The courage to say 'No'
Parenting often requires courage. The courage to go with our inner instincts rather than what we perceive as societal norms. So many decisions need to be made by us on a daily basis regarding what we allow for our children. Decisions such as how much television they can watch, time spent on computer games, what movies they can see, where they can go, who they can go with and so on, and so on. Often there are enormous pressures to comply with society trends and perceptions to
Help build positive social skills
Children's friendships are unique. They flourish in the moment, yet they change unpredictably. Young children's social and emotional lives are intricately woven together. If a child is happy, friendships are spontaneous and easy; if he's tired or frustrated his ability to be a friend is seriously handicapped. Learning to be a friend is an ongoing process of discovery and curiosity. A parent's role is to create opportunities for social/emotional learning. What does your chi
The horrors of Homework!
In primary school, homework is as much about learning the skills of time management and the value of solving problems on their own as it is about practising what they have learnt in class. If we go about it the right way we can help instil in them some valuable life skills such as self motivation, responsibility for their own learning and how their actions will produce different consequences. Sit down together as a family and explain that you want to create a regular time wh
In times of crisis
Q. How can you help your kids deal with tough situations and make them feel safe in times of crisis? A. Children are exposed to traumatic events like the the recent bushfires and the Covid19 dangers through TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, and even adult conversations that they overhear. The information can be scary to kids and they often need help managing what they’ve seen or heard. When you start talking with your children, you help them handle their feelings and you sta
Are you there for me?
Research tells us that the most effective parenting style in achieving positive psychological and social outcomes is the Authoritative style. I often describe this style as having equal amounts of firmness and kindness. Essentially I mean being firm and kind at the same time. How can this be? What about when we get angry or our children are misbehaving? How can we discipline and be kind at the same time? The answer to these questions lies in the way we choose to discipline.
Are you there for me?
Research tells us that the most effective parenting style in achieving positive psychological and social outcomes is the Authoritative style. I often describe this style as having equal amounts of firmness and kindness. Essentially I mean being firm and kind at the same time. How can this be? What about when we get angry or our children are misbehaving? How can we discipline and be kind at the same time? The answer to these questions lies in the way we choose to discipline. W
It's child's play
Q. Sometimes I really feel there is less and less time for my children to just be able to play on their own. Should I be worried? A. Childhood play is an essential part of children’s growth and development. Over and over again we see research results that back this up. It is crucial for our children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth. Sometimes the expectations on us as parents and how or how much we are providing in organised activities and material means et
Raising Boys - Where are we failing?
A lot of my work with children involves teaching conflict management skills, social skills and the ability to solve problems. A lot of the children I work with are boys who have challenging behaviours such as the need to over power others in order to achieve what they want. When boys are young and they try to get what they want through physical rumbling or fighting or getting frustrated with others we say 'oh they are just being boys'. We even do this with a faint sense of p
Returning to school after lockdown - a parent roadmap
Going back to school after the COVID-19 lockdown will come with its own challenges for parents and children. Being at home has, on one...
Use the lock-down to lock it in!
From the middle of March 2020 Australia, as in many other parts of the world, entered into a lockdown in response to the spreading of the COVID–19 virus. This lockdown, has involved the staying at home of anyone not deemed as essential services. This has meant many families being under one roof for an unprecedented long period of time without being able to go out or visit others. All of us will be looking at a very uncertain view of what the future may hold from one week to
