Last weekend I celebrated another birthday.  This time a little different to the norm of cake, candles and carefree chaos.  My partner took the lead and organised a very cool retreat in Central Hawkes Bay along with an 'easy' walk up to Sunrise Hut in the Ruahine Ranges. If you've had the opportunity to do this walk you will know that the word 'easy' Is underestimated at best.  Challenging is a more adept description.  

It was tough.  Every muscle was screaming and the gradient kept on climbing further upwards. The relief when we reached that hut was incredible! 

Now, you might think getting to the top and celebrating would be enough — and it is — but it’s only half the battle.

Navigating the steep track back down brought a whole new set of obstacles.

Throughout the journey, I learned a lot about myself and what I needed to do to get through:

1. Adjust My Focus - If I focused on every aching muscle and how far we still had to go, the trip would have felt endless.
Instead, I adjusted the way I used my trekking pole, made small changes to my stride length, and paid attention to how I placed my feet. It made a huge difference.
2. Stick to the Plan - Maintaining focus on these small adjustments helped make the journey manageable.
Every time I lost focus, I would trip or slip — and the difficulty (and discomfort) spiked immediately.
3. Choose Your Attitude - Ultimately, the attitude you choose shapes the experience.
I chose to celebrate every small step as a win, to focus on how far we had come, and to remind myself how much closer we were to the finish.
Every small adjustment, every mindset shift, made the climb — and the descent — not just possible, but rewarding.

Just like climbing that steep track, when you’re facing a challenge with yours or your own child’s learning, it can feel overwhelming.
You just want to find a solution — right?

You don't want to keep second-guessing yourself. You want clarity. You want tools that actually help.
And most importantly, you want to know you're on the right path.

Welcome to the new School Year!  
 

A new school term brings excitement—especially if you’re off to a new school, rocking an oversized uniform your parents insist will “last a few years”. 

But for some, a new term can bring uncertainty, anxiety, and that sinking feeling of being on the back foot before you’ve even started.

One of the best ways to overcome those nerves? Get into a solid routine—fast. Establishing good study habits early can make all the difference when it comes to feeling confident and in control (trust me, ignoring homework won’t feel great when NZCEA exams roll around!).

Here is a simple study tip to help you start the year strong:

Firstly, studying doesn’t have to be boring! For visual and creative learners - traditional study methods like reading pages of text or highlighting notes just don’t work.

Try instead: Create a PowerPoint with Visual Explanations 

😆 Pick a key topic, like The Elements of a Star. Instead of writing out long notes, create a simple PowerPoint slide with a diagram, image, or even a hand-drawn sketch.

😆 Go one step further: Use the record function to verbally explain the concept in your own words. This activates auditory learning while reinforcing the visual information.

t's so much easier to play back a recording when revising, rather than trawling through pages of copious, meaningless notes!

Have you missed it?

Don't forget you are invited to my Online Masterclass: Reading made easier—Practical  Tips and Strategies for Reading Success - Wednesday 12th February @ 7.00pm

In this session you'll discover:

1. How to Show Up with Confidence - Learn how to approach your child’s reading challenges with assurance, positivity, and a plan that works.

2. How to Recognise Reading Challenges - Understand the specific roadblocks your child may face and how to address them effectively.

3.  Practical, Proven Techniques - Walk away with at least one actionable strategy to help your child build confidence and make reading more achievable—and even enjoyable!

Only a few spots left. Register for my Masterclass >>HERE<<. 

PS. Get my brand-new resource for free—exclusively after the Masterclass!

It’s about the quiet moments after.
When the chocolate’s been eaten, the long weekend has passed...
and you’re right back to navigating the everyday challenges of parenting a child who learns, feels, and experiences the world differently.

Maybe you’ve asked yourself lately:
Am I doing enough? Am I getting this right?

You know that gut feeling you get as a parent?
The one that says:
“My child is bright… but something just isn’t quite clicking.”

Maybe reading feels like a constant struggle.
Maybe homework ends in tears—or frustration.
Maybe your child is trying so hard, and still feeling like they’re falling behind.

If that sounds familiar, I want you to know:
You’re not imagining it. And you’re not alone.

So many families I work with have felt this same quiet worry—
but also a strong instinct that there’s more to the story.

That’s why I’m really excited to invite you to a special event:

 Tuesday 14 May at 7:00 PM – Online
 The Truth About Dyslexia: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Just $20
Register now by clicking the link https://buy.stripe.com/aEU2bg2XOfxa2ac9AB

This is my most popular masterclass—now updated with even more practical content and powerful insights.

