The young boy walked into the studio in tears, exclaiming he did not want his father to leave. Just weeks before this, that same boy would virtually push his parents out of the door, eager to have my full attention as we embarked on a creative journey together. The next day, a
It seems our world was turned upside down almost overnight. Little freedoms most of us took for granted are now taboo. Hugs and kisses with loved ones, far from spreading love, now threaten to spread a virus that can kill. Coffee with friends, once a friendly activity, is now more like playing
In uncertain times, it’s time to get back to basics. Time to build on what we know and have to help create stronger and better kids. This is a hard call for parents who are dealing with their own fears and frustrations. The fact is though, that what we do now – the routines
Around 11 million roses are expected to be brought into Australia in the days leading up to Valentine’ Day on February 14. Aside from the cost to Aussie farmers who cannot compete, there is an environmental cost. And then, of course, there is the personal cost. Fresh rose prices range from around $30 for
Jack was a happy baby with a big belly laugh he used with great regularity. He was a curious and adventurous toddler with a booming personality and the voice to go with it. His first few years of school were filled with curiosity and the desire to learn. Then, his voice became quiet, his
That frantic search for a pencil or pen as I grab my bag, sunnies, keys and granddaughter in the race to get out the door and pick up her older sister from school. That’s me at least once a week. Why the pencil or pen? To go with the little granddaughter’s drawing book –
Creativity has become a buzzword – the Holy Grail that will help us be happier, healthy, more productive and better equipped to deal with life in general. We mourn the lack of creative programs in mainstream schools and businesses fork out thousands of dollars every year on creative thinking exercises for their employees. There
“For what we are about to eat may the Lord make us truly grateful”. That was our pre-meal prayer when I was at school. I remember it not so much because of the gratitude I felt, but because we said it a lot and most of us raced through the little prayer, eager to
It’s interesting that the first part of the word ‘optimism’ spells ‘opt’ because being optimistic is a choice that you can opt in or out of. That’s probably the most important thing we can impress on our children. Optimism is a choice. And choice is a superpower. We all become discouraged at times. For
I’m often asked by parents how I can provide art projects to suit all ages when I hold group workshops. Many fear the older children will become bored and the younger ones will be out of their depth. The age range for group classes is four to 12. As children change so drastically in
