Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Reaching Academic Potential

If your child has challenges with their speech or learning, the best thing to do is to get professional help.

But there are other ways you, as a parent, can help as well to
make sure your child excels and reaches his or her full potential.

Reading to your child, listening while he or she reads, gently
correctly when appropriate and generally spending more time
with your child will help your child grow in confidence.

And confident kids make better students.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Educational Christmas Gift Ideas

Gift giving to children nowadays seems to be getting way out of control!

Just yesterday I was speaking to a mother who was asking for Christmas gift ideas for her 3 year old daughter. When a doll, a book or a bucket and spade were suggested, she reeled back in horror. "Oh no," she said, "I wouldn't get those. She already has an i-pad and an i-pod, so those suggestions won't interest her at all."

Good grief, what will this mother be buying her daughter when she turns 12? ... a Porsche?

Children need to learn how to use their time productively, not have it filled by technology all the time. What this little girl will really benefit from is some quality time playing and interacting with one of her parents; reading a book; playing in the sand, building a sand castle; talking; listening; spending special, quality time with someone who loves and wants what's best for her. Not sitting alone with a piece of technology..... in my opinion anyhow. I know her mum wants what's best for her daughter, but has just been misguided into believing all gifts have to do something.

Let me know your thoughts and have a happy holiday season.