We’ll talk about:
Why some kids struggle even when they’re clearly capable
The signs of dyslexia you might not expect
The biggest myths that confuse families
And the tools and strategies that actually help

Whether you’ve been wondering for a while, or you’ve just started noticing the signs—
this session will give you clarity, confidence, and support.

If your gut is telling you something’s off, I’m here to walk with you as you figure out the why—and more importantly, the what now.

Can’t wait to see you there.

While we’re on the topic of the unseen things that affect our kids…

Over the holidays, I was having a casual chat with my adult son when he said something that really stopped me in my tracks.

We were talking about life, stress, and just checking in—and out of the blue, he said:
“Mum, social media has actually been a real source of anxiety for me. It’s actually a real thing.”

And the way he said it... it landed hard.
Because I realised—it is a real thing.
And it’s not something I’d truly considered before.

But once he said it, I could see it.
The constant noise. The pressure to stay connected. The comparison.
And especially for those who are neurodivergent, it can be relentless.

So I’ve created a new video to open up this conversation.

Media and Mental Anxiety – Understanding the Link & Simple Solutions

In it, I explore:
How media can overstimulate the brain and trigger anxiety
Why neurodivergent individuals can feel this even more deeply. You can watch it on my You Tube Channel: https://youtu.be/gNS6Pr80chc

School holidays! Phew... (Yes, imagine a long, slow exhale here.)
I hadn’t fully realised how intensely we’d been working this term at Dyslexia Unpuzzled until that moment of pause arrived—and with it, a much-needed elongated breath.

What a glorious day: time spent with my grandies in Hamilton, far from the usual demands of the office and the persistent hum of keyboard clicks.

We had a chilled day at Chartwell Mall where shopping took a backseat to the unexpected delight of the Science Roadshows. Bright, interactive exhibits invited curious little hands to explore, and the brief, engaging presentations sparked conversations that lasted well beyond the venue.

Lunch was a relaxed picnic in the sun, followed by a visit to the incredible Magical Bridge Playground in Claudelands. If you haven’t been, I sincerely encourage you to go. The space is magical in every sense—fully fenced, family-friendly, and nestled beneath magnificent trees just beginning to turn golden as autumn settles in.

Slides you can ride with little ones and not so little ones tucked in front of you. Laughter echoing beneath the branches. Time in nature. Time in joy. A day where the only thing we needed to schedule was togetherness.

Experiences like this remind me just how vital it is—for all of us, but especially for neurodivergent minds—to step away from the ever-present buzz of screens. The constant, on-demand world we live in can be overwhelming, even more so during school holidays when routines shift and screens often become default babysitters.

If you're curious about how screen time uniquely impacts neurodivergent brains—and how to gently create more balance—I’ve just shared a short YouTube video:
“School Holidays, Screens & Neurodivergent Brains: What You Need to Know.”

In it, I explore why downtime, nature, and being grounded matter more than ever—and offer practical insights you can use right away. Click the link here to view: https://youtu.be/LKiYyXdyTpI

Let’s be honest—when you hear the word “maths”, what’s your gut reaction?

If it makes you feel a little uncomfortable, anxious, or brings back awkward classroom memories… you’re not alone. Many of us were raised to believe we weren’t “maths people.” We struggled, felt stuck, or even avoided it altogether.

But here’s something important that we often forget:

The way we feel and talk about maths can directly shape how our children experience it too.

Not just through our words—but through our energy. Our reactions. Our sighs at homework time. Even comments like “I was never good at maths either” can send powerful messages:

• “This is hard.”

• “You probably won’t be good at this.”

• “Maths is scary.”

These messages don’t build confidence—they quietly chip away at it.

One Simple Moment That Changed Everything

Recently, I was working with a learner who was completely stuck on what seemed like a basic addition question:
6 + 9 = ?

They had counters in front of them to help, but nothing was clicking. They were frustrated and starting to shut down.

I quickly grabbed a bowl and gently said, “Let’s put 6 counters in the bowl… now add 9 more.” They dropped them in. Then I asked, “What do we have now?”

We tipped them out and counted together.
Their face lit up. That was the moment it all made sense.

What felt abstract became real. The concept of “adding” was no longer just numbers on a page—it became a meaningful experience.

Why Specialist Help Makes All the Difference

While travelling last weekend, I was reminded of a time—five years ago now—when my husband and I broke down on the Napier-Taupo Road.

Of course, we had no phone coverage, stuck in one of those many dead spots.

Luckily, it was just after the Horse of the Year show in Napier, so there was a steady stream of horse floats passing by. Our only option was to flag one down and hope someone would stop. Boy, was I relieved when one finally did!

