Intelligence as measured on IQ tests used to be considered the prime factor which determined both academic and career success. Now a new generation of research psychologist are linking high achievement, not with IQ, but with the personal qualities which drive perseverance as the key to success. If we look beyond the concept of intelligence [...]
We live in a world that celebrates busy as a sign of status and success. This may work for adults but it goes against what nature intended for children. One of the casualties of our too busy world is that children are loosing the time to play, freely and independently with no pre-set task or [...]
Yesterday was World Mental Health Day, a great reminder of the importance of supporting all those who are affected by depression, anxiety, stress and other mental health issues. It set me thinking about the need to talk about wellbeing and wondering why it is still a faintly awkward thing to do. The prevention of mental [...]
What helps children to be happy, confident and successful at school? You’ve chosen a great school, the staff are dedicated, highly experienced and inspiring teachers. The curriculum is varied,interesting and stimulating. So what does help children make the most of what is on offer? Is it down to the abilities and temperament that a child [...]
The debate on what education is for and how best to help children achieve their potential is political dynamite. This fierce debate here in the UK is not unique and similar discussions are an aspect of every democratic country. Yes it’s good to talk but we need to stay aware of how our personal values [...]
Confidence comes from within, it is based on knowing what you can do and remembering how you have succeeded in the past. Confidence must be based on accurate self knowledge. Offering false praise by telling a child you know they can do it, to build their self esteem, won’t help much unless it prompts a memory [...]
In my positive child psychology practice I see children who are facing all sorts of challenges that make them sad, worried or insecure. This may be new because of some unforeseen event or may have been going on for sometime with little impact from what has been tried to date. Their families want things to [...]
The take up of free nursery places for 3 and 4 year olds is 95% and many parents will be alarmed that its benefits are being questioned by the government’s spending watchdog, The National Audit Office. Last week the N.A.O. explored the outcomes of making 15 hours of nursery education available. The good news is [...]
Children who shout out answers in class turn out to be the most successful learners according to a spate of articles in the press today. My heart sank as I suspect did 1,000’s of teachers reading this. Our common sense tells us this is only a partial truth. The story wouldn’t have made headlines unless it confounded [...]
Is self-control important or is it a rather out-moded, almost Victorian concept, which has no place in the modern world? On the one hand it invites images of cold baths and self denial while in contrast we are reminded of the planning and dedication that goes into training to be an Olympic class athlete or [...]