So its the school holidays and the weather sucks. The sound of the TV is ever-present and, despite your best intentions, the kids have been on their iPods/PlayStation/Xbox/Wii far longer than you know is healthy. We all know too much screen time is damaging for kids but policing it is an eternal challenge. We hear you!
Here are some strategies for controlling screen time in your house:
Topics: Parenting, Teens, High School, School Holidays, Internet, Primary School, Technology, Preschool, Toddlers
I enjoy writing. My kids don’t (or so they say). Maybe it’s an association with spelling drills and school essay assignments but my boys do not naturally get excited at the prospect of putting pen to paper. Oh, they have friends who keep journals and who write stories at home for fun (imagine!) but not my boys.
Topics: Literacy, Teens, High School, School Holidays, Primary School
It is 9:09pm on the eve of "Australia's biggest party". I am already in my pyjamas, my children are safely tucked in bed and I am glad I have a long time to wait before I have to personally worry about Schoolies. But there are plenty of mums and dads around Queensland whose stomachs are aswarm tonight. Firstly, because their bundles finish school forever tomorrow and secondly, and probably more significantly, their little ones will most-likely attend some sort of Schoolies celebration.
Topics: Parenting, Teens, School Leavers, High School
I had the most intriguing conversation with my son at bedtime the other night. He's not one to be emotional or 'cuddly' but at bedtime he likes me to lie with and talk to him. The other night as I lay down next to him he said to me, "Cuddle me tight Mum, but don't use your hands".
Topics: Parenting, Teens, High School, Behaviour, Primary School, Preschool, Prep, Toddlers
“Have you done your homework?” “I don’t have any!”
Does that sound familiar? Have you thought about changing the name from homework to something like study time? No homework from school? Excellent, how about you revise maths, English or spelling, or get ahead on that assignment? Still nothing? Oh well, this is study time so some silent reading will be a good choice.
Topics: Teens, High School, Primary School, Homework
