Early Childhood

Category: Parenting

  • ‘I still love you!’

    As children learn to navigate the world, we frequently overestimate their understanding of the priorities we hold as parents. They definitely don’t understand why they have to rush, pack up their toys, eat their food, be quiet, go to bed, sleep, share, be kind, and so much more. These are behaviors and skills that we need to…

  • Memories

    Have you ever looked at your adult children and wondered, ‘How did we get here?’ Those moments of confusion, pride, frustration, and love, they all have a story, and that story started long before they became adults. Think of your child’s personality like an intricate puzzle. Each piece, every childhood experience, every family interaction, has carefully shaped…

  • Does hard work beat talent?

    ‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’ Tim Notke What is talent? When we think about talent, we often imagine an innate gift—something magical and effortless. The Cambridge Dictionary defines talent as ‘a natural skill or ability to be good at something, especially without being taught.’ However, this definition barely scratches the surface of a much more…

  • The essence of discipline is teaching

    Disciplinary practices have undergone a transformation over the generations. During my childhood, school discipline often meant physical punishment — a caning was not uncommon. Today, we’ve evolved to understand discipline through a more compassionate lens. It is fundamentally about guidance and teaching, rather than punishment. This shift reflects a deeper appreciation for how children learn…

  • ‘Serve and return’

    ‘Serve and return’

    I was excited to view this TED talk, brilliantly delivered by seven-year-old Molly Wright.  Here’s why her message hits hard – and what it means for you. Imagine your child’s brain from zero to five years as an incredible, rapidly growing supercomputer. Before they even start kindergarten, their brain is literally creating a million new…

  • To be, or not to be, tolerant?

    Have you ever watched a child’s face light up when they meet someone completely different from themselves? There’s this beautiful moment of curiosity. That pure, unfiltered openness is something we could all use more of these days. I’ve been thinking a lot about tolerance lately. Not just the ‘put up with it’ kind, but the…

  • I’m bored!

    I’m bored!

    This is a familiar catchcry heard by mothers everywhere. From my perspective, I see boredom as a gift, the space where imagination can flourish. Einstein says ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited.’ His profound observation reminds us of an essential truth about human potential that we often overlook, especially in early child development. So, when your…

  • Great expectations

    I recently came across a thought-provoking article on the High Love Parenting website. According to the author, Reem Raouda, the foundation of your child’s future mental wellbeing is fundamentally shaped by the relationship you cultivate with them. It’s quite a profound concept to consider—how our daily interactions and connection with young children may influence their…