Support, Insight & Practical Tools for Thoughtful Parenting
👋 Welcome
Parenting can be joyful — and incredibly tough.
Between school admissions, behaviour struggles, and the everyday chaos of family life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
That’s why I created the Mindful Parent Hub — a growing space for parents who want to think clearly, act with purpose, and raise children who are resilient, curious, and emotionally grounded.
I’m Francis Gilbert — teacher, parent, and author of Parent Power and Working the System. As Head of the MA in Creative Writing and Education at Goldsmiths, and someone who’s worked with families for over two decades, I’ve seen firsthand the pressures parents face — and the strategies that genuinely help.
Here you’ll find a carefully curated mix of:
- My most-read articles on school systems, stress, and choice
- Reflections from my podcast Mindful Learning
- Practical resources and advice (with more coming soon)
It’s early days — this is very much a work-in-progress — but there’s already plenty here to get stuck into.
Welcome. You’re not alone. Let’s explore what mindful parenting can look like — together.
📚 Most Read Posts by Parents
- How You Can Win Your School Appeal
Step-by-step advice on school appeals that still helps thousands of parents every year. - The Lesson We Can Learn About Schools
A reflective piece on the nature of education and what truly matters for children. - School Choice: An Overrated Concept
Why the myth of the ‘perfect school’ might be doing more harm than good. - Should Parents Pay for Solicitors to Help Them Get the School of Their Choice?
Weighing up the ethics and effectiveness of legal help in admissions. - How to Cope with Secondary School Trauma
Practical guidance for helping your child manage the transition to secondary school.