Linda van Niekerk Educational psychologist

21/08/2025

Valuable information ! Thank you Jelly Beanz!

08/06/2025

A highly recommended reed for parents , educators and all of us facing the digital minefield our kids face every day!

Teens are growing up in a digital minefield. Deepfakes. S*xtortion. AI. Misinformation. And not nearly enough legal protection.

Written for South African teens, this guide helps young people navigate the chaos of the internet without losing their minds or getting into legal trouble.

With digital law experts The Digital Law Company - Emma Sadleir and Rorke Wilson guiding the way, this book unpacks everything from ChatGPT to cyberbullying in a straight-talking, no-shame way.

🎓 Essential reading for parents, educators, and teens who want to stay one step ahead: https://loom.ly/EXyvJ24

03/05/2025

Thank you Jelly Beanz!

16/02/2025

A helpful resource for parents .

In a world that is constantly telling young girls who they should be—who they must be—it's easy to forget the quiet power of letting them simply be themselves. In Raising a Strong Daughter in a Toxic Culture, Dr. Meg Meeker paints a vivid picture of the modern struggles young girls face: from the pressure to look a certain way to the challenge of navigating relationships and self-worth.

The book's insights offer a lifeline to parents, urging them to raise daughters who are not just resilient, but who are equipped with the confidence, emotional intelligence, and clarity needed to face a world that often tells them they aren't enough. This book is not just about surviving the culture—it’s about thriving in it, grounded in one’s values, relationships, and inner strength:

1. Nurturing a Deep Parent-Daughter Connection: At the heart of the book is the crucial importance of building a trusting and supportive bond with your daughter. Dr. Meeker beautifully emphasizes how vital it is to create an open and loving space for her to express herself. When parents make themselves safe and available for real conversations, daughters feel empowered to share their innermost thoughts, strengthening the connection between them and laying the foundation for a relationship based on trust and mutual respect.

2. Cultivating Unshakeable Confidence and Self-Worth: One of the most profound insights Dr. Meeker shares is the importance of helping your daughter develop a strong, positive sense of self. She stresses that true confidence comes from within and is rooted in self-acceptance. By guiding your daughter to appreciate her body, her unique qualities, and her values, you help her build a sense of worth that cannot be easily shaken, no matter what the world throws at her.

3. The Power of Positive Role Models: Every girl needs uplifting female role models to look up to, and Dr. Meeker underscores the life-changing influence of women who encourage, challenge, and uplift. Whether it’s a mother, aunt, grandmother, or mentor, these women shape the way your daughter sees herself and her potential. The book is a beautiful reminder that strong, supportive relationships with other women can be a guiding light in the toughest times.

4. Understanding Boys and Men: In a world full of mixed messages, Dr. Meeker offers a clear-eyed view of how to help your daughter understand boys and men. She equips parents with the tools to foster respectful and healthy relationships, built on trust, communication, and mutual respect. This section encourages parents to empower their daughters to set boundaries, communicate their needs, and enter relationships that honor their self-worth.

5. Navigating the Influence of Media: Dr. Meeker dives deep into the impact of social media on young girls—exposing the dangers of unrealistic portrayals, cyberbullying, and the pressure to conform. But rather than just warning against these pitfalls, she offers actionable strategies to help your daughter engage with social media in a responsible and mindful way. She empowers parents to guide their daughters toward a more balanced, healthy relationship with the digital world, where they can curate what they consume and remain grounded in reality.

6. The Importance of Ongoing, Honest Communication: Dr. Meeker makes it abundantly clear that keeping the lines of communication open is crucial in building a strong, healthy relationship with your daughter. Whether it’s talking about school, friendships, or more personal topics like body image, providing a space where she feels heard and valued creates the foundation for trust. Her advice is a call for parents to listen actively and with empathy, making their daughters feel safe to express themselves, no matter the topic.

7. S*x, Relationships, and the Power of Early Conversations: Dr. Meeker advocates for parents to begin talking openly about s*x and relationships early on, creating an environment where their daughters feel comfortable asking questions and exploring these topics safely. She helps parents understand that when these conversations start early, they give their daughters the tools to make informed decisions, navigate relationships with clarity, and avoid the pressures and pitfalls that so often come with adolescence.

8. The Strength of Faith and Values: While the importance of faith may vary for each reader, Dr. Meeker emphasizes how grounding your daughter in strong values can be a transformative influence. Whether it’s faith in a spiritual sense or a personal commitment to integrity, values provide a sense of direction, a moral compass, and a wellspring of inner strength. These guiding principles can help daughters navigate the complexities of the world with confidence and purpose.

9. Building Healthy Habits for a Thriving Life: Dr. Meeker also highlights the importance of nurturing healthy habits that promote physical and mental well-being. From balanced nutrition and regular exercise to the importance of sleep, these everyday habits are foundational to your daughter’s long-term happiness and resilience. The book is a powerful reminder that wellness isn’t just about avoiding illness—it’s about building a life where your daughter thrives in body, mind, and spirit.

