Sensory Neglect in the Digital Jungle: Reclaiming Childhood’s Natural Rhythms
We’re living in a time when children can access the world with a single swipe — yet are often missing the world right in front of them. I call this quiet modern dilemma sensory neglect — not the neglect that makes headlines, but the subtle loss of everyday sensory experiences that once defined childhood. Children […]
“Dear Sue, My PE Teacher Was Right…”
When a School Newsletter Letter Hit a Nerve – And Sparked a Parenting Pause By Sue Atkins – Navigating the Digital Jungle Dear Sue,I just wanted to comment on something my child’s PE teacher wrote in the school newsletter. It’s been playing on my mind ever since.She gently (but firmly!) called out the number of […]
Why Turning Your Phone to Grayscale Helps with Screen Addiction (Especially for Kids)
Bright colours. Red notification bubbles. Eye-catching apps. They’re all carefully designed to keep us hooked—and for kids, this can mean hours of mindless scrolling or bouncing from app to app without purpose. But there’s a surprisingly simple trick that can start to break that spell:Turning your phone to grayscale. Why It Works 📱 Colour = […]
Talking or Tapping? How Technology Can Boost — or Block — Your Child’s Language Growth
Children learn to speak by hearing speech — not swipes. But the right tech, used wisely, can support language, not silence it. A child’s brain is wired for words. From birth, they’re tuning into the rhythm, tone and melody of language. And by the time they reach Reception, their vocabulary size is one of the […]
Beyond the Screen – Why True School Readiness Starts Offline
School Ready, Tech Smart Welcome to my new School Readiness & Tech: Article Series When we talk about getting children ready for school, technology often enters the conversation early. Parents are bombarded with messages about apps that claim to teach toddlers to read, online platforms promising to make maths fun, and screens marketed as tools […]
The Ultimate Easter Holiday Tech-Free Guide – Fun Activities & Scripts for All Ages
The Ultimate Easter Holiday Tech-Free Guide – Fun Activities & Scripts for All Ages Why a Tech-Free Easter? The Easter holidays are a perfect opportunity to step away from screens and reconnect as a family. Taking a break from technology can help improve focus, encourage creativity, and strengthen family bonds. This guide provides age-appropriate activities […]
Talking, Not Typing: Teaching Kids the Joy of Face-to-Face Connection
The Power of Human Connection: Why It Matters and How Parents & Educators Can Foster It In today’s digital world, children and teens are more connected than ever—yet studies show they are also experiencing record levels of loneliness and social anxiety. Meaningful, in-person relationships remain a key factor in emotional well-being, resilience, and long-term success. […]
Children’s Mental Health Week: Friday: Sleep & Mental Health in the Digital Age
📢 It’s Children’s Mental Health Week! Did you know? Screen exposure before bed suppresses melatonin, making it harder for kids to fall asleep. Poor sleep = lower mood, focus issues, and more stress. 🌙 Healthy digital bedtime routine: ✔️ 1-hour no screens before bed (even for parents!) ✔️ Use a real alarm clock—no phones in […]
Children’s Mental Health Week: Thursday: Cyberbullying & Online Friendships
📢 It’s Children’s Mental Health Week! Children spend so much time online that friendships and conflicts happen digitally too. Cyberbullying can be relentless, often happening in group chats, gaming, and social media. 🚀 What parents can do: ✔️ Keep an open dialogue—ask, “Have you ever seen unkind behaviour online?” ✔️ Encourage them to think before […]
Children’s Mental Health Week: Wednesday: Gaming & Mental Health
📢 It’s Children’s Mental Health Week! Wednesday: Gaming & Mental Health For many kids, gaming is a social lifeline—but too much can lead to stress, addiction, or even online dangers. 🎮 Healthy gaming habits: ✔️ Set time limits with your child, not just for them. ✔️ Encourage breaks—every 60 minutes, take a movement break. ✔️ […]
