Category Archives: Parenting

There has been a lot of coverage about the detrimental effects of unrealistic images in the media on our young girls and boys. And while I agree wholeheartedly that more needs to be done to stop airbrushing and to provide … Continue reading →

Children who are encouraged to have opinions from an early age are given a distinct advantage over those who are not. As an adult, being able to express your views and stand up for yourself is rewarded. While we don’t … Continue reading →

Yesterday, Professor Helen McGrath from RMIT was quoted as saying that lavishing children with praise can create a very high self-esteem which in turn can lead to bullying behaviour. Professor McGrath’s comments make sense. A child who is constantly told … Continue reading →

I got a shock this week when my children told me that when they have kids, they will not parent like I do. And when I say shock, I mean I burst into tears. My kids were in turn gobsmacked … Continue reading →

It’s been said many times before – parenting is the most challenging but rewarding job in the world. From the moment you find out that there is a baby on the way, there are decisions to be made and the … Continue reading →

I confess – I have been guilty of doing my children’s homework. I designed and helped create a number of their projects when they were in the early years. I have “edited” a few speeches when they were in primary … Continue reading →

Cyber safety is an understandable concern for most parents. We have  drummed into our kids the dangers of talking to strangers online, although it still happens. And there has been a lot of attention given to the serious issue of … Continue reading →

I witnessed a scenario on Saturday that I have seen many times before. Let me set the scene for you: A young boy aged probably 12-13 years gets run out while batting in his team’s cricket match. The boy is … Continue reading →

Children learn to talk when they hear their parents speak. We mostly use age appropriate language with our kids. But sometimes, using words that are beyond their years really comes in handy. Let’s start with those toddlers. If a young … Continue reading →

Babies cry when they want food or comfort. Toddlers and preschoolers throw tantrums. Primary aged children make it very clear when they are overtired or overwhelmed. But when an adolescent has a meltdown, it can be very hard to know … Continue reading →