I am not a fan of the tog
on Nov 21, 2009 in Parenthood The Healthy Child Not ‘togs’ as in swimmers/bathers/cossies (or for non-Australians, whatever it is you call a swimsuit!), but TOG. I am a fan of Grobags. Immy has pretty much always slept in one. Especially since she learnt to roll as from that day forward sh...

Toddler Translation: Innovation
on Nov 19, 2009 in The Problem Solving Child The Thinking Child n innovation [inəˈveiʃən] (the act of making) a change or a new arrangement.-The Web DictionaryStep 1: Fill your hat with water. Step 2: Pull dripping wet hat over head. Step 3: Declare your innovation to the world, “Shower!” What funny, inno...

All wrapped up!
on Nov 19, 2009 in Homemade Fun Sometimes I am really organised, and sometimes I'm just....not!I usually remember the big things but sometimes the little ones get lost in the queue inside my head, where everyone is jostling for position. I am sure most Mums have experienced this f...

From Dad 101: Quality vs Quantity
on Nov 19, 2009 in Parenthood Family Striking the work/life balance at times feels like the impossible dream. How can I spend more time with my family but still concentrate on and succeed at work? I am sure I am not the only parent who faces this dilemma and when I actually think ab...

How Clean is Your Mess-o-meter?
on Nov 17, 2009 in Play Parenthood The Thinking Child Image: Allen GoldblattYesterday at playgroup, we were discussing how as Mums we all have different tolerance levels for mess. One Mum said, “Playdough, no way, I don’t let my boys play with playdough, it’s too messy.” Another Mum reflected...

Those are most definitely not marshmellows!
on Nov 16, 2009 in The Healthy Child Image: Laineys RepertoireLast week Immy was ‘blooo-ing’ (otherwise known as ‘gluing’) at the kitchen table with flour/water glue and pictures from catalogues, something she loves to do. The previous day she had enjoyed adding pre-cut craft...

Sunday-ing
on Nov 15, 2009 in Parenthood The Social Child Sundays are great for...... learning to fish,...making new friends,... little bags of treats.As well as...lucky dip prizes,sweet, ripe, red strawberries,a sausage, sauce and onion in a bun,goodies for sale,and fun with other kids.We had wonderful fam...

From my notebook...
on Nov 13, 2009 in Parenthood Related PostsA Reminder for a GenerationI Choose My Choice TooReflections on a day at home...

Painting Round and Round
on Nov 12, 2009 in The Creative Child Immy (making circles in the paint with her finger): “Beach” Me: “What can you see at the beach?” Immy: “Waves,” pauses, “Splash.” Thoughts about children painting… The changes to the surface that paint produces absolutely fascinate...

The Preschool Balancing Act
on Nov 11, 2009 in Play The Thinking Child Education My two play related posts from last week, Why Do We Keep Ignoring This Message? and Playful Learning, sparked many interesting comments from readers (please note, in this post I use the word ‘preschool’ to encompass all prior-to-school age le...