Play And Be Happy
Dear Parents and Teachers
My apologies to many of my clients who did not receive my April newsletter entitled, You Are An Everyday Hero. It would seem that gremlins associated with loadshedding over that period were at work. You can download it here from my website here to read about why you are an everyday hero, the news that Metz Press will be publishing my sex education book for 9 – 13 year olds in January 2009 and dates for my Winter Series of workshops between May and August.
I recently returned from two weeks holiday at the coast. It was fascinating how it took the children a good few days to disengage from their perceived need for on screen media (and these were four children who do not spend a lot of time on screen!). Of course I had withdrawal symptoms from lack of email from day one and when I got home to hundreds of emails in my inbox I vowed that I will not be going away again without a 3G card so that I don’t have to catch up such a big backlog on my return! But here is an observation about kids and technology that crept up on me:
Playing with on-screen media (Playstation, computer games, cellphone, the internet etc) gets kids involved, engrossed, excited, worked up and having fun, BUT it does not seem to grow their HAPPINESS QUOTIENT! Yet play a real game with children – cards, a board game, rugby in the garden, cook with them or just watch them pottering on the beach – and you will observe genuine happiness. Watch your kids and let me know if you think I am right. I would love to hear from you.
Real play, not virtual play, it would seem, opens up a pathway to happiness and happiness is a state of being. When we play (note this does not mean compete) we tend to be having fun, and Mind Power expert John Kehoe says in his book The Practice of Happiness, that having fun daily, even if it’s only for a few minutes, is a life-affirming practice. “It’s also a powerful symbol to our subconscious. It is saying I am worthy. Life is good. Even small amounts of fun every day can have a profound effect.”
On the positive side of on-screen gaming (yes, in moderation there are some excellent benefits) click here for a comprehensive article from www.GamerKids.com.au on how to help your children develop healthy gaming habits and what to look for when choosing games. It is very much along the lines of the recommendations in my presentation Connecting With Children Through the Noise & Clutter.
TODDLERSENSE SEMINARS 2008
If you have a toddler why not join me at the Toddersense Seminars at The Wanderers on Saturday 24 May 2008? The tickets are selling like hotcakes but if you book quickly you might just get yourself a seat. Ann Richardson, author of bestsellers Babysense (with Meg Faure) and Toddlersense (both Metz Press) will be speaking on Sleep, Health and Nutrition, I am presenting Parenting on the Run and Anne Cawood is discussing why children need boundaries. The cost is R225.00 per person. Netcare’s Stork’s Nest is the primary sponsor and you will be spoilt with a fabulous goodie bag in the form of a backpack filled with exciting giveaways and a three month subscription to Your Baby, Your Child or Baba en Kleuter. There is a morning seminar and an afternoon one. To book visit: www.toddlersense.co.za or phone 082 708 3231.
MY WINTER SERIES OF WORKSHOPS
From May to July I am running a number of different workshops including: Parenting on the Run©, Connecting with Children through the Noise & Clutter©, Connect the Tots© and a brand new workshop for parents of 8 year olds and above called Big Kid Fun©. For details see the various attachments to this email or click on the DIARY section of this website. Booking is essential. Email bookings to brightideas@powerpt.co.za.
THE BABY EXPO & THE INNOVATION AWARDS
This super expo (previously the Your Baby Show) takes place at The Northgate Dome from 15 – 18 May. I will be judging the product Innovation Awards there on Thursday. From the preliminary judging there are some really clever ideas out there to help parents save time, money and angst. For more info visit www.thebabyexpo.co.za.
Remember to play and be happy.
Kind regards
NIKKI BUSH
The Bright Ideas Outfit
