I went to a school that was, shall we say, lenient in the comportment department. We greeted corridor-strolling teachers with a jaunty high five — or not at all. We were more rowdy than respectful. More passionate than polite.
At what point will we applaud parents for raising their children rather than raising their lifestyles? Let’s talk present-day parenting in middle and upper-income groups.
While birthdays are supposed to be happy occasions, when you have a child with special needs, they are a reason to panic. In my situation, what makes me panic is the knowledge that despite my son’s challenges, he’s capable of a whole lot more given the right support. The right support is a pie in the sky. A 2017 report from the Basic Education Department revealed that nearly 10,000 children with special needs were waiting to be placed in schools. I believe the figure is a lot higher. While they’re waiting for placement, they don’t stop growing. They become illiterate adults who become a burden on their families and the state. Urgent action is needed.
In a country with one of the lowest savings rates in the world, it has never been more important to foster a money savvy culture for your children.
Bad parenting can create monsters. Why are there so many rapes and why so much violence against women and children? Can it be changed? WARNING: Triggers for sensitive readers
Addiction to technology is creeping its way to children, with very adverse outcomes in some instances. We are raising sluggish anti-social techno junkies. Children are no longer just children who should be bursting with energy. Instead, they spend hours on end munching snacks while playing on their gadgets. And who should be whipping them into line when the guardians are also slaves to their own gadgets? Children are only following in adults’ footsteps.
When your baby’s in a hurry, he’s in a hurry. Some labours are lo-o-ong, but some are over before they’ve even really begun.
You think your child is an angel; the rest of the world is not so sure. How do we teach our children that the world will like them more if they are prepared to meet it with good manners?
Transgender is a much misunderstood buzz word, but when a child is insistent, consistent and persistent about their gender identity, it’s time to listen.
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