Tag: children
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Body Image and our Children
In a world where our children are bombarded with messages about how they should look, we can help mitigate these messages so they grow up feeling comfortable in their own skin. Parents, teachers, coaches and family members all play a role in forming a young person’s body image and at times this can have a…
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Building Confidence as a Parent: Lessons from the Circle of Security Parenting Program
Parenting is messy. It’s full of highs and lows, moments of pride mixed with a lot of self-doubt. As both a Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) facilitator and a parent myself, I’ve experienced firsthand how this journey can test your confidence. But I’ve also seen how the COSP framework can help parents find their footing…
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Online Friendships: Navigating Connection in the Digital Age
Humans are social creatures. We thrive on connection, and friendships form a cornerstone of our well-being. Friends offer support systems, a sense of belonging, and help reduce stress. Traditionally, friendships blossomed through face-to-face interactions, shared experiences, and physical proximity. However, the digital age has brought with it a new way of belonging and engaging: online…
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Racial Discrimination and Hate Speech in Children
Racial discrimination refers to the unequal treatment of individuals based on race, skin colour, or ethnicity, and can manifest in various forms such as exclusion, derogatory comments, or even physical aggression. This form of discrimination denies individuals equal opportunities and fair treatment in social, educational, and professional settings. It is pervasive and often reflects broader…
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“I can’t believe you messed up again” – How does the act of shaming children make a difference?
Can using inappropriate selection of words lead to child shaming? The answer is yes. “Don’t worry, it’s okay. But you can do it better next time.” Does it sound like it’s a good selection of words to use when your child is facing a challenge? Unfortunately, not really. A 9-year-old child falls short of the…
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World Autism Awareness Day
What is World Autism Awareness Day? April 2nd….sounds just like any other day, but did you know that it is internationally recognised as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD)? This special day is dedicated to spreading awareness about ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and helping everyone to understand what ASD is to create an inclusive and understanding…
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Neurodivergence Myths
Addressing and debunking common myths about neurodivergent individuals is crucial for fostering a more accurate understanding of this diverse group. Neurodiversity refers to the concept that neurological differences are to be recognized and respected as any other human variation. These differences can include those labelled with Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyscalculia, Autistic…
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10 Tips for Parenting a Neurodiverse Child
Supporting a neurodivergent child can be both frustrating and extremely rewarding. Often ‘go to’ parenting strategies that work for neurotypical kids do not work with our wonderful neurodivergent kids. It involves a blend of understanding, patience, and advocacy. Here are 10 tips for families to create a nurturing and supportive environment: 1. Educate Yourself About…
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Chinese New Year: A Festival for Reunion or Disunion? Part 1: The Lunar Reds and Oranges
Chinese New Year (CNY), also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most prominent events in Chinese culture, being celebrated widely across countries and ethnic groups. It signifies the beginning of a brand new year on the Chinese calendar, as well as the blooming of spring. Despite its marking…
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Boosting self-esteem in children
What is self-esteem? Self-esteem is our assessment of our self-worth and value; basically, what we think about ourselves. Our self-esteem lies along a continuum, ranging from low to high, and is based on beliefs that we develop about ourselves, usually from our early life experiences. Why is it important? Self-esteem is crucial to children’s well-being.…