Children’s products spelling gripe
So we’re standing in the ridiculously long queue of a hot, over-crowded supermarket today when a pack of jelly tots in the “walk this way and buy more stuff you don’t need on the way to the cashier” isle catches my eye. And I explode! My fiance, who by now is just as hot and uncomfortable as I am […]
Sex education for young children
Many people feel that pre-school children are way too young to be given sex education but teaching children about sex from a young age is very, very important. Not only does it give them vital information to try and help protect themselves from sexual abuse, but sex is a human need and to assume that […]
Teaching children anger management skills
Young children are often caught unaware by their own feelings of anger and frustration. They don’t fully understand what came over them in their fit of rage and may feel agitated and confused (and sometimes a little guilty) by their own behaviour. Here are some tips on helping your little one deal with his anger […]
Early numeracy skills: All about numbers
I can’t believe that we are already at the 7th video blog in our early learning series! Thank you all for your support on this journey in making early learning available to every household. We often think that the first step in teaching children to do Maths is to teach them what the numbers look […]
FAQ’s about the global assessment
I am often asked the following questions about the global assessment of functioning. (Please note that the answers below relate only to my practice – as Anel Annandale. If you would like to inquire about a global assessment with any of the other psychologists listed on this website, please contact them directly). How long does […]
How to discipline a toddler without creating fear
How do you effectively discipline a toddler? Most parents will know that this is much easier said than done. How do you deal with a being that is the epitome of cuteness in one moment and then the devil himself the next? When is it okay to ignore disruptive behaviour? Until what age are tantrums […]
Hello Doctor Programme
Don’t miss me and my 15 minutes of fame this Sunday on Hello Doctor at 4pm on SABC3 – the insert deals with stress in children.
Primary school: Blue Moon Montessori
I owe Cape Town’s Child Magazine and their comprehensive listing of pre-schools for this one. I would have never found the school on my own (and it turns out I couldn’t even find it with my GPS – thank goodness Jacky was able to direct me over the phone). Hidden away in a quiet bend […]
Kids learning: The wonder of play dough
Kids learning about the world through the wonder of play dough. I’m not a night owl. In fact, most nights I battle to stay awake past 8pm. But last Wednesday evening I found myself in the kitchen at 11:30pm happily humming to myself and shuffling along in my slippers – making play dough. I would […]
School readiness: The importance of emotional maturity
School readiness depends as much on emotional maturity as it does on scholastic ability. In order to be deemed cognitively school ready, children need to achieve a test age of 6 years 3 months on school readiness assessments. Yet, I have assessed many children who have scored much higher than this and still recommended that […]
