust workshop. He pointed at the long stretch of the canal and shouted, “LOOK NANNY, IT’S THE SEA!”.

For those of us who live bang in the middle of the country and couldn’t be further from the coast, these waterways are a gift. Across the UK, we have 2,000 miles of canals and rivers flowing through our busiest cities and quietest countryside. They are our “hidden high streets” of well-being—and the best part is that they are completely FREE to access.

Explore Your Local Waterways

Now is the perfect time to grab your family, step onto a towpath, and experience the Power of Blue for yourself.

📍 Find Your Route

In partnership with the Canal & River Trust, funded by Sport England, we have created bespoke family wellbeing trail:

• Link: Download Your Local Canal Wellbeing Maps

• Link: Register interest in Family Wellbeing Sessions

We have new maps and workshops coming soon, you can register your interest above for more info.

When I think back to my own childhood, it felt like a very different pace. If I wanted to buy something with pocket money I’d saved for months, I had to wait weeks for it to arrive in the post, or wait for a special trip to a specific shop.

Compare that to today. Kids can order something and have it arrive hours later. On top of that, their lifestyles are packed with clubs, activities, and the constant hum of technology. It is just a really busy world out there.

The Rise of Perfectionism

In my kids coaching clinics, I am seeing the result of this speed. More and more children are coming in wanting things to happen immediately for themselves.

They are struggling with perfectionism patterns. If things don’t go right the first time, or if success doesn’t happen straight away, it can really throw them off balance. many kids don’t know how to wait, or how to fail.

How We Can Help Kids Change This Perspective.

When a child is in session with me struggling with resilience or perfectionism, I like to take them back to the very beginning.

I ask them: “When you were little and you learned how to walk, what do you think happened? Do you think you got up one day and just ran across the lounge?”

I normally turn to the parent or grown-up in the session and ask them to tell the story. The parent will look at their child and say something like:

“No! When you were little, you used to crawl around. Then you’d grab onto furniture and pull yourself up. You’d have a go at walking, and you’d fall straight back down. But then you would get back up again and have another go.”

When I ask how many times they fell, the answer is always: “Gosh, so many times. But each time you got back up until you learnt how to walk.”

Resilience Is Inside Us

This is a vital reminder for our kids. That resilience isn’t something they have to buy or learn from scratch; it’s inside them and always has been.

From the beginning, they learned by falling over and not getting it right the first time. This is how humans learn.

What We Parents Can Do

As parents, it is incredibly useful to remind our children that it’s okay to slow down. It’s okay for things not to happen immediately.

But the most powerful thing we can do is model it. We need to show our kids that we take our time with things. They need to see us being kind to ourselves when we make mistakes, and being okay with it when things don’t happen instantly.

Let’s teach them that falling down isn’t the end of the process; it’s just part of learning to walk.

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“Glimmers are so important; they are the pure joy in life, that feeling that can’t quite be put into words. Glimmers are all around us, all of the time, but as adults, we often don’t tend to see them. Children do though.

Glimmers burst into our lives when we pay attention, but they escape from us when we’re wrapped up in our worry thoughts.

Children are very good at spotting Glimmers because they are naturally happy and joyful. Even during sad times, they can bounce back quickly. They have this natural joie de vivre, awe, and wonder—it seems to be their default setting.

Remembering Childhood Glimmers

When I was a child, I would notice Glimmers everywhere.

I remember at age 7 walking to school and passing under a canopy of trees, seeing the sunlight glisten on the leaves, and feeling intensely joyful. I remember going to the park on my new scooter and feeling incredibly excited as I scooted up the hill to the swings. Even though my home life was difficult, I trusted the world and the beautiful nature outside. I felt safe, calm, and happy.

I think back to that time and would love to have those Glimmers again.

There was a time in my adult life when I didn’t see any Glimmers; everything was dark and grey, and I truly forgot what it was like to be a child.

The Glimmer Muscle

But then I realised, YES I CAN! Recognizing glimmers is a skill to learn and practice. I can develop it; I can grow my Glimmer Muscle. The more I use it, the stronger this Glimmer Muscle will become, and the more joyful I will be. This is neuroplasticity in action.

So, start to do just that: practice paying attention and noticing that everything, every present moment, is a gift.

Keep practising, and your Glimmer Muscle will get stronger.

It’s often easier to start with nature. Look at the sky and clouds and tell yourself how beautiful it all is. Then, feel the feeling, breathe it in, and allow yourself to become emotional about it. Shed a tear of joy—yes, you can cry about a cloud!

The more you practise, the easier it will be to feel those emotions, and the joyful feeling will be anchored to whatever you’re looking at.

Feeling these joyful emotions releases happy chemicals, which are incredibly good for your health and well-being.

So start today: look at the world through a child’s eyes, see what they see, and grow the joy. Then, write down those Glimmers and put them in a Glimmer Jar to remind you of all the good in your life.

And as Miranda says in her previous post, ‘Look out for Glimmers, breathe them in, and hold onto them tight!’”

🤝 Get Support for Your Child’s Confidence

Lucia is one of our amazing Happy Confident Kids coaches. Based in Geneva, she carries out 1-2-1 coaching sessions both face-to-face and online.

