Childosophy

Childosophy is a whole-child philosophy and practice framework founded by Dr Maxine Thérèse, developed to help adults understand what children communicate through their behaviour and physical signals. Its central idea is that behaviour is not simply a problem to manage, but information about an unmet foundational need. The Foundational Needs Model presents children as whole beings from birth and offers a way to recognise those needs and support wellbeing.

Drawing on research and ideas from neuroscience, psychology, family systems theory, epigenetics, physiology and ancient wisdom, Childosophy serves parents, educators and mental health professionals. For parents, it helps interpret signals such as recurring stomach aches, meltdowns or difficulty settling, and respond to the need beneath the symptom. For educators, it offers guidance for understanding behaviours that can affect learning and creating supportive conditions. For practitioners, it provides a framework focused on the whole child.

Childosophy also offers consultations, resources for different audiences, practitioner and educator learning opportunities, a shop, articles and media information.