A year on, Poppy is thriving

There are sleepovers now. Parties. A close group of friends at school, something Poppy once found almost impossible. Her teacher talks of how much she has grown, socially and academically. And then there’s martial arts. Three new belts in the past year showing just how much her confidence has grown.

When Poppy first came to Dandelion Time life felt very different.

Following a family breakdown, Poppy and her three siblings were living with their mum, who was struggling herself. During that time, life often felt unsettled and confusing. Poppy began to see herself as the naughty one, the child who was noticed when things went wrong, who felt she was told off more than the others. Gradually, this shaped how she saw herself, affecting her confidence and self-esteem.

Later, the decision was made for all four children to live full-time with their dad, Adam. Joining a new, blended household of seven children brought yet another period of adjustment. New relationships, routines and expectations took time to get used to, and trust didn’t come easily.

In the noise and pressure of everyday family life, Poppy needed space and support to feel safe, understood and able to find her place.

At Dandelion Time, Poppy was met with patience and space. Using familiar natural materials – smooth stones, rough crystals, different colours and textures – she was able to represent the important relationships in her life. Without needing to find the right words, Poppy showed who felt close, who felt distant, and where things felt uncertain. Some of what emerged came as a surprise, gently revealing connections that were beginning to form and helping Poppy start to make sense of her world.

Outdoors, confidence grew step by small step. At first, the animals felt frightening. Poppy stayed back, watching from a safe distance. Week by week, those steps became braver entering the chicken coop, leaving food, stroking a chicken while someone else held it. Eventually, she held one independently. Later still, she began helping other children find the courage to do the same.

At home, changes took root too. When emotions rose, especially in moments of sibling conflict, she began to come to her dad rather than lash out. Feelings were allowed to surface not rushed away or “fixed”, but held until they passed. Slowly, Poppy learned that emotions could be trusted, that they didn’t need to be feared.

Today, Poppy is a vibrant, thoughtful and much happier.

Caring for guinea pigs and seven chickens at home. Building friendships. Growing not just
in confidence, but in belief, no longer the child who felt she was “always in trouble”, but
a young person who knows she is seen, supported and capable.

In the message shared with us, Adam reflected on what the time at Dandelion Time had meant:

You were all such a huge part of her having a new and positive outlook. The time we had together just the two of us was invaluable for helping her see she has a safe place and safe people. The tools you gave us have helped her, and us, massively.