The new year often means a new season of kids’ sports. Many families may be pondering whether to commit to another season or discovering their child is now saying they’d like to quit their usual sport. My husband and I faced this dilemma last year when our nine-year-old wanted to quit Nippers (junior surf lifesaving). […] … learn more→
Blog Archives
What makes kids want to drop out of sport, and how should parents respond?
Melodramatic potboilers, worthy classics and DIY escapism: a brief history of the beach read
“Like most people I read a book or two on holiday,” says Stuart, a character in Julian Barnes’ 1991 novel Talking it Over. He does not have time for recreational reading; it must wait until he is at leisure. His best friend, the erudite but erratically employed Oliver, derides this attitude. To Oliver, a summer reader […] … learn more→
‘I had it first!’ 4 steps to help children solve their own arguments
All children argue. And while this can be tedious for parents and carers, it’s not necessarily a problem. Conflict can help develop social skills, including learning to negotiate, and accommodate the needs of others. But if the conflict is physical, if there is any distress, or if children are stuck in a loop of unproductive complaints […] … learn more→
Holiday burnout: why it happens – and three research-proven ways to help you recover
Although Christmas only lasts a few days each year, many of us spend months planning for it. But as enjoyable as all the parties and festivities might be, many people find they feel a bit burnt-out once the holidays have come and gone. This feeling has even been termed “festive burnout” or “holiday burnout”. Here’s […] … learn more→
How to educate your children against hate? Lessons from Spinoza
“So many worn hands, So many chains. So many broken teeth, So much hatred. Raymond Queneau, sung by Guy Béart, seems to have identified the sad face of our time. So much so that the head of state thought he had to forcefully call for the erection of “bulwarks” against hatred . Couldn’t education, shouldn’t it, constitute the first of these […] … learn more→
What should a first-time renter look out for when renting an apartment?
Your first apartment is always memorable, and a first apartment is an exciting event. Maybe you are moving out of your parent’s house or a dorm; having your place is fun and exciting. No matter how big or small, it will be your place and your rules. Just like blackjack real money, the whole thought, in […] … learn more→
Give the gift of presence and love during the holidays
The holidays are a time for family, connection and love. Family traditions are an important component of the holiday season. They are constant and reliable. They allow us to slow down and be in the moment, appreciate each other and express gratitude. The holidays are happy times where generations and families come together to share time with and show […] … learn more→
Learning to make choices in an uncertain world
Since 2020, the world has changed and some say it has become uncertain . The rules of the game have in any case changed, and these are no longer clear. How can human beings and society play with these new rules – or this absence of rules? And how can the specific functioning of games shed light on this new […] … learn more→
What are behavioral addictions and why are they primed with adolescence?
More than 15 years ago, numerous experts began to suggest that some behaviors, such as gambling or the use of video games, seemed to be addictive . Some people who carried out these behaviors excessively presented symptoms similar to those experienced by people with addiction to substances (alcohol, cannabis, etc.), for which reason the existence of so-called “behavioral […] … learn more→
Bad hangovers? Why genetics, personality and coping mechanisms can make a difference
After a good night out you may not be surprised when you wake up feeling rough the next morning. But what may surprise you is if your friends aren’t feeling the same way. Some may feel worse, some better and some (if they’re lucky) may not feel any of the negative consequences at all. This […] … learn more→