You’re Not Spoiling Children — You’re Disabling Them
Developmental delays don’t just affect “a few children.”
They shape classrooms, learning, behaviour, and wellbeing for everyone.
When we understand child development, we don’t just support some students better - we support all students better.
This week, a The Guardian article shared a stark fact:
👉 1 in 4 children enter school without basic self-care skills.
Not hyperbole.
Not opinion.
Not rare cases.
I've watched this get worse in school for nearly 2 decades.
I work with teaching assistants who are changing nappies for children who are not on the SEND register.
These are children who:
can’t use the toilet independently
can’t feed themselves
can’t put on socks, shoes, jumpers or coats
And when parents are asked why, the answer is often:
“I spoil them. I just do everything for them.”
Here’s the uncomfortable truth:
That isn’t kindness.
It’s disabling.
I don’t say that out loud in the moment — professionalism matters —
but let’s be honest here.
When adults do for children what children can and should learn to do themselves, we:
-undermine independence
-damage confidence
-create avoidable delays
-place unfair strain on school staff
-And the ripple effects are huge.
📊 The data tells a clear story:
-1 in 4 children start school developmentally behind
-Around 1 in 3 don’t achieve expected SATs outcomes
-Around 1 in 3 don’t pass expected GCSEs
And those early figures don’t even include SEND children.
So why does the gap widen?
Because when children start behind, the system has to respond —
and that means teachers are forced to give disproportionate time to basic care and regulation.
Which means:
-less attention for other children
-more pressure on staff
f-ewer opportunities for everyone
Clearly some children catch up.
Many don’t.
And none of this is about blame.
It’s about understanding development.
Because real kindness isn’t doing everything for children.
It’s about equipping them to do things for themselves.
That’s how we protect:
- learning
- wellbeing
- dignity
- classrooms
- and their futures
If we want better outcomes, we have to start earlier, braver, and more honestly.
💬 This isn’t a parenting issue or a school issue.
It’s a developmental understanding issue — and it affects us
all.
#parentsupport #understandingchildren #parentingwithpurpose #raisingresilientkids #mentalhealthmatters #neurodiversity
Recovery isn’t a reward - it’s a performance strategy.
Many professionals think recovery comes after high performance. But the truth is the opposite:
💡 Recovery is what enables high performance in the first place.
Top performers - what I call “brain athletes” - know that micro-recovery moments, intentional breaks, and mental boundaries are essential to sustain focus, make better decisions, and maintain creativity. Even small pauses between tasks can recharge attention and energy.
Organizations that model and protect recovery aren’t being “nice” - they’re investing in sustainable performance. Individuals who build recovery into their day are more resilient, more creative, and more effective.
👉 When was the last time you gave yourself permission to pause - before burnout, not after?
#highperformance #energymanagement #worksmart #sustainableperformance
Honoured to be featured in Start Up Today Magazine ✨
This feature shares the heart behind Kemi Emmanuel Publishing & Academy—my journey of turning stories into influence, healing, and legacy. I truly believe that your story is your power, and when shared with courage and purpose, it can transform lives far beyond your own.
In this interview, I talk about fearless storytelling, purpose-driven leadership, mental wellness in business, and why women’s voices matter now more than ever.
Grateful for the opportunity to share this mission and to stand for women who are ready to rise, lead, and create impact through their stories. 🤍
👉 Read the full feature here:
https://startuptodaymagazine.c....om/fearless-storytel
#fearlessleadership #storytellingwithpurpose #womeninbusiness #legacybuilding #kemiemmanuel #startuptodaymagazine
One thing I know for sure: growth doesn’t happen alone.
That’s why I’m so proud to bring Global Woman Club Orange County together with leaders like Manal Richa - to create a space where women can learn, connect, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
If you’ve been craving guidance, community, and real conversations - join us.
Your next level might start in this room. ✨
📅 Saturday, Feb 28 | Newport Beach
🔗 Save your seat today: https://globalwomanevents.com/orangecounty
When focus feels impossible, it’s not your fault.
Recently, I shared strategies from my Global Woman Magazine article on reclaiming energy in an always-on world.
Today, let’s zoom out a bit: often, when professionals struggle to focus, it’s treated as an individual problem.
💡 The truth? Focus - or lack of it - is often a leadership and system issue.
If teams are overloaded with urgent requests, back-to-back meetings, and unclear priorities, even the most capable professionals will feel drained and scattered. High performance isn’t just about willpower; it’s about clarity, structure, and intentional design of work.
Some reflections for leaders and HR:
- Are priorities clearly communicated, so focus isn’t constantly diverted?
- Are there protected periods for deep work, or is the day fully reactive?
- How does the organization model and respect boundaries?
Helping your teams sustain focus isn’t a perk — it’s a performance strategy.
When attention is protected and priorities are clear, people can deliver results with energy and creativity intact.
👉 How does your organization signal what truly deserves attention?
#focusandenergy #highperformance #leadership #worksmart