The new school year can be exceptionally anxiety provoking for children (and teens) and therefore their parents or caregivers. The new school year means a new teacher, possibly new or different classmates, and sometimes even a new school, with a new school uniform, and completely new environment. There are a number of ways that families … Continue reading Coping Skills for the New School Year
Crossing the midline refers to a person's ability to cross the middle of their body with their limbs - for example, touching one's left knee with one's right hand. Midline crossing is an important developmental skill and contributes to one's ability to read, write, crawl, perform ball sports, tie shoe laces and later to drive … Continue reading Midline Crossing
ADHD is one of the buzz words of the last 10-15 years. So many untruths have been circulated about ADHD and its effects on children and their parents or teachers. Educational psychologist Claire Maher gets to the heart of the matter for parents who fear the worst.
Bullying is the intentional and repetitive negative behaviour towards others. It generally involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Bullying can have long-term effects on the bullied and bully. Educational Psychologist, Claire Maher, discusses the different types of bullying and signs parents can look out for to ascertain whether their child is being bullied, or … Continue reading Bullying Behaviour in Schools
Educational Psychologist, Claire Maher looks at the importance and benefits of pretend and fantasy play and how parents can foster a sense of imagination and fantasy in their children. Picture it. Your child is alone in the play room, but you can hear her talking, almost conversing. With who? You quietly walk up to the … Continue reading The Importance of Pretend Play
The new school year can be exceptionally anxiety provoking for children (and teens) and therefore their parents or caregivers. The new school year means a new teacher, possibly new or different classmates, and sometimes even a new school, with a new school uniform, and completely new environment. There are a number of ways that families can try to make the new school year as stress and anxiety free as possible. Educational psychologist Claire Maher has advice for families as they enter into a new year of school routines.
Toddler developmental schemas (TDS) are repetitive patterns of behaviour which are evident in some form or other from birth. These patterns allow children to develop, explore and express their thoughts and learning through their play and behaviours. Different children will make use of a variety of different schemas. The schemas do not follow in a … Continue reading Toddler Developmental Schemas
Good academic skills don’t necessarily mean a child equipped to deal with social and emotional issues. Claire Maher explains the difference between IQ and EQ, and why both are equally important
Education is the gift that should keep on giving. Educational psychologist Claire Maher advises parents on factors to consider when choosing their child’s ‘big school’ The grade 1 year is generally referred to as the start of ‘big school.’ In the past, when schools did not have Grade R attached, going to grade 1 generally … Continue reading Choosing the correct ‘big school’ for your child
Play Therapy Toolkit 