Blogs

Driving home from a paediatrician appointment with Jasmine and Montana, her nine month old twin girls, Carmen was deep in shock and unable to process the brutal diagnosis that had been dropped out of the blue. Continue reading »

Much is said about the challenges and stress of parenthood. However, there is little emphasis placed on the joy of being a mother, celebrating who you are as a woman and including fun in our daily lives. Continue reading »

The autumn sun is still caressing us with its warming rays but the chill in the early mornings and the nights lets us know that winter is on its way. With it comes winter bugs and viruses that seem to be everywhere – especially in places like buses, trains, day-care centres, schools or offices. So it’s time to think about stocking up on tissues to be ready for the first winter cold? Well, maybe you won’t need to prepare yourself quite like this! The trick is to boost the immune system of you  and your loved ones to help increase the body’s resistance to infection and to improve recuperation. Continue reading »

Here’s a great event at the Auckland Writers and Readers Festival- just for kids (big and small :  Continue reading »

“Score a goal and I will give you five dollars” – I recently heard these words shouted out by a parent on the sideline of a five year-olds soccer game. It got me thinking, to inspire our children to do well do they need a reward or incentive? Is this healthy for their emotional development? What are the consequences of bringing up our children to expect rewards for everything they do? 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 »

This year Immunisation Week from April 23-29 is all about protecting your child by getting them immunised on time. Continue reading »

Kiwi author Nicola Galloway is a chef who is passionate about the benefits of healthy and flavoursome food. She’s also a mum and knows lots about feeding families… I caught up with Nicola and asked her a few questions about feeding hungry little mouths. Continue reading »

Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate how important mothers are. We all know that we should do it all year long but it’s nice to take the opportunity to make the mother in your family feel a little bit special.  Continue reading »

Here is an idea for an easy Mother’s Day craft for younger children. They will probably need a bit of help but there are fewer steps than with the carnations. Continue reading »