GET BOOK: https://amzn.to/40Bao6X

You can get the Audiobook when you register for Audible Membership through the same link above

20/01/2025

Terminology can be confusing. This clear collection of graphics might help with understanding of dyslexia.

30/12/2024

A powerful message for 2025!!

Sometimes, we unknowingly limit ourselves, staying within barriers that no longer serve us 🐑. This image serves as a powerful metaphor for how we can feel ‘stuck’ despite having the freedom to move forward. It’s a reminder to step back, reassess, and realize that the gate is open 🚪, and the path to growth is ours to take 🌱

14/12/2024

Some wonderful advice from Jelly Beanz!

03/12/2024

An excellent book I strongly recommend!

In the soft, sacred space between a parent and child, where words can build bridges or erect walls, Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish's "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk" blooms like a rare, compassionate flower. This is not merely a book—it is a love song to the most profound relationship known to humanity, a gentle revolution whispered in the language of empathy and understanding.

Imagine communication as an art form, where every word is a brushstroke, every listening moment a canvas of connection. Here, parenting transcends control and moves into the realm of pure, transformative love—a dance of souls learning to speak the language of the heart.

1. Emotions: The Hidden Landscape of the Child's Soul
Faber and Mazlish unveil emotions not as inconveniences to be managed, but as sacred messengers. When a child's feelings are acknowledged—truly seen and heard—something miraculous happens. Their inner world is validated, their spirit honored. No longer are emotions something to be feared or suppressed, but a rich, beautiful terrain to be explored together.

Key Practice: Instead of dismissing a child's tears with "You're fine," sink into their world. "I see you're feeling hurt. This seems really difficult for you." Such simple words become keys that unlock understanding.

2. Listening: The Most Profound Act of Love
Listening is not waiting for a chance to speak. It is a holy act of presence, of creating a sanctuary where a child's voice can emerge without judgment. The authors teach us that true listening is a form of love so pure it can heal wounds before they form.

Transformative Approach: Put away distractions. Kneel to their eye level. Let your eyes speak the language of complete attention.

3. Cooperation: Reimagining Discipline
Discipline becomes a collaborative journey, not a battlefield of wills. Instead of commanding, invite. Instead of punishing, problem-solve. Children are not adversaries to be conquered, but partners in understanding.

Revolutionary Technique: "I see we have a problem. How can we solve this together?" Suddenly, the child becomes an ally, not an opponent.

4. Praise: The Alchemy of Affirmation
Forget generic praise. Faber and Mazlish introduce descriptive acknowledgment—a nuanced art of seeing and naming a child's specific efforts and qualities. This isn't about creating praise addicts, but about nurturing intrinsic motivation and self-understanding.

Transformative Language: Replace "Good job!" with "I noticed how carefully you arranged those blocks. You were really focused."

5. Freedom from Labels: Liberating the Child's Potential
Labels are chains that bind a child's spirit. The book teaches us to see beyond "the shy one," "the troublemaker," recognizing that children are ever-evolving, multi-dimensional beings of infinite potential.

Healing Perspective: A child is not defined by a moment, but contains universes of possibility.

6. Handling Conflicts: The Art of Collaborative Resolution
Conflicts become opportunities for teaching emotional intelligence. Instead of imposing solutions, guide children to understand their own feelings, needs, and the feelings of others.

Compassionate Strategy: Create space for all feelings. "You're angry. Let's understand why and find a way forward together."

7. Autonomy: Nurturing Independent Spirits
The ultimate goal is raising children who can navigate their inner and outer worlds with confidence, empathy, and self-understanding. This means gradually transferring problem-solving skills, letting children discover their own strengths.

Empowering Approach: Ask, "What do you think might work?" instead of always providing the solution.

For every parent walking this beautiful, challenging path, Faber and Mazlish offer not just strategies, but a philosophy. A reminder that in the tender moments of listening, speaking, and understanding, we are not just raising children—we are nurturing human souls.

BOOK: https://amzn.to/4giA4dl

You can ENJOY the AUDIOBOOK When you register for Audible Membership Trial) using the same link above.

08/11/2024

An interesting take on”popular”

Oh wow... here is a conversation worth having with our teens!

is all about a perceived power imbalance - also in relational and social bullying.

[Credit: ]

03/11/2024

Tips and resources to help you support your child and yourself

27/10/2024

Friends enrich our lives, improve our self-esteem and provide support during tough times. Forming successful friendships is a skill that will be used and built upon for the rest of a child’s life. Here are some ways caregivers can support the development of friendships.

These tips are provided by our School and Community Programs team. They have delivered mental health support to more than 140,000 students, caregivers, educators, and counselors in over 9,000 schools!

Subscribe to their monthly newsletter:
https://childmind.org/stay-in-touch-with-the-child-mind-institute/