We were completely reliant on them to get help for us. We had no way of knowing when—or even if—a mechanic or tow truck would arrive. The only way forward was to trust a specialist who had the tools, knowledge, and experience to get us to safety.

The Same Is True for Our Kids in School

Many children are stranded in the classroom—desperate for help, yet without the right support. Some act out, hoping to be noticed. Others do the opposite, quietly slipping through the cracks, trying to remain invisible.

They try again and again to remember words and sounds that hold no meaning for them, hoping that if they just try harder, something will click.

For many, this is completely futile.

If despite high intelligence and creativity, reading, writing and even handwriting cause stress, avoidance, or procrastination…

You’ve probably tried everything—recommendations, interventions, phonics drills, sounding out, and rote spelling—but reading and writing still aren’t easy.

This isn’t about working harder—it’s about learning differently.

"If you can eliminate the reason why a problem exists, the problem ceases to exist." – Ron Davis

With our specialist literacy programs, you’ll eliminate the root cause of these struggles and step into a transformative learning journey—removing the roadblock altogether so learning becomes easier, not harder.

What Would It Be Worth to Never See Your Child Struggle Again?

The truth is, many parents feel lost, unsure where to turn or how to help. But what if you had clear, practical steps to support your child’s learning journey with confidence?

That’s exactly why I created my Masterclass: The Truth About Dyslexia – Beyond the Label—to give you the tools, strategies, and understanding you need to help your child move from struggle to success.

In this 60-minute session, I’ll show you:

✔ How to confidently support your child’s learning
✔ How to recognise reading challenges early
✔ Practical, proven techniques to make learning easier

📅 When: 12 February @ 7:00 PM
💰 Exclusive Online Masterclass – Just $15!

I was reflecting the other day on my school days—let’s just say it’s been a few years. Back then, we were staring down the terrifying beast that was School Certificate and University Entrance. The pressure was real because we all knew what awaited us if we failed: a fate worse than death (or at least, that’s how it felt at the time).

The problem? My subject choices did absolutely nothing to inspire me.

• Learning French verbs by rote in multiple tenses? Torture.

• 5th form Geography? The pits.

• English? Let’s just say I had no idea what on earth they were trying to teach me. My School C English mark? A dismal 35.

I had zero clue how to study—apart from regurgitating meaningless facts over and over again, only to forget them the second I left the exam room. It was futile, and I was completely uninspired to persevere.

The outcome? I failed School C by a few marks, and if it weren’t for my dad begging the principal to let me into 6th form, I wouldn’t have made it through. But even then, it didn’t get much better. I scraped through my UE year, still memorising, still regurgitating, still not understanding.

 Why am I telling you this? Because even today, exams are still designed to test how well you can cram and recall facts under pressure—whether they’re useful or not.

So how do you actually make studying meaningful? How do you retain what matters, study smarter (not harder), and make the end-of-year exams a cinch instead of a nightmare?

That’s exactly what I’m tackling in this week’s YouTube video! I’m sharing 5 simple, practical study tips that will actually help you level up your study game.

Start now, and by the time exams roll around, you’ll be ahead of the game.

Check out my latest YouTube video below!

The Overwhelming World of Words

Remember last week when we were all buzzing with excitement about the new school year?

For the kids, it was all about catching up with friends, meeting new teachers, or stepping into a brand-new school. For many parents, it was a huge sigh of relief—finally, some structure and routine after the whirlwind of school holidays.

But do you know what’s been standing out to me this past week?

Words. Words. Words.

They’re everywhere—on classroom walls, posters, whiteboards, screens. Announcements blaring over the intercom, notices pinned up in hallways, newsletters filling up inboxes. Bilingual signs, homework sheets, reading logs, permission slips… it’s like a constant flood of information, demanding to be processed. 

For some, this is just background noise. But for many, it’s completely overwhelming—a sensory overload that makes it hard to focus, process, and keep up. For many of us 'zoning out' is the easiest option for us.  Unfortunately, while this protects our sanity, we also miss crucial information that can mean the difference between us being at the right place at the right time or understanding what is expected of us.

It's exactly the same when we are reading.  If our brains are not clear on something - they simply zone out and regardless of being able to decode words - any meaning of what has been read has simply been lost!

Do you want to understand more about how this works and how it affects reading?

There are still 2 spots left for my:

 Masterclass: Reading Made Easier—Practical Tips and Strategies for Reading Success

 Wednesday, 12 February @ 7:00 PM via Zoom. Register by email: nikki@dyslexiaunpuzzled.co.nz

The Frenzied Return to the School Routine

Sadly, the sun has set on the holidays for many of us, and we’re back to the familiar chaos of school days. Juggling work, school runs, after-school activities, and everything in between seems to send us into a constant frenzy. And for some of you, there’s the added task of listening to your child read or going over their word lists—often far from the relaxing, enjoyable experience we’d like it to be.

