THE first day of school is a major milestone in the motherhood journey. Whether it’s your first or your third child off to begin their institutionalised learning, it’s a big step for them and for mum. Some mums cry, sad to see their child leaving babyhood behind, some are happy, thrilled at the next stage for the family. Here’s a first person account from two very different mothers about their child’s first day – one sobbed (Yvette, pictured left) and one jumped for joy (me, in the glasses). Continue reading
LAST Friday, something happened to me that resulted in an ‘ah-ha!’ moment that has led to a complete change in my attitude, but not quite in the way you would expect. Someone was rude to me and I am still shaking my head. But it has brought me to a startling realisation about myself and people in general, and a promise to myself.
A PARENTING trick I have used many times when my kids aren’t behaving goes something like this: “Sit quietly in the backseat, stop that yelling, or the police will come and take you away”. I was reminded of it when this story surfaced in the news, with 
AT breakfast the other morning, my five-year-old daughter picked up the cereal box to pour some into her bowl and discovered her brothers had emptied it ahead of her. “What the hell?” came out of her mouth, as she glared menacingly at the cereal stealers. Of course, I raised an eyebrow. 
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SPONSORED POST: A modern trend with an old-fashioned feel to it is the book club. 
AS a parenting writer with many years’ experience I have written reams about helping children who lack confidence, who lack coping strategies and who are struggling in life, whether at school or daycare, with bullying or just making friends. This post is for parents, who, like me, have a different problem, almost the opposite problem. The problem of the confident kid. 
So… this is 2013. *looks around* Love what you’ve done with the place. Much nicer than your predecessor. Personally, I had no problem with 2012, but lots of people seemed pretty happy to say goodbye to her. Let’s chat, 2013. I’d like to share a few things with you, plans I have for the year ahead. You should feel free to nod along in all the right places.
The UK nurse who killed herself following an Australian talkback radio prank has left the chattering classes all atwitter with recriminations about who is to blame for the tragic turn of events. The hospital, the radio jocks, the nurse’s colleagues – all are copping a share. Rebecca Sparrow has highlighted a point not-often spoken of in connection with the adult world, but which has been doing the rounds in parenting and childcare circles for a while – resilience.
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