Cotton Wool or Common Sense

Have you read any “When I was a kid …” memes lately? I have. And I must admit, I get a little annoyed at them. The ones that basically state, ‘When I was X, we did Y and came out OK’.

These memes tap deeply into the idea that people, particularly this generation of children, are a ‘cotton wool’ generation – too protected for their own good. In many ways, I think it’s also a deep reaction against what is seen as too much protection, too much worry, and an overemphasis on safety. 

So I thought I’d have a more detailed look at the whole idea. Continue reading “Cotton Wool or Common Sense”

Dinosaurs and Concrete

School holidays have just finished here in Victoria, which for us meant that there were a lot of wonderful holiday activities designed for kids on during what would be normal school hours (you know, the hours when it’s daylight and you can do something). Usually these activities are so flooded with kids and parents that the noise level is more than C can handle – or that I can handle, truth be told. But none-the-less we braved the holiday crowds to do two awesome activities. And they’re both within spitting distance of each other. Continue reading “Dinosaurs and Concrete”

Gifted and 2E Parenting

Gifted and 2e Parenting, yellowreadis.com Image: Bubbles on white background

Parenting Gifted and 2e kids, much like parenting in general, but only more-so, for me has been a journey into the unknown.

When C was a baby, I bought all the parenting books, and listened to the advice of the maternal and child health nurses. I spent hours trying to get him to nap during the day – as was developmentally appropriate. The advice just didn’t work, so I eventually muddled through, and it was only later that I discovered that gifted kids are wired differently, and have different developmental milestones.
Continue reading “Gifted and 2E Parenting”

Lamb and Sweet Potato Curry

This is a nice, simple and quick curry that we have started to make a bit – it’s a variation on a coconut cream-and tomato based curry – that has neither ingredient!

This one can also be made vegetarian, just add carrot, Kumara, potato and/or parsnips instead of meat. It’s also good with other stew-type vegetables – like tomatoes, or green, canellini, or kidney beans. Though it’s best not to try it with broccoli or zucchini. Shudder. This can be made quite hot, but we tend to keep it mild for the kids. This recipe has had some success on the children-will-eat front.
It should take about 1/2- 3/4 of an hour to put together. Don’t forget to have with rice or thick fresh bread.
Continue reading “Lamb and Sweet Potato Curry”