parenting

Helping parents keep their kids out of trouble and themselves from going crazy during summer holidays

May 1, 2009

It’s hard to believe that as of next month, most students will have completed another school year. Some look forward to the long stretch without homework and school related responsibilities with excitement. Others feel apprehensive about not seeing their pals every day, are sorry to…

Kids want to pitch in with household chores

April 1, 2009

Articles

Even after twenty years of counselling children, teens and adults, I still learn something new every day. This week was no exception. My seventeen year old client shared his dilemma. After being accepted into several universities of his choice, he was having a difficult time…

Extra Curriculars

March 1, 2009

Articles

I don’t know about you, but whenever a school break comes around, I’m as excited as my kids. It’s not just about having to think up creative school lunches. For me, the school break signifies a break from all other extra curricular activities. At least…

The Hurried Child

March 1, 2009

Articles

Five year old friends sit cross legged on the floor. Barbie dolls, their clothes and accessories strewn around them. They share glittery sequined gowns and fake make up. They dress Barbie’s perfectly shaped body, comb the silky hair and admire the rosebud lips. Those images…

Letting go of kids

March 1, 2009

Articles

Yesterday I put the final touches to the collection of school photographs I have been adding to each year. For the past fourteen years, the large oval space in the centre of the piece has remained empty. Each year, from Junior Kindergarten onwards, I have…

Families coping with cutbacks during fragile financial times

January 1, 2009

Articles

Normal parents want to make sure that their children don’t go without the necessities of life. However, many normal parents also feel guilty when they can’t give their children what the neighbours’ kids have. For some this may mean the latest in the line of…