Contact us today to find out how Lucia and our network of Kids Confidence Coaches can provide support to help your child or young person find their joy and build lasting confidence.

Now that the weather is turning, we have to start wrapping up a little more when we head out for walks, but it’s always worth the extra planning (and negotiation!) to get outside.

🗺️ New FREE Walking Routes Now Live!

Speaking of walks, some more of our FREE wellbeing walking routes in partnership with the Canal & River Trust are now live! You can check these out here. We have more routes coming across the UK soon, with our coaches busy mapping new paths:

• Coach Rosie visited an amazing canal in Bradford this week, she commented after her visit “I honestly had tears in my eyes it was so lovely”.

• Coach Anna is off to Cheshire next week.

• Laura and I are heading to Liverpool to scout a new City Centre route.

and we still have some space on our Family Wellbeing Session in Devizes (all FREE) if you want to sign up.

✨ Glimmer Seeking: Your Essential Skill for Finding Light in the Dark

As the nights get longer, the change in light can often affect our mental health. It’s the perfect time for a little reminder about Glimmers—those small, powerful moments of joy that can help bring us light even from really dark places.

Join the Next Glimmer Seeker Cohort!

Last month, Laura ran a Glimmer Seeker Masterclass for our latest cohort, including the Canal & River Trust Education Team and a local teacher. The session gave them all some much-needed time for self-reflection and self care.

The results were amazing: 100% of attendees would recommend it to a friend!

“Fantastic session, enlightening, warming and a refreshing time.”

“A refreshing session, really enjoyed it.”

Come and join our next cohort, if you are a teacher, parent/carer, or sports coach, you can also access our Part 2 extension which gives you tools to help coach the kids you support. Please email me for info: hello@happyconfidentkids.com

💡 Our Coaching Update

1-2-1 Coaching - Impact of Immediate Support

As well as training people Laura has also been busy this month with 1-2-1 coaching sessions for kids, and we’re thrilled to see so many people reaching out for support with her and our wider network of Kids Coaches.

Join Our Team: Become a Confidence Coach

We’re working with an amazing new company to support us in training new people to become Confidence Coaches with Happy Confident Kids. This offers a new, more accessible, and value-for-money proposition. We have clients waiting who we would love to connect with our coaches!

To find out more about becoming a coach with us please get in touch.

🛠️ DIY Tools: Support Your Kids at Home

We have lots of DIY tools you can use yourself to help kids you support:

Thank you for being part of our journey. Whether you’re exploring a new walking route, seeking your own glimmer, or ready for a deeper dive into coaching, we’re here to help you and your children thrive.

Which will you choose this week?

➡️ Find Your FREE Wellbeing Walk ➡️ Email to Join the Glimmer Seeker Cohort

We’ll be back soon with more updates from the trail!

the service we offer at Happy, Confident Kids is unlike any other they’ve found.

Why? Because it gives children immediate access to the wellbeing tools they need, right now, the change can be instant.

The Frustration of the Waiting Game

We know the story well. You’re a school or a family seeing a child struggle with anxiety, lack of self-confidence, or overwhelming emotions. You seek support, but then you hit the wall of the waiting list.

Whether it’s for diagnosis or for long-term therapeutic support, that wait can be months, even years. A box might be ticked for a referral, but then… nothing. The child and the family are left waiting, and the underlying issues don’t stop. It is incredibly frustrating, and the need for support is urgent.

Simple Tools, Immediate Impact

The good news is that there are simple, effective tools that can help immediately, regardless of what a child is facing.

Our approach isn’t about replacing long-term care; it’s about providing fast, effective intervention that changes the way a child feels today.

The school shared a powerful example:

“Very often, kids come in to see you at crisis point. They’re anxious and worried, not knowing where to turn. They’ve spent just one hour with you and they leave looking like a different person, finally able to face their day when they couldn’t face it before.”

That one hour can change their whole outlook and make the process of waiting for long-term support significantly easier for them and their families.

The Foundation of Instant Change

What are these powerful, simple tools? Founded on science backed techniques they focus on giving children the knowledge and skills they are currently missing:

• Self-Regulation: How to feel calm. Many kids have never felt calm or have forgotten what it feels like. Showing them how to regulate their emotions and get themselves into a calm place is an amazing foundation.

• Validation and Space: Letting children know that their anxious feelings, big emotions, and overwhelming thoughts are normal and common is massive. They are not alone! Having a dedicated, safe space just to talk to someone is absolutely huge for their well-being.

• Being Their Own Best Friend: One of our top tools is helping them access self-belief and confidence by teaching them to love and support themselves. Many children (and adults!) have a relentless, unhelpful internal dialogue—a little voice in their head beating them up—which makes every challenge 100 times worse. Flipping that script enables them to become their own compassionate ally, and that small change makes a really, really big difference.

No child should have to wait for the essential skills they need to feel happy and confident. Our mission is to provide those skills now so they can thrive while they wait for everything else.

➡️ Find out More About 1-2-1 Coaching
➡️ Email to Join Us as a Coach
➡️ Sign up for Our Meltdown Masterclass (DIY tools you can use today)