Know Yourself, Grow Yourself

This week is Children’s Mental Health Week, and this year’s theme - Know Yourself, Grow Yourself - is one that resonates deeply with me. In all my work, I emphasise the power of self-understanding. Whether in schools, workplaces, or society at large, knowing yourself is the first step toward thriving so I am SO excited about this theme!

This week’s newsletter includes:

• Info: The importance of self understanding

• Tips: How to encourage self understanding in children (and adults!)

• Recommendations: Some tools to support children

1. The importance of self understanding

As adults, many of us don’t have a particularly good understanding of ourselves. And the same goes for children and young people. They’re not given the opportunity to truly look at who they are, what they need to thrive and how to support themselves. And the education system certainly doesn’t support this either as it’s built around conformity - expecting all children to learn, communicate, and behave in the same way. For many, this means masking their natural tendencies, which can lead to stress, burnout, and even long-term mental health challenges.

What if, instead of forcing children to fit into a one-size-fits-all system, we helped them discover how they learn best? What if we encouraged them to notice what environments support them, what communication styles feel natural, and what strategies help them regulate their emotions?

Imagine what that would look like when those children reach adulthood with a really empowered understanding and ability to advocate for what they need at work.

This self understanding is valuable for all children, and adults. But for those who are neurodivergent, having the language to describe their needs can be even more transformational. Understanding neurodivergence can be a key to unlocking confidence, self-advocacy, and a sense of belonging.

This has certainly been the case for me. During the last few years I’ve invested time and energy understanding who I am, how I work and what I need to thrive. The self acceptance, contentment and joy it’s given me is priceless.

So how do we make this shift for everyone?

2. Encouraging self understanding in children

This shift has to start with children. So here are some ways we can help children know themselves so they can grow into the best version of themselves. And many of these things works for adults too!

• Help them recognise their strengths and challenges
  Encourage children to reflect on what helps them succeed. Do they learn best by listening, watching, or doing? Do they feel most comfortable communicating verbally, through writing, or by using movement? What activities make them feel calm and focused?

• Encourage self-advocacy early
  Teach children that it’s okay to ask for what they need. This might be extra time to process information, a quieter space to work, or different ways to express their thoughts. When children understand their own needs, they’re better equipped to advocate for themselves.

• Model self-reflection and acceptance
  Show children that everyone has unique ways of thinking and working. Share your own experiences - how you focus, how you unwind, and what helps you do your best work. Normalising these conversations can empower children to embrace their own differences.

• Challenge rigid expectations
  Schools often prioritise a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, but that doesn’t mean we have to. Advocate for more flexible learning environments, varied communication options, and recognition that different brains work in different ways.

• Make neurodiversity part of everyday conversations
  If children learn about neurodiversity early, they’re more likely to recognise and appreciate differences in themselves and others. This creates a foundation for greater inclusion and mental well-being in the long term. We have a FREE series of videos that do exactly this, and can be used in schools, homes and more.

3. Recommendations

If you want to dive deeper into self-understanding - whether for yourself or a child in your life - here are a few recommendations.

• Kathy Hoopmann books : Kathy Hoopmann has written a number of books about being neurodivergent. ‘All dogs have ADHD’ and ‘All cats are on the autism spectrum’, for example, are good tools to use with children to help them identify parts of themselves from the traits written about in the book.

• 22 questions : At Differing Minds, we have a list of 22 questions that can support self understanding from a work perspective. You can also use the PDF with your teams to uncover how you all work best. If you’d like a copy reply to this message with ‘22 questions’ and I’ll send it to you.

• Self understanding workshops : At Differing Minds we run a really fun workshop on self understanding using the stress bucket analogy. It enables all participants to discover how they work best and what enables them to thrive. Get in touch if you’d like to learn more.

• Children’s mental health week website : For more information and resources about children’s mental health week and the Know Yourself, Grow Yourself theme, head to the Children’s Mental Health Week website. Whether for use in a school or at home, there’s plenty to explore.

Are you over 40 years old, living in the UK, Germany or Luxembourg and autistic (including self identified)? Head here to input to a quality of life research project.

Thanks for reading, and speak soon!

Jess

PS Whenever you’re ready, here are some ways I can help:

• To book a neurodiversity talk, head here. I’m booking now for Neurodiversity Celebration Week - w/c 17th March - get in touch to avoid disappointment.

• Book a FREE Discovery call to chat through how I can support your workplace, your school or your family.

• Join the waitlist for our next NeuroNavigator programme and become a certified Neurodiversity Champion.