Category Archives: Life Skills

Learning, Life Skills, Parenting, Self-improvement

BUSTING 4 MYTHS ABOUT FAILING

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Last year I wrote an article on failing; Failing to let them Fail. In it I discussed the importance of failure as a necessary part of learning and growth. I am now writing to implore parents, specifically, to LET THEM FAIL … and to trust that not only will your child survive this uncomfortable experience, they will actually grow and thrive from it; if you manage the experience appropriately.

The reason I feel compelled to write about this is due to an alarming number of disconcerting posts I’ve read, this week, on various social media platforms. It’s the end of the school year in South Africa and students and parents are receiving their year-end marks and reports. Some examples from the posts  that concern me are:

  • “The school phoned to tell me that they have failed my daughter!”
  • “I can’t believe that the Maths teacher failed my son!”
  • “The school called me in to drop a bombshell – they’re failing my child!”
  • “Such a shock to hear that the school has decided to fail my son this year!”

NO, THE SCHOOL DIDN’T FAIL YOUR CHILD – YOUR CHILD FAILED … and that’s ok.

Let’s bust a few myths which seem to be prevailing at this moment in time: Continue reading BUSTING 4 MYTHS ABOUT FAILING →

Adult education, Life Skills, Parenting, Self-improvement, Teaching

5 Reasons to Shut up and Listen!

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“Shut up and listen!” These words are like lyrics to one of the anthems of childhood. Truth be told, we’d probably hear them a lot still, if it weren’t for the fact that adults are afforded more respect simply because they’re adults. Here’s another truth:

When it comes to our relationships with children, teachers and parents talk too much and don’t listen nearly enough.

Continue reading 5 Reasons to Shut up and Listen! →

Learning, Life Skills, Life-long learning, Parenting, Self-improvement, Study Skills, Teaching

4 Principles for erasing “I can’t …”

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In this fast-paced world of instant information, instant communication and instant gratification, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to stop, breathe and think before responding to questions, challenges and stimuli. I see adults and children suffering as a result of this unrealistic expectation of human beings who are co-existing with technology.

IMG_3959 Continue reading 4 Principles for erasing “I can’t …” →

Learning, Life Skills, Parenting, Self-improvement, Study Skills, Uncategorized

More Do’s and Don’t for Healthy, Happy End-Of-Year-Exam-ing

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Following on from my previous article, 4 Do’s and Don’ts for Healthy End-of-Year-Exam-ing (click link for article), here are some more tips for parents of exam-writing students:

5. Do: monitor screen time

Much has been written about the evils and benefits of cellphones, tablets and other screen-based devices. Studies have revealed both positive and negative effects of screens on children and teens. One thing is certain, though – we live in a digital age and our children will use devices; get used to it! However, experts all agree that too much screen time is bad for us; bad for our mood, our physical health and our brains. Continue reading More Do’s and Don’t for Healthy, Happy End-Of-Year-Exam-ing →

Learning, Life Skills, Parenting, Study Skills, Uncategorized

4 Do’s and Don’t’s for Healthy End-of-Year-Exam-ing

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It’s that crazy time of year again: END OF YEAR EXAMS! The stakes are high and the stress is higher. Students who are in danger of failing are in crisis and so are their parents. Teachers are bogged down and under extreme pressure to finish the year’s curriculum, ensure all their students are equipped to pass and complete a mountain of marking and admin before break-up day. The atmosphere in most schools … and homes … is tense, to say the least.

How can you, as a parent, be most effective in helping your child navigate this stressful ambit most successfully?

Continue reading 4 Do’s and Don’t’s for Healthy End-of-Year-Exam-ing →

Adult education, Learning, Life Skills, Life-long learning, Public Speaking, Self-improvement, Uncategorized

Eek! They want me to speak!

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If you’re someone who fears speaking in public, you are not alone. In fact, you’re in the same boat as 74% of the world’s population who also suffer from glossophobia; the fancy name for this fear. There’s a biological imperative for having this fear. It goes back millennia and is embedded in our DNA and neurological pathways. Continue reading Eek! They want me to speak! →

Adult education, Life Skills, Life-long learning, Public Speaking, Self-improvement, Uncategorized

Glossophobia: fear of public speaking

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“According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that seem right? That means to the average person, if you have to go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”  Jerry Seinfeld

Having always been one of the freakish minority who actually enjoy speaking in public, I have often wondered why people allow themselves to continue through life with this very real phobia, without doing something about it. I mean, we all have to do it at some point; may as well learn how to enjoy it, right? Continue reading Glossophobia: fear of public speaking →

Learning, Life Skills, Parenting, Teaching

Unlearning Intolerance

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Yesterday South Africa “celebrated” Human Rights Day. I use the quotation marks as March 21st marks the anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre; hardly something worth celebrating. I guess we should celebrate the country we have now; our freedom, our constitution, our democracy … or perhaps the promise of how great a country we COULD have.

Continue reading Unlearning Intolerance →

Learning, Life Skills, Parenting, Teaching, Uncategorized

Failing to let them fail

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When I was living and teaching in California, in the early 2000’s, I was lucky enough to attend some wonderful teaching conferences and seminars. A particularly inspirational speaker (whose name I wish I’d written down, or committed to memory) said something that made a huge impression on me:

“Never deny a student their right to fail.”

Continue reading Failing to let them fail →

Case Studies, Life Skills, Teaching, Testimonials, Uncategorized

Spotting Talent

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If I had to narrow down the one thing that I’m best at, it would probably be the ability to spot potential and talent in people. Running my own education theatre company years ago, I managed to nab the “pick of the litter” each year. Now our TV screens, stages and award ceremonies are littered with stars who landed their first acting jobs with me, back in the day.

When I was teaching in schools, I managed to spot talent in my students, too. Continue reading Spotting Talent →