A new national poll shows there are some positives for families during the pandemic, how to discuss drinking with teenagers, and why kids' gaming time isn't wasted.
Our selection of thought-provoking and useful articles from around the web on educating and raising children.
The silver linings in how we’re coping
(RCH National Child Health Poll)
There are some positives for families emerging from life during the pandemic, despite the hardships, according to the latest Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll. Most have reported their family unit is more connected, they have spent more time together, and have used their time at home to consider what’s important in life.
‘Almost half of parents (42 per cent) say they are now more connected to their child, with most having spent more time reading (51 per cent) and playing games (68 per cent) together, and 66 per cent have developed new positive family habits since COVID-19,’ says the poll.
It was no surprise that kids spent more time on screens for entertainment (51 per cent), spent less time being physically active (42 per cent) and ate more unhealthy food (25 per cent). Only one in 10 children got enough exercise each day.
Read the full articleRealistic ways to talk to teens about alcohol
(Cheryl Critchley and Eileen Berry, ABC Life)
The good news is that Australian teenagers are drinking less alcohol today than previous generations. Nevertheless, the whole issue of teen drinking can be very challenging for parents.
This article seeks expert and real-life advice on how to approach the subject. How much is too much? What do you do if there’s a problem? What are the signs of misuse?
You might also find useful our post from Andrew Fuller, Ten reasons why your teen shouldn’t drink
Read the full articleStop thinking of your kids’ gaming time as wasted time; here’s why
(Cara Lane, ideas.ted.com)
When her kids ignored calls to come to eat, the author stormed in, and kicked off the power button on their gaming console. In a calmer movement that followed, she asked an important question: ‘Why is gaming so important to you?’
What followed was a revelation. She discovered an entire world full of positive experiences for them: ‘Gaming today is a connected, multiplayer, interactive entertainment experience. It’s full of competition, problem solving, puzzles, logic. Good stuff, right?’
Like this post? Please share using the buttons on this page.
Read the full articleSubscribe to The Parents Website
Similar Articles
Best of the Web: Watch this beautiful children’s story from Melbourne on how humanity is shining through our Windows
A new children's digital book to inspire all of us, three tips on surviving Lockdown 2.0, and how we can take the pressure off parents.
Lessons from lockdown: the good things we’ve discovered
It's been challenging, but our time in lockdown has provided many positive lessons that will help students as they return to classroom learning, writes Deborah Trengove.
Andrew Fuller: 10 reasons why your teen shouldn’t drink
Leading clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller makes the case why parents should take a clear and strong stand against their teenager drinking - and gives tips on how to have that tough conversation.
Similar Articles
Best of the Web: Watch this beautiful children’s story from Melbourne on how humanity is shining through our Windows
A new children's digital book to inspire all of us, three tips on surviving Lockdown 2.0, and how we can take the pressure off parents.
Lessons from lockdown: the good things we’ve discovered
It's been challenging, but our time in lockdown has provided many positive lessons that will help students as they return to classroom learning, writes Deborah Trengove.
Andrew Fuller: 10 reasons why your teen shouldn’t drink
Leading clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller makes the case why parents should take a clear and strong stand against their teenager drinking - and gives tips on how to have that tough conversation.