Move over super mums – here comes Super Gran (and I’m not talking about the children’s series). I’ll let you in on a secret. Grandmothering isn’t all about cookies and hugs. Today’s grandmothers are juggling work, home and babysitting commitments with the flair of the best superheroes. This is a far different picture
It has been used to build houses, make pottery, keep creatures cool, and is one of the oldest words in the English language. Mud. The word dates back to at least 1400 and is derived from the original term “muddle”, meaning the lowest or worst of anything. This ‘lowly’ material can also make
There is no doubt that creating art, in any form, can help children learn and become more self-confident and independent. There is even evidence that enjoying creative activities can improve health. It’s a wonderful feeling to be focused on a creation, in a world of your own, enjoying the solitude and immersed in
Did you know that the same chemicals that are released during sex and eating are released when you are engaged in a creative activity? The reward centre in your brain releases a neurotransmitter called dopamine when you do something pleasurable. Dopamine acts as a natural anti-depressant, which means getting creative can bring you
One of the greatest gifts of grandparenting is to see and appreciate the wisdom in the children around us. Often, as parents, we are so busy doing all that needs to be done, we can overlook the lessons our children offer us. With more time for focus and contemplation, grandparents are rewarded with the
Just when you think you have life worked out, you become a grandparent and things get complicated again. Notwithstanding the exquisite joy that grandchildren deliver, there are quite a few challenges when adjusting to the role of Grand Parent. A whole new group of people enter your life, in the form of
While technology is speeding ahead at breakneck speed, the human race is going backwards in some respects. Think about it. The open spaces and natural foods and hobbies our ancestors enjoyed have been replaced with solid walls, preservative filled foods and hobbies that often include sitting in front of some kind of screen. Sure,
Welcome to another Wacky Wednesdays project – how to display kids’ art. I have some fun ideas for dealing with the mountains of art your little creators will give you. But first, let me tell you why it is so important to display their artworks.
Just when you think it is safe to reclaim your home, along come the grandkids. It’s not always easy for us grandparents, who have not had to think about safety locks on cupboards, or the dangers of low-lying glass ornaments, for years. We may have been revelling in the enjoyment of being able to
Our children are becoming less creative and it could be affecting their ability to learn. Isn’t that a horrifying thought? Studies have shown that children’s creativity tends to decrease with age. Most notably from kindergarten to grade three.
