My son and I cat-sit. It helps us travel, gives us loads of laughs, and teaches us a surprising amount about sensory processing too.
We’ve now looked after 32 cats.
But Rosie? Rosie was different.
We were told she was scared of her own shadow and would only spend time with us on her terms but that she’d come around eventually.
I wasn’t sure.
She hid in her room for days.
Then one day, she quietly watched us from upstairs.
The next day, she lay near us.
And the day after that, she curled up on the sofa beside me.
But then, she disappeared again taking a whole day to herself in her room.
I worried she was regressing.
But the next day, she returned even more confident, more social, and more herself.
That’s when it hit me:
She wasn’t regressing.
She was recharging for the next big step.
And it reminded me so much of the kids I’ve worked with especially those with sensitive nervous systems who become overwhelmed and avoid writing.
5 Lessons Rosie Taught Us About Supporting Kids with Writing Struggles
🐾 Get down to their level
Meet them where they are not where you wish they were.
🐾 Wait and go at their pace
Safety and connection can’t be rushed. It takes time.
🐾 Let go of expectations
Follow their lead without pressure. They’ll get there.
🐾 Notice their small cup
Some kids (and cats) get overwhelmed quickly. Honour that instead of trying to stretch it.
🐾 Regression is often recharging
Progress isn’t linear. Those “off” days? They’re often exactly what’s needed for growth.
These are the exact principles I use when I support families in my 1:1 sessions.
Whether your child is overwhelmed by writing, struggles with coordination, or has big emotions they don’t know how to manage — the approach is the same:
Meet them where they are. Work with their nervous system. Respect their pace.
If you want 1:1 support, I offer:
✅ A Power Hour Brainstorm (focused problem-solving)
✅ A Video-based Assessment + Review (observations, discussion, and a tailored support plan)
You can send me a message here.
-Munira
