Childpsych Blog
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They are a group of Educational Psychologists commonly known as Child Psychologists from around South Africa, with the single common goal to provide relevant and up to date information about all aspects of being a child in South Africa. The primary focus is on the emotional well-being of children and how to ensure that children reach their full potential in all social and academic areas.
Childpsych Blog
15h ago
When it comes to building habits that last, many of us fall into the trap of thinking it’s all about discipline. We believe we need to force ourselves into new behaviours, grit our teeth, and muscle through the discomfort. But what if I told you there’s a neuroscience hack to building habits that actually stick?
Enter dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and reward in our brains. When we find something enjoyable, dopamine floods our system, reinforcing the behaviour and signaling our brain to adapt accordingly. It’s this adaptation, the rewiring of our brain connections, tha ..read more
Childpsych Blog
6d ago
Eye tracking is fundamental to a child’s academic journey, and it’s vital for parents and teachers to comprehend its significance and how to identify potential issues. Often underestimated, problems with eye tracking can pose a silent threat to academic achievement, even in children with perfect vision.
Eye tracking involves the smooth coordination of the eyes, both together and individually, as they track, converge, and diverge. For example, when transitioning from reading a book to looking at the blackboard, these movements should occur seamlessly. Difficulties in any of these aspects can le ..read more
Childpsych Blog
3w ago
Since the early days of autism research, misconceptions and stigmas have clouded our understanding of the condition. One such misconception, the “refrigerator mother theory,” wrongly accused mothers of autistic children of being cold and uncaring. Though this theory has long been debunked, its damaging effects linger in the collective consciousness, contributing to misunderstandings about autism and empathy.
Contrary to popular belief, autistic children do experience love and affection. However, their expression and reception of these emotions may differ due to sensory sensitivities, communica ..read more
Childpsych Blog
1M ago
Unlocking the Joy of Reading: Strategies for Parents
In today’s digital age, enticing children away from screens and into the pages of a book can be a daunting task for parents. However, instilling a love for reading in your child is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding. Let’s explore some effective strategies to encourage your child to read more and reap the countless benefits that come with it.
The Digital Dilemma: Balancing Screen Time and Reading
With the allure of smartphones, tablets, and video games, it’s no surprise that children are spending more time glued to screens tha ..read more
Childpsych Blog
1M ago
As parents, we’re often confronted with the challenges of understanding and addressing our children’s sleep disturbances. Two common phenomena that can disrupt their rest are nightmares and night terrors. While they might seem similar at first glance, they are distinct experiences with different causes and implications. Let’s delve into the disparities between nightmares and night terrors to equip you with the knowledge needed to support your child’s peaceful slumber.
What are Nightmares?
Nightmares are vivid and disturbing dreams that occur during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, typically in ..read more
Childpsych Blog
2M ago
As parents, we’re often confronted with the challenges of understanding and addressing our children’s sleep disturbances. Two common phenomena that can disrupt their rest are nightmares and night terrors. While they might seem similar at first glance, they are distinct experiences with different causes and implications. Let’s delve into the disparities between nightmares and night terrors to equip you with the knowledge needed to support your child’s peaceful slumber.
What are Nightmares?
Nightmares are vivid and disturbing dreams that occur during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, typically in ..read more
Childpsych Blog
3M ago
As parents, we all want our children to flourish and succeed. One powerful way to facilitate this growth is by helping them develop a growth mindset. In this blog, we will explore what a growth mindset is, why it is essential for your child’s development, and practical tips on how to nurture it.
Understanding a Growth Mindset
What is a Growth Mindset?
When children have a growth mindset they believe that their abilities and
intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and perseverance. Children
with a growth mindset tend to embrace challenges, view failures as opportuniti ..read more
Childpsych Blog
3M ago
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often associated with distractibility and difficulties in focusing. However, there is another side to ADHD that parents and caregivers should be aware of – hyperfocus. In this blog, we will delve into the concept of hyperfocus in ADHD, its effects on children, and strategies to manage it.
What is Hyperfocus?
Hyperfocus is an intense state of concentration and absorption in a particular activity or task. It is characterized by an individual’s ability to become deeply engrossed in an activity to the exclusion of everything else. While hyperfocus ..read more
Childpsych Blog
8M ago
How Do I Know If My Child Is Ready for Sleepovers
As parents, one of the milestones we often encounter is the introduction of sleepovers. It’s a moment that signifies our child’s growing independence and social development. However, determining if your child is truly ready for sleepovers can be a challenging decision. To help you navigate this important parenting choice, we’ve put together some key signs and considerations to keep in mind.
1. Age Matters
The age of your child is a significant factor when assessing sleepover readiness. While there’s no specific age that universally defines when ..read more
Childpsych Blog
8M ago
Introduction
As parents, one of our most important responsibilities is to ensure the well-being and happiness of our children. While we often focus on their academic achievements and physical health, it’s crucial not to overlook their social and emotional development. Friendships play a significant role in a child’s life, but not all friendships are healthy. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to spot signs of an unhealthy friendship in kids and provide guidance on how to address these issues.
1. Sudden Changes in Behavior
When a child’s behavior undergoes a sudden and unexplained shift, it may be ..read more