Photography: Loren Stowwww.lorenstow.co.za When we hear the word ‘gifted’, it usually applies to a child, a prodigy… We do not normally associate this word with being a parent. Our children are the gifts… not us… Nevertheless, a well-known psychologist Dr David Lewis, wrote a book called “How to be a Gifted Parent”, in […]
Like the rest of the country, Practically Speaking will be taking a holiday break! Our blog will remain accessible, but we will not be posting any new articles until the 14th of January 2011. We will be sure to send a mail to everyone again in the New Year as our first article goes up. In the […]
Image: Loren Stowhttp://www.lorenstow.co.za/ The holidays are a time when we have all the time in the world (for a week or two) to spend with our families. Sometimes we go on holiday, other times we stay at home, and other times we invite family to stay with us… Holidays are treasured by most as an […]
Image: Loren Stowhttp://www.lorenstow.co.za/ It can be really stressful at this time of year, as you walk into your local mall, armed with your list of who you need to buy presents for… And even though many people have cut back on adult presents, there is always a focus on buying presents for the children in your […]
Image Source: http://www.thedailygreen.com/ Our last post was about the importance of early reading (if you missed it, go here), and today we’re sharing some simple and inspiring tips that can make practicing reading simple, as long as you recognise the opportunities! 1. Set the scene for Dreamland: Help your child to wind down at bedtime […]
Language, Language Development, Learning, learning tools, Love, Loving Communication, Reading; Brain Development, Relationship Boosters, School Readiness, Social Development
The 3 Secrets of Early Reading
25
Nov
Nov
The 3 Secrets of Early Reading I remember as a little girl that I loved to read – I would even pretend to read my mother stories that I had learned to memorise. When I learned to write, my love of words was further extended, and I would re-write by hand poems and songs that I […]
Language, Language Development, Learning, Middle Ear Infections; Hearing Problems; Otitis Media; Effective Communication, Milestones, Self Esteem, Social Development
Middle Ear Infection Emergency Kit
23
Nov
Nov
The Practica Programme Blog – Middle Ear Infection Emergency Kit In a previous post, we discussed how middle ear infection can affect your child. The effects are often overlooked or unknown, and so we really felt passionate about sharing this with you, as a parent – if you missed the post, go here. Today, we’re looking […]
Language, Language Development, Learning, Middle Ear Infections; Hearing Problems; Otitis Media; Effective Communication, Milestones, Self Esteem, Social Development
How Hearing Impacts Learning
19
Nov
Nov
According to Dr Vincent Iannelli of the American Association of Paediatrics, 50% of children under the age of 12 months will experience at least one episode of middle ear infection (otitis media), and between the ages of one and three, 35% of children will have repeated episodes. When we consider how important hearing is to language […]
Bad Praise, Effective Communication, Good Praise, Life Skills, Loving Communication, Praise, Self Esteem, Talking
Healthy Praise – 3 Practical Tips
16
Nov
Nov
Healthy Praise – 3 Practical Tips In our last post, we discussed how not all praise is equal. In fact, if praise were like food, some praise is like the finest organic fruit and vegetables, while other praise is like junk food which is plain unhealthy and even harmful (if you missed the post, go here). […]
Bad Praise, Effective Communication, Good Praise, Life Skills, Loving Communication, Praise, Self Esteem, Talking
When Praise is Harmful
11
Nov
Nov
When Praise is Harmful As a parent, I want to raise my children in a way that celebrates who they are and what they achieve. I want them to know that they have a special place in the world and that the world is truly a better place because they are in it. I […]
Emotional Intelligence, EQ, Life Skills, Manners, Respectful Behaviour, Self Control, Self Esteem, Social Development
How to teach Manners – the 123 and ABC
09
Nov
Nov
In our last post we discussed how important it is to guide your young child in developing good manners because it will affect his self-concept, create higher EQ and eventually culminate in more success later on life (if you missed the post, go here). However, we’re still just human beings, and some clear directions come […]
Emotional Intelligence, EQ, Life Skills, Manners, Respectful Behaviour, Self Control, Self Esteem, Social Development
3 Reasons to start manners early
05
Nov
Nov
I vaguely remember a time before I joined the legion of parents out there, looking at other people’s children and thinking smugly to myself… “I would never let my child get away with that…” or “I can’t believe how badly behaved that child is, my child will never do that…” Then… I had my own children! […]
In our last post we told the truth about the effect that television has on your young child (under 3 years) – if you missed it, go HERE. In this post, we want to equip parents with the tools they need to make the most of television when it comes to their older toddlers and children. We […]
Brain Development, Language Development, Learning, Loving Communication, Television
Television – The Great Thief
29
Oct
Oct
I have been rather afraid of writing this post, because it is without a doubt going to be rather difficult for many parents to swallow. The important thing, however, is to tell the truth (no matter how ugly), because our philosophy at Practically Speaking is that “when we know better, we do better”. So, stick […]