Sue Hunter is mother of 4 boys has a wealth of early childhood experience including lecturing on the subject. She has a special interest in how trauma and neglect can impact upon children’s learning and development. Sue believes that strong connected families are the building blocks to a healthy society. She works for footsteps - a nationwide service offering home-based childcare and free 1:1 learning programmes to give children the best start.
As a Footsteps early childhood teacher, one of the most frequent discussions I have with families is about their children’s television viewing habits. Often families want to know more about the positives and negatives of television viewing so they can make well informed decisions for their children. So here’s an overview to help you make that decision. Continue reading »
As a mum to be I had dreams about what my children could and may be, well before they was born. As parents, we all dream about the possibilities for our children long before they ever realise them. However, what happens if your child does not develop like the other children of his/her age? What should you do if you have a worry about your child’s learning or development? Continue reading »
At four years, my youngest child William would draw the most elaborate pictures. He would draw cars with steering wheels, wing mirrors, and indicators. I admired William’s confidence to draw in his own way. By the time William was six his interest had changed. He would say “I can’t draw, you do it for me”. Drawing was no longer enjoyable for him and many works went into the bin because they were not what he considered good enough. This posed a question in my mind – what happened for William? How could I prevent the same thing happening with our other children? Continue reading »
Every parent wants their child to do well at school, so and finding out your child is gifted should be a positive and rewarding experience. However, being gifted often brings with it associated challenges for the child. As one child says about her gift, “When I heard gifted I remember thinking primo cos everyone like gifts. But then I’ve found out it wasn’t really good, like when my friends get jealous”. As an early childhood teacher working with gifted children, I have found that there are often many unexpected challenges for the child, family, and teachers to come to terms with. Continue reading »
What I really recall most about my early parenting years with four young boys, is that I wanted to be the very best parent to my kids. Maybe I was even trying to be a supermum. But as hard as I worked at being the ultimate parent, something was still missing. I always had one eye on the clock, ready to spring into action to pick up my youngest one from playcentre, or my older boys from school. I actually felt a little sorry for myself and all the other budding wonder women out there. Continue reading »
