Meet my imaginary friend, mom! The benefits of imaginary play
Imaginary play is a common way children learn, writes Dr Jo-Marie Bothma, clinical psychologist and play therapist. Imaginary or pretend play is one form of play that we frequently find children taking part in. Through imaginary play a child learns to better imagine...
Should my toddler exercise?
An exercise programme? For toddlers? It’s not so much about formal exercise as getting your kids active from the start, writes fitness expert Potso Mpandawana. You are probably thinking … should my toddler exercise? They are only two years old! That surely can’t be...
Top types of brain-boosting toys for toddlers
There’s a dizzying array of toys out there for your children. Occupational therapist and mom Tasha-Leigh Williams gives advice on what toys will help to boost your toddler’s brain development. Play is a massive and important part of our children’s lives, which is why...
5 Ways to Cultivate Your Child’s Creativity
Give your child the tools to explore their natural curiosity of the world and themselves, and in the process help them to develop their creativity – with these tips. Novelty-seeking, tenacity, and self-transcendence (defined as “a capacity to get lost in the moment...
Developing a confident child
Self-confidence is an integral part of social interactions such as making friends, competition and sharing. Educator Kerry McArthur gives you pointers on how to raise a self-confident child. Confidence is believing in yourself and what you can achieve. It includes the...
Answering all those difficult toddler questions
We all like the idea of our children having enquiring minds, until they ask those questions that are so complicated to explain to little brains. Clinical psychologist Dr Jó-Marié Bothma gives parents some pointers. Toddlers constantly ask questions and are rarely at a...
Turn your NO into KNOWING!
Teacher, coach, international speaker and author Renee Lighton unpacks positive parenting techniques to help your child understand – and respect – the boundaries you set for them. A historical UCLA study claims that the average child hears “no” up to 400 times per...
Tots on Pots: Your Guide to Potty Training
Raising a toddler is incredibly exciting as there are so many developmental milestones to look forward to! At this age, children develop speech, their personality becomes more evident and, of course, they reach potty training age. Potty training can be as daunting as...
Growth vs development: Your baby’s body & brain working together
Melodie de Jager and Cozette Laubser explore the connection between babies’ physical growth and their ability to reach their developmental milestones. According to neuroscience, babies are born with more brain cells than they would ever use. Depending on the range of...
Should you ‘Spank’ your child?
Clinical psychologist Dr Laura Markham explores the polarising issue of whether or not you should use spanking to punish your child. It’s very clear where she stands. Were you spanked as a child? If so, you may think it’s a good way to guide a child. Or maybe you...