As mid-year exams approach, many families feel stress in their homes soaring. But it’s important to remember that, while exams are an important part of the academic year, they can become emotionally overwhelming for scholars if the pressure to perform starts to outweigh their love of learning. Lindy du Preez, achievement manager at SPARK Schools, […]
The calm parent’s guide to supporting children through exam season Read More »
As South Africa marks Child Protection Week, the conversation around keeping children safe cannot be limited to policies, awareness campaigns or moments of crisis. For safeguarding to be effective, it must become part of everyday life in schools, homes and communities. Children are most likely to thrive when emotional safety, trust and support are built
6 ways to make child safety part of everyday life Read More »
South African families must prioritise compassion and emotional awareness in child development. According to Momentum Group’s Staff Volunteering Programme specialist Patronella Sono, the words parents use, the examples they set and the values they share fundamentally shape how children understand kindness, empathy and their role in the world. “Parenting is perhaps the most profound responsibility
Your words to children today, their inner voice tomorrow Read More »
The Bump, Birth and Beyond baby Expo is an event not to be missed for mothers-to-be and new parents in Johannesburg. A wealth of information from obstetric and maternity experts, fun activities for children and plenty of baby-related inspiration await in a weekend dedicated to preparing for parenthood. Specialised maternity facility Netcare Park Lane Hospital,
All things baby: Expert insights at Bump, Birth and Beyond Expo Read More »
Screen time has become one of the most pressing concerns for children’s brain development and mental health in the digital age. This article urges families to act decisively to protect children’s brain development, emotional wellbeing and essential human skills in an era dominated by social media, artificial intelligence and persuasive technology. It highlights two major
Screen time and children’s brain health: Key warning signs for parents Read More »
A convergence of biological, societal and economic factors is placing South Africa’s adolescents at higher risk of suicide, yet many adults may not be in tune with the signs of mental health crises in today’s younger generation. Psychiatrist Dr Abongile Makuluma, who practises at Netcare Akeso Milnerton, unpacks the pressures young people are facing in
Could emojis be masking teen suffering? Read More »
Now that the school year is well underway, there has been space to reflect on the quiet power of its beginning. The still-shiny polish of new shoes. The crisp feel of a new uniform. The flutter of nerves mixed with excitement as learners walk through the school gate – moments full of hope and possibility.
When the school gates open, opportunity enters Read More »
Recent studies reveal that children are experiencing anxiety levels comparable to psychiatric patients from the 1950s. Our kids aren’t just ‘stressed’. They’re operating at crisis levels – and traditional parenting approaches aren’t built for this reality, says Loren Lachman. Despite having more resources and opportunities than previous generations, today’s children are paralysed by perfectionism, fear
Breakthrough solution to children’s mindset crisis Read More »
A defining story of 2026 will be the introduction of next-generation Wi-Fi technologies: systems that go beyond speed, promising seamless connectivity, smarter homes and constant access to the digital world. But as we celebrate faster connections, we must ask a far more important question: Are we making our children safer, or more exposed? As we
The Internet is raising our children – and we’re letting it Read More »
As South Africa grapples with persistent challenges in early childhood development (ECD), the conversation must move beyond access alone to impact, because the country’s future is being shaped long before children start school. The ECD stage, spanning from birth to 5 years old and extending into Grade R, is more than just playtime; it’s the
Strong academic foundations: The future starts in the early years Read More »