We are charmed by the way toddlers wobble their way through words in their early stages of speech. Eager attempts to mimic the sounds often result in words that remain with us for years. In literature, A A Milne gave us the ‘Heffalump’ (elephant) in Winnie the Pooh. When the wobble with words migrates to
... continue reading.They Can Provide Kids With Wonderful Experiences If you want to know about the benefits of owning a pet, just ask the Farrugias. They live in the Adelaide Hills with a menagerie ranging from earthworms to chickens. Several weeks ago, their border collies gave birth to a litter of 10 puppies, a magical experience for
... continue reading.Tailored swimming classes are helping children with autism overcome their fear of water. For most families, a day at the pool or beach is a great way to escape South Australia’s searing heat waves. But for kids like Logan Fischer, five, of Morphett Vale, and his mum Kate, a summer swim is not always a
... continue reading.Our children have never known a world without the internet. For children and teenagers, cyberspace plays a part in their education, social interaction, work and entertainment. But the online world is not devoid of risks. Kids venturing into cyberspace are exposed to a host of potential dangers ranging from scams and swindles to schoolyard bullies.
... continue reading.Research shows that boys and girls not only have distinctive bodies, but distinctive brains. This means that their development is different in almost every way – socially, intellectually, physically and emotionally. So, how do we transition from a childcare or early learning environment to a school full of boys? Prince Alfred College principal Bradley Fenner
... continue reading.Most teens aren’t big fans of homework. They put it off until the last minute, drag their heels or ‘forget’ they had any. Parents nag and get mad. The parent-teen homework battle is an age-old tradition. However in 2015, teens can take homework procrastination to heights only dreamt about by teens in the 80s. Hello,
... continue reading.Sandpits are the coolest place for a toddler. So much to do, so much to explore, so many possibilities. As we walked towards the sandpit I scanned for dangers, checked out how many children there, noted the pathway to the duck pond and then turned to my toddler and said “now remember to play nicely,
... continue reading.This spring, why not set the screens aside and head outside to try some of the games your grandparents used to play? From hopscotch to stuck-in-the-mud, there are plenty of ways to enjoy outside play with your kids. Jump The Snake You’ll need a large skipping rope. Two hold the ends of a large skipping
... continue reading.Many youngsters are introduced to a second language at primary and even pre-school. It’s an approach we should also take to teaching children the fundamentals of good money management and sound financial habits, because it’s in the early years that the fundamentals can be established most effectively – just like learning a new language. It’s
... continue reading.Most parents of small children already know the power of praise. But as children turn into teenagers it becomes more complex. Parents sometimes assume teens don’t need the same praise, thanks and affirmation. (Surely, by now, they should be doing that without expecting praise for it?) They might wonder whether teens care about their opinion
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