Nigel Latta

Many of us know Nigel Latta, a psychologist and parenting expert from his excellent 'Politically Incorrect Parenting Show' TV show last year. Nigel has an excellent website which you can access here.

I have been enjoying his regular sessions with Kathryn Ryan on National Radio where he shares tips on how parents can support and grow their children in a pragmatic and realistic way. You can choose from a variety of topics by clicking here to see the online catalogue.

A particularly useful episode recently focused on helping children deal with psychological bullying from peers. This is the scourge of many schools where bullying is common in an invisible way as bullies cleverly dominate through subtle psychological intimidation. Click here for the excellent session.

A different set of 3Rs

I particularly enjoyed Natalie Anderson's commentary on a different set of essential skills that children should be taught through education - resilience, risk and rebellion.

Resilience is one of the foundation attributes she would like her kids to develop. Life has its knocks. It just does. It isn't fair and it isn't always easy. But the ability to pick yourself up and box on is essential.

Risk taking is something that she notes can be hard as a parent to watch. "I turn my back as my lot ride a foam mattress as fast as Schumacher down the stairs and shut my eyes when the three years olds climb onto the trampoline." Learning to be ok with making an idiot of yourself - and to be ok with giving something a really good go and failing, is something else she wants for them.

Rebellion is to have courage in their convictions. To be able to take a stand against authority or against the tide of popular pressure.To be strong individuals who are confident and who want to make a difference - who are passionate enough to make a stand against something? That would be awesome.

It is an excellent article and shows the width necessary in children's development. You can read the full article here.

Team-Up ~ a great resource for parents

Team-Up is a fantastic website designed by the Ministry of Education to provide information, ideas and materials to help parents support their children and get more involved in their education. You may have seen these advertisements on TV led by Team-Up education ambassador and former All Black captain and legend, Tana Umaga. Read about Tana's foundation for under-privileged children. Research shows that parents who are involved in and encourage their child's learning can make a real and positive difference to their child's achievement. We are very lucky at Muritai with parent support for our children and this website offers strong information in down to earth language. The Team-Up programme is part of the edcentre web portal, developed by a group of education sector agencies. their is an excellent user-friendly section on the new curriculum, including health and physical activity. Check out other links to education sites by visiting Team-Up.