Parenting and Family Category
The task of building a successful blended family is challenging and complicated. Even under the most ideal circumstances it takes time – lots of it. Here are some thoughts on what this might mean and how the details might play out in practical terms. First, it’s crucial to have realistic goals. Don’t expect to become […]
Becoming A Successful Blended Family Read More »
Having a reliable babysitter is critical for your marriage when your child has disabilities Parents of kids without disabilities know that the lack of sleep and the worries about day to day safety will be over soon enough, and this knowledge alone gives them the fuel to keep going until their kids are for all
Special Needs Parents Need Help! Read More »
I don’t like labels on adults and I don’t believe in labelling children as “Special Needs”. All children have special needs! There are two main categories of Needs. Although all children need from both categories, some need a little more than others. Emotional Needs – The Needs that make us feel good. I am only
Label Jars Not People Read More »
Before you go… Motivation matters – For couples counselling to work for any couple, they must be motivated to move together toward a shared vision of what their relationship could be. No amount of counselling could ever ‘save’ a marriage if there is no motivation to do so. Timing matters – Dr John Gottman, founder
Why special needs parents should consider couples counselling Read More »
‘Accept that teenagers might do things differently and try to follow their lead’ – Jeremy Todd, the chief executive of the charity “Family Lives”. His background is in counselling, health services and the criminal justice system. Manage your teenager’s transition from child to adult. When children are young, we instill boundaries to protect them.
Parenting Teenagers Read More »
In this day and age, loyalty programmes are everywhere. We all have them; the Thank U card from Edgars and CNA, Clicks Clubcard, Pick n Pay Smartshopper, Woolies Loyalty, even Spar and Dischem have them. Old and young are familiar with the concept. It’s going to take a bit of setting up from your side,
Getting kids to listen Read More »
A child who is respected, will become Respectful. A child who is loved, will become Loving. A child who is treated with fairness, will become Just. A child who is listened to, will become a Great Listener. A child who is given choices, will become Responsible. A child who is treated with kindness, will become
1. Lead with empathy: Open the dialog by first letting the other person know that you see them, you get them, and you can put yourself in their shoes. 2. Give your partner the benefit of the doubt: Assume the best intentions and help yourself remember that you love each other by adding an endearment.
Conflict Tips For Parents Read More »
Conflict between parents is inevitable—but it doesn’t have to hurt kids. When I was a child, my parents’ fights could suck the oxygen out of a room. My mother verbally lashed my father, smashed jam jars, and made outlandish threats. Her outbursts froze me in my tracks. When my father fled to work, the garage,
When Parents Fight Read More »
For parents, challenging moments cause us to “snap” or “lose it”. We tend to take our bad moods or difficult situations out on our children. Mindfulness can be such a valuable tool, not just for the parents, but for the kids too. Parenting Mindfully Start with intention. When doing things for and with your children,
