115: The A+ Kid Who Says He’s Being Bullied… Then Takes It Back. What’s Really Going On?

Ever had your child tell you something worrying, only for them to suddenly deny it?  Or stress endlessly about tests and friendships but won’t let you help? 🥴In this special 2 year anniversary episode, I’m diving into one of the most emotionally complex listener questions I’ve received so far. A mum reached out about her sensitive, bright 8-year-old who’s struggling with intense test stress, perfectionism, big mood swings at home, and confusing stories about bullying that seem to shift.This episode is one of my deepest, most layered breakdowns yet. I unpack what’s really going on beneath these behaviours, why kids often hold it together at school but unravel at home, how perfectionism and identity can get tangled, and why shame can lead children to retract stories that were emotionally true moments earlier.Even if your situation looks nothing like this one, I promise you’ll walk away with powerful insights you can apply to your own parenting. I share scripts, reframes, and emotionally intelligent strategies for supporting a dysregulated child, navigating school conversations gently and safely, and staying grounded yourself, esp when your own past experiences get triggered.It’s a heartfelt, practical, compassion-filled deep dive… and one I’m so excited to share with you.📲 Prefer to watch this episode and full video on YT? Find it here!🩷 Hi! I’m an award-winning Emotional Intelligence parenting consultant, best-selling author and international speaker. I’m also a paediatric anxiety therapist and I love helping kids, parents and educators use emotional intelligence to become calmer, more connected and live happier lives! Book a FREE 30 min consult with me to discuss coaching, support, collaborations or speaking engagements.E: [email protected]: www.stephaniepinto.comFB: fb.com/stephpintoIG @emotionally.intelligent.parent Have you joined my Facebook Group for parents? There are 140,000+ parents in the community!🎉 Join Let's Raise Emotionally Intelligent Kids now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.