Let’s be honest: reading practice can feel like a daily battlefield. Maybe it starts with reluctance—your child doesn’t even want to pull their book out of their bag. Tick, tick, tick... patience begins to fade. Then every word becomes a struggle. Reading feels painfully slow, and frustration grows on both sides. Tick, tick, tick... sounding out unknown words feels like an uphill battle, and resentment starts to creep in. Tick, tick, tick... before you know it, the clock has run out, emotions are high, and little progress has been made.

For many parents I’ve spoken with, practice alone just isn’t enough. They want to help, but they often feel they don’t have the right tools or strategies to effectively support their child. It’s disheartening to watch your child struggle, knowing that your efforts aren’t making the difference you hoped for.
 

This Year’s Focus: Supporting You with Reading

This year, I’m putting a spotlight on reading—specifically helping you, as parents, support your children in a way that works for them. I know how overwhelming it can feel when you’re unsure how to help. Every child is different, and unfortunately, none of them come with a manual!

That’s why I’m inviting you to my FREE Masterclass:

Imagine if reading could be fun and stress-free—where the frustration melts away, and progress feels exciting. What if there was a way to approach those tricky, unknown words or finally master those pesky repeat words without the endless struggle? It’s about finding practical, creative strategies that fit your child’s unique way of learning—and I want to share them with you.

Join my Masterclass: Reading made easier—Practical  Tips and Strategies for Reading Success.
12 February 7.00pm

Discover what’s really happening when reading feels like a struggle—and how learning is possible for anyone facing challenges at school or in life. It’s time to change the way we approach these hurdles and uncover strategies that truly work.

Here’s a little sneak peek of what you’ll explore in my upcoming Masterclass:
Did you know that reading difficulties can impact more than just words on a page? They can also affect things like speech, memory, and overall confidence. Understanding these connections is key to unlocking practical tools that make a difference.

If this resonates with you or someone you know, join me on 12 February at 7:00pm for my FREE Masterclass: Reading Made Easier—Practical Tips and Strategies for Success. Let’s explore how to turn frustration into progress and challenges into opportunities.  

😀 2025: The Year of Bold Moves. 🌟

What’s Possible When You Embrace Change? 💫

Happy New Year!  Welcome to 2025!  🎉

As we step into 2025, I want to share a story that highlights the incredible possibilities that come with embracing change.

Today, I want to tell you about Jane.

Now 14 years old, Jane is thriving—enjoying everything a teenager loves, especially during the holidays! But it wasn’t always this way.

When I first met Jane, she was struggling with reading—5 years behind her age level. Basic English and comprehension felt overwhelming, spelling was a constant challenge, and concepts like telling the time or understanding basic math seemed out of reach. Jane was quiet, her confidence shaken, and she often held her head low,  her smile faint and fleeting.

Fast forward to today, and her transformation is nothing short of inspiring. She’s now achieving marks in the 70s and above in math, enjoying chapter books, and spelling with ease. But most importantly, Jane has become a confident and happy young person, thriving in ways she once thought were impossible.

Jane’s story is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible when you take a chance on a new approach. So, as you set your goals for 2025, ask yourself: Are you ready to break free from old patterns and embrace new opportunities for growth?

As the year draws to a close and the season of giving and receiving is upon us, I wanted to share an inspiring update from my clients who traveled all the way from Fiji to work with me earlier this year. When I first met Louis, he was struggling to read a sentence without tripping over his words multiple times. To receive this feedback is a gift indeed!


I’m just writing in once more to let you know that last week, Louis was able to read independently a page in an age appropriate non-fiction book.
Instead of me sitting with him and constantly watching what he is reading, it is becoming possible for me to sit next to him, do something else and help him occasionally when he stumbles.
We have also begun one of our long-time goals: playing a game that requires reading a lot of text (Magic the Gathering) with cards that he doesn’t already know by heart.
So, I would say it’s a mini break-through for us.
He’s not yet entirely independent, especially not for fiction books but definitely one step closer.

Massive congratulations to Louis and his dad for their consistent effort with follow-up work, leading to such outstanding results since March 2024! 👏👏👏

This week, I attended an event hosted by the Hawke’s Bay Business Chamber, where three engaging speakers shared their insights. One story, in particular, has stuck with me—it’s the story of Johnny in math class.

