Jenna Fernandes

The bond between a parent and their baby is one of the most influential connections we experience in life. From the moment your baby is born, they rely on you not just for physical care but for emotional security. While bonding happens naturally for some, others may find it takes to develop this deep connection […]

Finding out you’re pregnant can bring a wave of emotions, from excitement to anxiety, and everything in between. In my work in parent-infant psychotherapy, I’ve become deeply fascinated by the early bond between parents and their infants, recognising how vital these initial experiences are. The peri-natal stage, spanning from pregnancy to the first few weeks […]

We often hear that the first 1000 days of life are critical for a child’s growth and development. These early days shape everything from brain architecture and physical development to emotional resilience and well-being. But what’s less discussed – and something that has become increasingly clear to me as an Educational Psychologist who works across […]

Many young people are struggling in ways that we often do not see, and recognising the signs can be the difference between life and death. In South Africa, teen suicide is a crisis that is growing, but often, we do not talk about it until it is too late. The most updated statistics according to […]

“Just some understanding. Just some understanding!” This simple yet powerful plea, from Valerie (a parent of an Autistic child) resonates deeply with me, both as an Educational Psychologist, and as someone who has worked closely with caregivers navigating the challenges of Special Educational Needs (SEN). I became curious about caregivers’ experiences of parenting children who […]

We live in a world where we have unlimited access to information at our fingertips. With a quick and simple search, we can find countless articles, opinions, blog posts, and research articles on any topic, including Special Educational Needs (SEN). But, despite this wealth of information, it can actually feel like we have little clarity. […]

Receiving the news that your child has a special educational need can feel overwhelming. You may feel a flood of intense and complex emotions, ranging from anxiety, guilt, helplessness, and isolation to even having feelings of relief. It is completely normal to have these feelings, as many parents grapple with the uncertainty of what lies […]

Our work and personal lives often overlap in ways we don’t expect. A stressful day at work can follow you home, showing up in your conversations or, personal difficulties can follow you to work, quietly lingering in the back of your mind during an important meeting. Finding that elusive ‘work-life balance’ often feels like a juggling […]