More Play Leads To More Learning – Making Christmas Presents Easy
“Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth.” ~ American Academy of Paediatrics It’s coming up to Christmas and you’re probably wondering what toys to buy for your kids. I think it’s helpful to remember that more play leads to more learning and that […]
Should I get my child an e-reader or books for Christmas?
e-readers are hugely popular with parents – but research shows kids prefer printed books, magazines and comics. So is it worth buying them a book? Check out these wonderful books in The Sue Atkins Book Club
Kids and Teenagers With ADHD and the Christmas Holidays. Jingle Bells or Jingle Hell?
I found an interesting article on Health Central about Teenagers finding the change in routine very stressful around the Christmas holiday time. Here are some tips to help you get through the holiday period when you have a teenager with ADHD: Plan out their holiday homework. Once your child reaches secondary school, teachers often assign […]
Navigating the Digital Jungle: Tips and SCRIPTS to Tame Digital Distractions!
Dealing with digital distractions is a challenge for both parents and children in today’s tech-saturated world. Here are some simple tips and scripts to help manage and reduce these distractions effectively: 1. Set Clear Boundaries and Rules Tip: Establish specific times when devices can be used, such as after homework or during weekends. […]
Sue Atkins and Ditch the Label: ‘Can Parents Stop Bullying?’
Can Parents Make It Stop? As parents, we’re sure you’re familiar with the crippling pain and anger you feel when someone intentionally hurts or upsets your child. Its a world of mixed emotions telling you to protect your kid. The thing is, as a parent, there is only so much you can do to […]
The Dance of Intimacy – Keeping The Glow With Your Partner
This week will be all about Valentine’s Day and can be a time of great romance or great pain. Many people put their children first and of course while this is necessary and honourable is it at the expense of your own relationship? I remember a great friend of my Mum and Dad’s Nuala […]
Keeping the Glow with your Partner – Permission to Criticise – Don’t hold back !
Keeping the Glow with your Partner This article gives you complete permission to let it all out – all the frustrations, resentments, anger, disappointments, annoyances and pain you feel for your partner at times. Don’t hold back – give it 110% of your energy – this is a no holds barred worksheet! This may feel […]
Keeping the Glow With Your Partner – Take a Snap Shot.
No matter where you are in your relationship, it’s important and healthy to regularly check in on it from time to time to keep it fresh, keep it growing and keep it alive. By asking some simple but thought provoking questions like: Where are you? Where are they? Where is the relationship as a whole? […]
If you really loved me I wouldn’t have to ask !
Keeping the Glow with your Partner. Do you want more attention, more respect, more help with the kids, more hugs, more romance, more surprises, more time together, more intimacy, and more fun? Someone to babysit, iron the shirts, help make the dinner sometimes or hang up the towels in the bathroom? Then ask. “But I […]
10 Facts Parents Should Know About Dyslexia. A Checklist.
? Dyslexia is not a disadvantage. Having a good understanding of the type of difficulties caused by dyslexia will help you support, encourage & motivate your dyslexic child without damaging their self-esteem. Did you know that more than 50% of NASA employees are Dyslexic? NASA is able to look past the negative opinions about […]
Starting School ~ The Easy Way!
From the moment you play peek-a-boo with your baby, you are preparing them for the process of moving away from you and learning about independence. Separation can be a difficult emotion not only for you as a parent but also for your child. As your child matures and gains in confidence, they grow into […]
Who should teach your kids about the birds and the bees?
Sex education lessons are set to change with children taught about the dangers of pornography, sexting and online grooming in a major shake-up. The move follows months of campaigning from MPs and charity groups who argue the current curriculum is years out of date and does not reflect the dangers faced by young people today […]
Practical Tips on How to RESPOND Rather Than REACT. My Pause Button Technique
Much of our lives is spent in reaction to others and to events around us. The problem is that these reactions might not always be the best course of action, and as a result, they can make our children, ourselves and those around us unhappy, and can make things worse for everyone & often […]
Why it’s IMPORTANT to read to your kids.
I’ve just been interviewed on BBC Hereford and Worcester Radio about why it’s important to read to kids. Of course we all know that reading matters, but just how much it matters and how it can impact our children may be surprising. As a former Deputy Head Teacher & Class Teacher for over 25 […]
Comics are a Gateway to Creating Life-Long Readers
When my son Will was little, he loved reading. Then he went through a phase of not reading books but loving comics. According to the latest research commissioned by Readly, the European leader in digital magazine and newspaper subscriptions this was good news! Comics are a gateway into creating life-long readers. Children who read […]