A New Study In The Journal Of Pediatrics Says Maybe It’s Not Social Media, But Helicopter Parenting That’s Making Kids Depressed. It’s not just social media, but the rise of helicopter parenting, in which kids no longer have spaces to just hang out with each other and be kids that is contributing to mental health […]
I was recently discussing the new Paternity Leave for Dads on BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester & my article was also published in the Indian Magazine Kids Stop Press about the importance of Dads bonding with their new born babies. So here is my advice on how fathers […]
I’m asked all the time by stressed out, nagged to death parents, ‘When is the best age to get my child a mobile phone?’ Even though they have probably been begging for one—how do you know they are really ready? One simple question is to ask yourself, ‘What will they be using it for?’ I […]
I’m talking about the new survey about Pocket Money on Sky News today. Children are getting an average of £6.55 a week in pocket money but the gap is widening between the earnings of boys and girls. The Halifax survey of nearly 1,800 children aged eight to 15 and their parents found that they now […]
The average toddler hears the word “no” an astonishing 400 times a day, according to experts. You, like me, may, at first, think that this must be an exaggeration but pause to ponder this…when we tell a toddler ‘No’ we usually say,’ No, no, no!’ which is actually three times in three seconds – reinforcing […]
I was speaking on BBC radio about a new piece of research around mental health and stepfamilies. What struck me as unhelpful & laden with negativity is the word ‘BROKEN’ to describe parents who are divorced, separated or apart. Broken implies a failure, broken implies damaged, no longer able to work, something destroyed & dysfunctional but […]
Money makes the world go around!’ as Lisa Minnelli happily sang in the hit musical “Cabaret” and it certainly seems to be true on more than one occasion, but debt is on the increase and there seems to be more and more demands on your money than ever before so learning about money […]
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 The move follows months of campaigning from MPs and charity groups who argue the current curriculum is years out of date and does not reflect the dangers faced by young people today […]
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 […]
I was speaking on BBC Radio recently about friendship issues. Here are a few of my ideas about what to do when your child says ‘Nobody Likes Me’: 1. Offer a variety of opportunities for your child to play and socialise informally at home. Host a play date that’s not too long. Have some friends […]
If you suddenly have a fussy eater on your hands – you’re not alone! I work with lots of parents going through the same thing with their children as faddy eating is often a phase that young children go through to explore their independence and to test you out. But with a simple […]
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 […]
Handling change is one of life’s greatest challenges and is a major element in my work with parents. My passion is to help parents handle change positively and with clarity, direction and confidence. Change is inevitable and although it’s perfectly natural to resist the changes in your life and feel overwhelmed and anxious about them, […]
I read with horror Katie Hopkins from ( The Apprentice) admission that she won’t let her children play with friends that she deems beneath them… & I quote ‘that’s what caring mothers do’ As The Apprentice star admits she targets playmates who are a good influence. Well – good luck with that overly controlling strategy […]
“Should I let my child go on a sleepover?” I get asked this a lot. And frankly, it depends. We’ve all heard the gossip of the disasters in the school playground. I know some parents who simply make it their policy — “No sleepovers ever” or ‘No sleepovers until you’re ___________. (put in the […]
