Five Top Tips to Help Your Child Overcome Shyness
Shyness in kids is very common, and “everybody can feel shy in certain situations,” says Professor Jennifer Hudson, a clinical psychologist and research fellow from Macquarie University’s Centre for Emotional Health . While mild shyness is not defined as an anxiety condition, approximately one in five children will have a problem with exceptional shyness and anxiety, such that it significantly interferes with their daily life. Professor Hudson’s latest longitudinal research into the role of temperament and stressful life events in the development of childhood anxiety found that shy children experience fewer positive life experiences because of their inhibitions. Read full article
Teens Learn Their Model of Romantic Relationships from Parents
A new study from University of Alberta relationship researchers, published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, found the quality of the relationship between an adolescent and their parents was directly related to the quality of the teen’s intimate relationship 15 years later. Described as a small but noteworthy association, the researchers say their findings match previous evidence that children learn their model of close relationships from their family of origin. Read full article
Judging Children by Their Names. What?
I had to think about whether to share this video. In the end I decided to share it for your amusement. A UK reality show personality shares her beliefs about judging children’s qualities and suitability for her children’s company – based on their names. Watch this and prepare to be amazed by another human. Read full article
Take a Seat – Make a Friend – Try this in a School?
A beautiful video from Soul Pancake called "Take a Seat – Make a Friend". We think this would be a brilliant exercise for a Primary or Elementary school to help children get to know each other, make friends, and appreciate diversity. This is great. Take 5 minutes and enjoy this. Read full article
My Son Doesn’t Want Surprise Gifts This Christmas
This year, there will be no surprises at Christmas time for my six year old son. No, he hasn’t been a ‘naughty boy’ and therefore undeserving of Santa’s generosity. The reason my son will have no surprises is that he will choose all of his presents and be with us when we buy them, in November. They will then be wrapped and put under the Christmas tree. Read full article
Confidence is Not Everything – Encouraging My Child
My daughter had an audition for a local youth orchestra and, not surprisingly, she was nervous. "You are playing your pieces beautifully," I told her after a particularly trying practice that ended in hot angry tears. No I’m not. I sound terrible." Yes she was looking for reassurance but it was more than that. Read full article
Best Start
Best Start by Lynn Jenkins, clinical psychologist, is for parents who want to understand their baby’s or toddler’s emotional needs. This book explains the importance of the quality of your baby’s early experiences and interactions and how these influence how your child develops. Read full article
Are You a Parent Juggling Too Many Tasks? Try This.
A few weeks ago I found myself a bit more disorganised than usual. Among a multitude of jobs I had to do was buying green things for my eight and five year olds to wear to school for St Patrick’s Day celebrations. I found myself standing in a shop asking myself what would be more inappropriate – sending them to school wearing plastic green glasses that look like jugs of beer, or a badge that says ‘Kiss me. I’m Irish’? Read full article
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