At the time of writing, it is the beginning of February and the new school year has just begun. For many families, it’s the beginning of a whole new chapter as their child starts school for the first time.
For other families, Prep is a year away, and many parents will be concerned whether their child will be ready for school in 12 months time.
When a child begins Prep, parents are often unsure as to what foundations and skills their little learner should be equipped with.
Topics: Parenting, Primary School, Social Skills, Preschool, Prep, Friendship
A few years ago, there were more baby girls called ‘Khaleesi’ than ‘Britney’, as parents across the English-speaking world named their daughters after a character from the all-conquering Game of Thrones books and TV series. Since the series ended in 2019, however, the trend has nosedived, with precisely zero registrations of the name ‘Khaleesi’ in the USA so far this year. This has me wondering about the influence of pop culture on children’s names.
Topics: Parenting
I’ve never been great at small talk. It is only when I can burrow beneath surface-level chit-chat level that I become truly engaged.
I am, however, considerably more advanced at the art of polite conversation than my children. My boys are either too direct (eg “My grandad’s losing his hair too”) or shy and monosyllabic, mumbling to their shoes when spoken to by someone unfamiliar.
Topics: Parenting, High School, Primary School, Social Skills, Preschool
Chess is often considered a game suited only to intellectually gifted people. People assume that to play chess you must already have a rather high level of intelligence or at least be ‘a little bit smart’. While chess may be more instantly appealing to those whose minds already think in a strategic ‘chess-like' manner, research is showing that this increasingly popular game has significant benefits for everyone.
Topics: High School, Primary School, Prep, Numeracy
The concept of respectful relationships, including consent, has been discussed at a school level for some time, but it hasn’t yet gained universal traction with families. Lacking confidence and unsure where to start, many parents have struggled to make headway in this area. If this sounds familiar, these ideas will help you make a start.
Topics: Teens, High School, Behaviour, Primary School, Social Skills, Preschool, Prep, Toddlers, Boys
Saying goodbye is never easy. Particularly on the first day of school. Excitement, apprehension, tears and clinginess are perfectly normal responses for the child beginning Prep. But no-one wants to leave their child sobbing and distressed with their new teacher.
Topics: Primary School, Prep, Anxiety
