Summer shorts and tees purchased, washed and folded neatly in the duffle bag. Bug spray and the one allowable stuffed animal all packed. Immunization card submitted. Survival snacks tucked away. We were ready for her first week away from home on her own. My daughter was 10 years old and headed to summer pre-teen church camp.
Many girls shudder at the thought of going bra shopping with their mother. But Kate van der Merwe believes it’s an important bonding and learning opportunity for her and her teen daughter, Isabelle. “We’ve all got boobs, they’re not going anywhere,” chuckles van der Merwe. “The more comfortable we can make our daughters with their own bodies, the better.”
In my opinion, disrespectful behavior is at an all-time high in our society. Stress seems to be fueling an increase in angry outbursts, unconscionable remarks, and a general lack of accountability. I have certainly noticed this in my daily life, in my work life, and in my family’s experiences outside the home. So what can we do to counterbalance a sudden spike in road rage, uncivil treatment, overreaction - or even when we feel like ‘going off’ on someone ourselves?
Whether it’s a best friend moving across the country, the addition of a new sibling, or the switch to a new school, change will touch every child’s life. And according to multiple studies, how a child deals with early change can predict future success. Per the recent Education for All Global Monitoring Report, children who successfully cope with transitions in their early years - say, the transition to Kindergarten - are more likely to sail through transitions later on in life. That’s because feeling successful in an early transition can influence whether kids will approach the future with dread or self-assurance. Read on for tips on how to raise kids who can navigate life’s twists and turns with confidence and care.
Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2021 Calgary’s Child
