Non cogito, ergo sum. Sometimes thinking is a bad idea. Ian Leslie draws on Dylan, Djokovic and academic research to put the case for unthinking
Kids are so over-scheduled that doctors are being told to prescribe play
The Absolute Necessity of the New-Mom Friend
Psychologists suggest mothers take breaks by going on mom-cations
PARENTING: EXPECTATION VS. REALITY
Which Is Better, Rewards or Punishments? Neither. Rewards and punishments are conditional, but our love and positive…
'I Never Faked My Love For You': A Mother Opens Up After Her Suicide Attempt
Beyond The Checkup
Beyond the Checkup; Dr. Voytas’ interview
Our Children’s Busyness Is Not A Badge of Honour (And Why We Need To Change It). "We rationalise that if starting soccer at five years of age is a good idea, then starting at two must be even better. That enrolling our children in art class is more productive than drawing with chalk on the driveway. That playing in a baseball team hones skills more effectively than causally hitting a ball at the park on sunday afternoon with a group of friends and made up rules. We worry that if we don’t give our children every opportunity that we’re failing them. I was fortunate enough to see Dr Shefali Tsabury speak at an event in Vancouver recently. After her talk the audience was free to ask questions. A father asked, “How do we know how much to push our kids in sports and activities when they want to give up?” I will never forget Dr. Shefali’s answer. She said, “Mozart was always going to be Mozart. No matter what his parents did, he would have found anything that was black and white and played it.” Her message was clear; we don’t need to push our kids. We need to give them the space and freedom that a simple childhood provides and then support them by making opportunities available when they show an interest. We need to release the pressure, guilt and obligation we put on ourselves to give our children more than they need; organised activities can be wonderful and our son participates in a select few, but it’s healthiest as an a-la-carte experience not an all-you-can-eat buffet. Because childhood is not a dress rehearsal for adulthood; it is its own unique and magical period of life that needs to be respected and preserved. I refuse to over-schedule my son’s time because in doing so it would leave no space for him to live his childhood. Even though he may be little, he deserves to feel a sense of control and at his age free play is the answer." If this resonates with you please share far and wide :) Let's support one another as we find the courage to "miss out" together!