During the past 30 years, revolutionary discoveries in genetics, neuroscience and developmental psychology have transformed our understanding of infant development. As a result, a new study field in psychology, called “Pre and Perinatal Psychology” has taken shape, and researchers in this field are working hard to help change the way most people view the […]
“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” Angela Schwindt When we know better… we do better
Image from www.infpblog.com “How different our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us, and keeping that picture in mind, we manage ourselves each day to be and to do what really matters most.” ― Stephen R. Covey As human beings we are all involved in creative processes whether we know it […]
“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.” Another favourite from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: When we know better… we do better
Love, Respect and Confidence Professionals who do school readiness tests often comment on the quiet and unshakable confidence that our Practica children have when they see them for school readiness assessments. The fearless way in which they approach challenges is remarkable, especially since there are so many children who are lacking in confidence. Many […]
Spending time with children is in many ways like eating carrots. While some people naturally love it, other people will consciously have to work at getting used to it – especially if one hasn’t done it for a while. However, whether it comes naturally or not, doing it is exceptionally good for you. There are […]
“What you cannot enforce, do not command.” Sophocles When we know better… we do better
Safety Around Strangers As parents, we teach our children all kind of things in a sincere attempt to keep them out of harm’s way. There is no doubt that “no going anywhere with strangers” and “no treats from strangers” are important rules that should be taught from early on, but think twice before teaching your […]
Why is it that some people bring out the best in children? What is so different about them that little ones seem to genuinely WANT to please them and enthusiastically do what they say? Inborn temperament certainly plays a role. Consistency and self-confidence also make a difference. Yet, the crucial factor is that these special people have learned to think about and talk to children in a special way. Luckily, these ways of […]
We often exhibit the Practica Programme at baby shows and expo’s in South Africa and it’s truly mind-boggling to see how many products are available to new parents nowadays. I can imagine that entering into the world of parenthood must be very exciting and a little daunting at the same time – especially for first-time parents – and even more so if you don’t have unlimited […]
When we leave our homes as young adults, one of the very first things that I think most of us relish in is the new-found freedom to break free of the boundaries that our parents asked us to respect. It is not always a case of not agreeing with their boundaries, as much as perhaps […]
Children are talking less. In fact, research in the UK points to a disturbing trend where half of all five-year-olds entering primary school are very far behind on their speech milestones. “Up to 300,000 [children] are struggling to string a sentence together or [aren’t able] to understand simple instructions by the age of five,” says […]
Image: www.lorenstow.co.za Most parents can agree that it is incredibly frustrating when your baby or toddler wants something but can’t communicate what it is… You don’t know what to get them or do for them, and they get increasingly frantic… Another example is when you know that your child knows something, but when you ask […]
As parents we are facing a time in history where the role of the parent is being downplayed by the advent of technology to make your life easier. You can buy a machine to make and freeze baby food, a chair that rocks your baby for you, a weighted pillow in the shape of a hand […]