Tooled Up Education

The Perils of Perfectionism: How Can Schools and Families Respond

Research shows that perfectionistic characteristics are on the rise among young people, feeding into a range of mental health and wellbeing difficulties, and leading to reduced motivation and performance in the longer term. The good news is that schools and families can make a difference; by supporting young people to develop “perfectionism literacy” and striving to avoid the creation of “perfectionistic environments” at home and in school. NACE CEO, Rob Lightfoot, will share an overview of current research in the field and practical strategies to help schools and families respond.

Teen Party Planning and Problem Parties: A Lawyer’s Perspective

In this webinar, Dr Weston and experienced criminal defence lawyer, Harriett Mather, (herself a mum of three teens) discuss teen parties.
Post-pandemic, parties are understandably back in fashion, but it is essential that parents understand how to plan for them effectively and safely. Harriett understands all too well what can go wrong at parties and shares her top tips, so that teens and parents can enjoy festivities without fear of regret, harm or… liability!

Tips for Helping Teens Get into Good Sleep Habits

Maintaining a good sleep routine can be challenging during adolescence. But, as parents, we have more power than you might realise to help our teens get the sleep that they need. These tips come straight from the experts.

30 Calming Drawing Ideas

Many people, young and old, find drawing, painting or being creative to be calming and soothing activities. We’ve teamed up with mindful drawing teacher, Fiona Meakin, to get her top drawing ideas for moments where you or your children need some calm (or simply when it’s a rainy day).

Questions to Ask Older Teens Ahead of Exams

Preparation for important exams and assessments starts months before the big day itself. We’ve put together a list of helpful conversation prompts to use with older teens at various stages of their revision process, from 3-6 months before their exam right up to the day after.

Five Fingers of Support: My Helping Hand

It’s important for children to identify people in their support network who they feel happy asking for help, so that they know who to turn to if they are feeling down, need cheering up or are going through a crisis. This simple activity for young children nudges them to choose five allies who are always there to support them.

Sex Talk: Evaluating Your Comfort Zone

Use this template to consider where you stand on talking about different aspects of sex and relationship. You could discuss it with a partner or friend. It will be useful to come up with strategies that would help you to broach the subjects that you find tricky.

Social Media and Body Image with Professor Tracey Wade

This webinar with Professor Tracey Wade examines the links between social media, low body image and disordered eating behaviours. You’ll find a discussion of eating disorders post-pandemic, learn why cultivating positive body image is so crucial and find out more about where brand new research is showing that social media fits in to the bigger picture.

Family Audit Template

It can be useful to have periodic family conversations where you all evaluate things that are working well in family life and things that could do with tweaking or improving. This template might help to frame the chat and will give all family members the chance to think about things that work well and things that don’t before you all talk together. Print out a copy for each of you beforehand and use it to make notes, observations and goals about family life.