The teacher wrote a simple question on the board: 4 + 4 = ? 
Mary’s hand shot up instantly; for her, it was a no-brainer. Johnny, on the other hand, slid down in his chair, hoping to disappear. But despite Mary’s eager enthusiasm, the teacher called on Johnny.

Reluctantly, he made his way to the board, picked up the pen, and nervously wrote 9. The room erupted in laughter. Mary, practically vibrating with frustration, insisted she should fix Johnny’s mistake. The teacher, perhaps flustered, gave in. Mary marched to the board, crossed out Johnny’s answer with a big red X, and replaced it with her perfect 8.

What did Johnny take away from this experience?

• That he’s no good at math.

• That everyone in the class thinks he’s dumb.

• That Mary is better than him.

• That the best way to avoid embarrassment is to stay silent and invisible.

Now imagine a different approach. What if the teacher had paused and asked Johnny, “What was your thinking? How did you come to that answer?” This simple act of curiosity and encouragement could have shifted the entire experience for Johnny. Instead of walking away feeling humiliated, he might have felt heard, understood, and safe to try again.

This story isn’t just about Johnny. It’s about all of us—teachers, parents, colleagues, friends. How often do we unintentionally leave lasting imprints on others, even in harmless or routine moments?

The way we respond to mistakes matters. It shapes how people see themselves and their ability to grow. Whether in a classroom, a workplace, or at home, we have a choice:

 We can correct someone with criticism, leaving them feeling diminished. Or we can guide with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement, creating space for learning and resilience.

Let’s be mindful of the impact we leave behind. Sometimes, a moment of thoughtfulness can make all the difference.

Overcoming the ‘wrong’ letter: When one letter changes everything.

This week, I had the privilege of working with an incredible adult client who has battled dyslexia her entire life. For years, she kept her challenges hidden from family and friends, pouring immense energy into concealing just how difficult it has been for her to comprehend what she reads.

I was confident that we could make progress together, but what I didn’t anticipate was the deep emotional connection tied to her learning challenges. During her programme, we noticed she was consistently struggling with the letter “W.” No matter how we approached it, something just wasn’t clicking.

I asked if she associated any emotion with that letter, and her reaction surprised us both. As we worked through the process, the realisation hit: she had unconsciously tied the letter “W” to being “wrong.” It was a word she’d heard repeatedly—throughout her school years and even into her employment—leaving a lasting, negative imprint.

This moment was a powerful reminder of how deeply emotional trauma and learning challenges are intertwined. How often do we hear the word “wrong”? And what lasting effects does it have?

It’s food for thought, especially as you listen to this week’s YouTube video: Can Emotional Trauma Cause Dyslexia? Explore this connection further by checking out the link below.

It is great to be back in touch with you after my break to the US.  what an amazing time we had seeing the sights and experiencing things that are totally unique to the US. We had a ball for the whole 3 week tour taking in the highlights across 4500km - From the Hot Rod reunion at Famoso, Bakersfield, Bubba Gump's in Santa Monica (from the movie Forest Gump) and Fremont Street in Las Vegas - now that is an experience second to none!
 

It got me thinking about how hard we push ourselves—and often our kids—trying to fit in school activities, extra-curriculars, and everything else. Something has to give, and for many, following up with reading at home often gets parked because everyone’s ‘simply too tired.’

Here’s a simple suggestion: make reading a non-negotiable part of your day. Even just 5 minutes can be a big help. Try making it fun by taking turns reading sentences with your child. It’s even more enjoyable when you add funny voices or get into character—it keeps everyone laughing and makes reading a positive experience.

Every now and then you come across something that is so obvious you wonder how you have missed it for so long. I have recently been involved in doing some research about dyspraxia. Well, how enlightening has it been to have discovered that I indeed have dyspraxia!  
I’ve always been one of those people who can trip over air, bump into inanimate objects even when they are not in my direct path, and somehow manage to turn everyday tasks into an olympic obstacle course! I've always thought that it was just 'me' - and it is. However, I can now proudly say that I am among the 5 - 6% of the population that has dyspraxia.  Loosely referred to as 'the clumsy form of dyslexia' that affects
co-ordination and spatial awareness.

This month on YouTube, I dive into the connection between dyslexia and dyspraxia. In this video, I explain how these are neurodevelopmental differences and share specialised strategies that can help individuals  work with our uniqueness.

Later this week, I’m lucky enough to be jetting off on a long overdue holiday to the States with my partner. We’ll be checking out some of the top tourist spots like Monument Valley, Route 66, and even taking a steam train ride to the Grand Canyon! Hopefully, while I’m away, you’ll be wondering where your weekly Dyslexia Unpuzzled update is, but don’t worry—I’ll fill you in on all my adventures when I’m back in early November.