Feeling Anxious?
Don't worry! You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
“What if someday there came a tomorrow when we were apart?” Pooh could not believe there would ever be a time when he would not be by his best friend's side - the thought that they could be separated caused him some anxiety.
Mild anxiety is common in everyday life and is a natural response that children - and adults - experience when we feel frightened or worried about something that might happen.
Read the whole article hereSticks and Stones
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never harm me”.... Really? I don't think so! Being called names, being teased, having rumours spread about you – these are some of the most hurtful and damaging forms of verbal bullying that children can experience.
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Feeling Lonely
“Once there was a boy and one day he found a penguin at his door... and the more he thought the more he realised the penguin wasn't lost. He was just lonely” (JEFFERS).
It's not just penguins who feel lonely! Children as young as six years old have been getting in touch with Childline, which has reported an increase in loneliness in young people as they struggle with the pressures of growing up in today's society.
Read the whole article hereDandelion or Orchid?
In Sweden there is a phrase that describes kids who have the ability to survive, maybe even thrive, no matter what life throws at them. They are called “Dandelion Children” because they are resilient and get on with the job of growing up whatever their circumstances, just like their namesake which grows wherever the wind takes it.
Then there are “Orchid Children” who are sensitive and require a high level of care and attention. If they are nurtured in the right environment then the results will be amazing, but neglect them and they will quickly deteriorate
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Making Friends
“You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” (MILNE)
I love this quote from Winne the Pooh, it’s a gentle reminder that we have to put ourselves out there sometimes and make an effort with friendships, we can’t just sit back and wait for others to come to us… but what if your child is shy and struggles to make friends? Some children are little social butterflies, flitting from one person to aniother with ease, but for many taking the first steps towards new friendships can be scary.
Read the whole article hereGo Outside!
“I understand what you’re saying, and your comments are valuable, but I’m gonna ignore your advice” (R DAHL).
Sound familiar? As a parent I’ve had a few battles over the years against the pull of electronic devices, and it seems that I’m not alone – it's been reported that three quarters of UK children spend less time outside than prison inmates, with a fifth not playing outside at all on an average day!
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Making Exercise Fun
“We all can dance if we find music that we love” (G ANDREAE). Such wise words from a giraffe called Gerald, and I believe the same applies to exercise. Especially for children, who were born to be active - toddlers love to run, to jump, to play – but as they get older it has to be fun to keep them moving around!
We face increasing challenges trying to encourage children be active, battling against the mighty pull of apps, online games and non-stop children’s television. Sometimes kids (and adults) think exercise is boring if it is just running or a long walk. But here’s the key - make it fun and they won't even think they are exercising...
Read the whole article hereBeing Different
Piglet once said “The things that make me different are the things that make me ME” (AA Milne). Wise words - we are all unique with qualities that give us our own special identity, and the world is a better place because of our individuality.
However some of us may not want to stand out from the crowd as much as we do. Or maybe, quirks and all, we want the chance to come together as a team but our unconventional characteristics get in the way. As a parent or carer, it's important to be able to talk openly with children about being different and to discuss any associated issues or anxieties...
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Strange Sleeping Habits
Did you know that flamingos sleep standing on just one leg? Well it seems it’s not only flamingos who have strange sleeping habits - Research by the makers of “In the Night Garden” (KNIGHT) found that children 5 and under will sleep somewhere unusual three times a month on average.
Some of the more unusual places include the dog’s basket, in supermarket trolleys and face down in their dinner. Some have even fallen asleep while standing up… but I’d bet they were a bit less graceful and a lot more wobbly than a pink flamingo!
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