I2WE

29/07/2025

What happens when we talk, play and connect with young children every day? 🧠💬💛

Join Hold My Hand and J-PAL Africa as we explore how everyday moments can build young brains and shape futures. With insights from Aimee Barnes, Nana Touré-Teillard and Dr Chantell Witten, this panel unpacks the simple things that make a big difference – whether you're a policymaker, parent, practitioner or funder. Don’t miss it!

Register here:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R5ynoKKjRLuTfJ9luKPzHQ

29/07/2025

Another favorite of mine

24/07/2025

J*o*Y

Children who come to Play Therapy are likely to have experienced hardship in their lives. They can demonstrate low self-esteem, low self-worth and self-deprecating language and behaviours.

The act of playing in itself brings enjoyment to children who are experiencing overwhelming feelings of sadness or despair.

In their play therapy sessions, they will unconsciously process their lived experiences and can experience joy even when processing something that would be too challenging and painful for them to speak about.

The play enables the child to experience joy even when they are feeling hopeless in other areas of their lives.

23/07/2025

🚨When I first read about the latest AI chatbot "Valentine" ("having a personality inspired by Edward Cullen from Twilight and Christian Grey from 50 Shades of Grey") I sat in shock and disbelief. 😯🤔

What will be next??

As parents and professionals it is almost impossible to keep up at the rate that new apps appear daily.

🚨Please take note of these, though⬇️⬇️⬇️

* Elon Musk unveils new AI ‘companion’ inspired by 50 Shades of Grey and Twilight
🔗
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/musk-grok-ai-50-shades-of-grey-twilight-b2791812.html

Images 📸 Sue Atkins on LinkedIn

23/07/2025

These phrases sound small. But stacked together, they send a loud message: Stay safe. Stay clean. Stay quiet. Do it right.

And play shrinks under all that pressure.

Here’s the hard truth:
A lot of what limits children’s play has more to do with our need for control than their actual needs.

We say it’s about safety or structure. But is it really?
Or are we just uneasy with chaos, noise, and not calling the shots?

Letting go of control doesn’t mean letting go of care. It means noticing when our fear is louder than their curiosity. It means asking: Is this about the child, or about me?

22/07/2025

22/07/2025

21/07/2025

Thank you to Impact Learning for the invitation to do a webinar on

Link 🔗 to register:
https://www.impactlearning.co.za/understanding-addressing-bullying/

20/07/2025

The 1st week of the school holiday meant a week of teaching what I love: using as a means to socio-emotional well-being!!

Thank you to the group of 18 lovely humans who joined me for the week! It was a joy and privilege to get to meet and know each one of you. 🎈 I hope you are able to implement what you have learned in your communities.



Marele Venter Occupational Therapist
Community Keepers