Let’s play
Children who play up could be lacking in quality playtime. Could your child have a play-deficit disorder? Words Rose Cohen All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Although that’s not strictly true...
View ArticleThe chefs’ kids are all right
Even some of SA’s top chefs find their children picking at their food at times. Luke Dale-Roberts, Andrea Burgener and Reuben Riffel share their tips on getting kids to follow a balanced diet. ‘Eat...
View ArticleThe transition to high school
Helping your child cope with the changes that come with starting high school can be challenging. We look at possible problems and suggest some ways to help your kids handle the primary to high school...
View ArticlePreparing your child for preschool
Sending your little one to preschool for the first time is a major change, both for parents and their children. Here’s how to make sure you’re all prepared. One minute they’re tiny babies, the next...
View ArticleSleep strategies
Sleep difficulties can be hard to handle no matter how old your child is. Dr Heidi Ackermann, a paediatrician at Mediclinic George offers tips for safe co-sleeping and for handling night terrors....
View ArticleChester Williams on raising twins
As a Springbok rugby player Chester Williams used his strength, agility and mental fortitude to become one of South Africa’s World Cup-winning heroes. He needed those attributes again when he and his...
View ArticleEducational apps for kids
When their usage is monitored and limited, smartphones and tablets can be beneficial to your children – especially if they’re exploring educational apps. While many argue that educational apps bring...
View ArticleLate bloomers: when to worry
How can you tell if your child is a late bloomer and whether you should be concerned about a possible medical problem? Dr Jonda Kerner, a paediatrician at Panorama Mediclinic, advises on the steps to...
View ArticleTips towards raising a secure child
For healthy eyes, we feed our children carrots. For strength, we sneak spinach into their dinners. But what soul food do we serve up for confidence? Taking care of your child’s emotional wellbeing can...
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How to bargain with your kids: and win
Every parent has found themselves at a crossroads – caught in a battle of wills with a stubborn child. How can parents navigate these testy waters without resorting to short-term solutions? Words Rose...
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The science and significance of sleep
Getting your newborn or toddler to sleep through the night is a goal for all new parents, but there’s much more to sleep than an unbroken night’s rest. On a biological level, sleep is part of the...
View ArticleWhy routine is important for your child’s development
You might not have time to paint or build a puzzle with your child every day, but you do have time to ensure they brush their teeth. These routine activities are the perfect way to help your child feel...
View ArticleHow to reconnect as new parents
When baby arrives, everything changes. Here’s how to adjust to your new normal and how to reconnect as new parents. Nothing causes domestic chaos quite like a new baby. Your schedule changes daily, it...
View ArticleHow to succeed in school
Why is it important to encourage your child to get involved at school? Why is it important to teach your child how to succeed in school? No one said school is easy. Away from home, away from mom and...
View ArticleWhy boundaries are important for your child’s self-esteem
While it’s often tempting to give in to your child’s demands, an educational psychologist explains why clear boundaries will serve them better in the long run. As Tia Roos, an educational psychologist...
View ArticleSmoking. Drinking. Drugs. Help your child avoid the traps.
No parent wants their child to head down the slippery slope of nicotine, alcohol and/or drug addiction. A Mediclinic psychologist offers input and insight on how to help your teen negotiate these...
View ArticleRaising children in the digital age
In a world where children are ‘born’ with digital technology, it’s important to help them learn healthy ways to use this medium. “The role and benefits of technology cannot be underplayed, but the use...
View ArticleIt takes a village
Raising children is one of the most important, but also the most daunting job in the world. Here’s why accepting advice and input from external caregivers can help. “Parenting can be a thankless task,”...
View ArticleFrom sweetheart to monster: What tweens need from a parental relationship
The tween years can be challenging. Take heart. Harsha Kalanjee, a clinical psychologist at Mediclinic Sandton, offers expert advice about what tweens need from a parental relationship. Pre-adolescence...
View ArticleWhy do some children pull their hair?
A compulsive habit, such as hair pulling, can occur at any age and is often a sign of anxiety. While some of your child’s habits (such as kissing toys goodnight) are a healthy, natural part of growing...
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