What if your child's school refusal isn't defiance at all, but a sign of grief and a nervous system in survival mode?

In this episode of The Soulie Insider, I open up about my own daughter's struggles with school transition and how what looked like resistance was really a nervous system in overwhelm. This isn't about laziness or bad behaviour, it's about recognising the hidden signs of grief, anxiety, and nervous system dysregulation that so many kids experience but don't yet have words for.

I share the steps I took to support her confidence and protect her spark, even when it meant breaking the "rules." From creating low-stimulation safe days to using grounding tools like box breathing and tapping, this episode offers practical strategies that work for children and adults alike. These tools calm the fight or flight response, help regulate emotions, and rebuild resilience gently.

If you've ever felt torn between what the school expects and what your child really needs, this conversation will give you permission to slow down, listen differently, and trust your gut. This is about more than parenting, it's about embodied healing, supporting the whole person, and choosing connection over performance.

Have you noticed your child's spark dimming during school transitions? Share your story with me on Instagram @gaylewilson_ . I'd love to hear how you're supporting their confidence and helping them feel safe again.

Ready to live differently? Join the Soul Care Healing Method.

In this episode we cover:

• The hidden grief in school transitions
• Gayle's personal story of her daughter's school refusal
• Why overwhelm often shows up as nervous system shutdown
• The decision to create "safe Wednesdays" at home
• Pushback from school and standing firm as a parent
• Practical tools: box breathing and emotional release tapping
• How these tools regulate the overfunctioning trauma response
• Why they work for both children and adults in stress
• The reminder that preserving a child's spark isn't spoiling them, it's nervous system support

Podcast Sponsor

The Podcast is proudly sponsored by Proactive Finance Group. Whether you're an essential worker, in allied health, self-employed or buying your first home, they make the loan process streamlined, clear, and less stressful. Proactive Finance Group works for you, not the banks—keeping you informed and supported every step of the way. They're more than mortgage brokers, they're your partners in making home ownership a reality.

Podcast sponsor: Proactive Finance Group

Contact: Hayley De Jong

Phone: 0400 000 036

Email: [email protected]

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Join the Soulie Insider Facebook Group
• Free meditation track
• Free micro method / our first steps personal development mini courses
• Soul Care Healing Method
• Gayle Wilson on Instagram
• Gayle Wilson website
• Gayle's book: Where the Waves Break
• Gayle Wilson on Facebook
• Gayle Wilson on YouTube
• Gayle's workshop