There was a question in a local forum for mums asking whether and how to tell an 8 year old child about the tragic events on Friday. These are the questions that parents are grappling with here in New Zealand. It takes courage for us to talk to our children about sensitive topics. We can … Continue reading How to talk to children about tragedy
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Friendship feels
Navigating the social environment can be hard for kids. Knowing how to influence our child to form friendships isn't easy. What do you do when your child comes home from school and says; “Nobody likes me!” Are you the frustrated parent who reacts? “Well if you just let other people choose the game then maybe … Continue reading Friendship feels
School ready, transitions without tears
Southern hemisphere parents have the triple whammy of transition after summer school holidays. The excitement of Christmas, the longest holiday break and a sharp shock of getting back into the school routine all add to stress levels. Children can have strong feelings about these sorts of transitions. If this is your child you may even … Continue reading School ready, transitions without tears
8 ways to support a sensitive child
Do I have a sensitive child? Ways to support them.
Self-reliant kids do better | how to do less so your kids can do more
Are your kids self-reliant or do you think you are doing too much for them? Would you like to encourage your children to become more self-reliant? A job description looks like this for many parents: Long term, energetic team player needed, for challenging permanent work in a busy and often chaotic environment. Responsibilities include cooking, … Continue reading Self-reliant kids do better | how to do less so your kids can do more
When your teen swears – how to respond and not react
Teens blow up in a split second |how to stay calm and what to do when it happens
When perfectionism is the enemy of progress | how to help a child who hates making mistakes
"My daughter is doing well academically and excels in many subjects. I am concerned about her perfectionist tendencies. Her reaction to what I see as minor setbacks is out of proportion. When she got a less than perfect result in a test recently she took it very badly. It was like the end of the … Continue reading When perfectionism is the enemy of progress | how to help a child who hates making mistakes
How to get kids to listen – even when we’re busy
Being a busy parent affects everything we say and do - including how we communicate with our kids. How hard it is when kids don't listen? We already have a lot on our plate. This morning I watched a mum in her car stop at the traffic lights and quickly spoon some food into her … Continue reading How to get kids to listen – even when we’re busy
Getting up is hard to do | on cold, dark mornings
Do you have a hard time getting up in the mornings? Parents and kids can struggle on the cold winter days with bad moods. When you are in a bad mood is it hard to shake? What about your child? Are bad moods making it hard for them to get up and do what they … Continue reading Getting up is hard to do | on cold, dark mornings
How to have hard conversations with teens | 13 Reasons why
The series “13 Reasons Why” brings up hard conversations for parents. In it’s second round, it shows shocking themes in graphic detail, including rape and suicide. In NZ where high rates of youth suicide exist, experts warn that the program will do more harm than good. The advice is that teens should only watch with … Continue reading How to have hard conversations with teens | 13 Reasons why