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For the latest news from Scotland see our ScotNews feed at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/
Electric Scotland News
Registration for the 2017 Scottish North American Leadership Conference is now OPEN.
The conference will be held August 10-12, 2017 at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.
The program will include speakers, round table discussions and planning opportunities as well as the chance to network with others in the Scottish diaspora.
The conference has been scheduled to coincide with the Fergus Scottish Festival, the largest clan gathering in Ontario. It also marks the celebrations of the 150th anniversary since the Confederation of Canada. We will attend the hearth lighting and clan welcoming on Friday evening and the conference will wrap up in time for everyone to be at the Festival before the Opening Ceremonies and Clan Parade.
Note: During 2017 all National Parks in Canada are free to visit in celebration of our 150th anniversary. This means it would be a great time to have a full 2 week holiday around this meeting.
Here’s the full program:
Thursday:
Afternoon: Workshop on Gaelic Language
Meeting between CASSOC, COSCA and the SNAL Leadership Team
Evening: Banquet with Keynote speaker and welcome address by Youth Ambassador, piping of the haggis, and Robbie Burns’ address to the haggis.
Evening Entertainment by piper Rory Sinclair and Celtic Fyre.
Friday:
Breakfast
Speakers on Relevance of Scottish History followed by round table discussions
Lunch and networking opportunities.
Speakers on Relevance of Scottish Heritage followed by round table discussions.
Light dinner
Travel to Fergus for Hearth Lighting and Welcoming of the Clans
Saturday:
Morning: Speakers on Engaging Youth in Carrying Forward Our History and Heritage followed by round table discussions
Setting goals for continuing to engage the youth, providing youth with mentoring opportunities
Setting stage for SNAL Conference 2018
Travel to Fergus for the Clan Parade, Opening Ceremonies, and opportunities for networking, interacting with others of Scottish descent and to indulge in our rich Scottish culture.
You can register at http://snal2017.ca/registration/
2017 Best Countries
I note this list is now available for 2017 and that Switzerland comes out at No. 1 with Canada No. 2 and the UK at No. 3. You can see the whole list at https://www.usnews.com/news/best-cou...rall-full-list
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
Note that this is a selection and more can be read in our ScotNews feed on our index page where we list news from the past 1-2 weeks. I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on Google and other search engines. I might also add that in newspapers such as the Guardian, Scotsman, Courier, etc. you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish.
For sale: 25 acres on Hebridean island - for just £55,000
It’s the ultimate opportunity to create a new life in the Outer Hebrides.
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/for-sal...-000-1-4381567
How a tartan-wearing regiment from Scotland joined the Northern cause
In his wardrobe hangs the dress uniform tartan trews and glengarry of his unit, as well as its battle uniform of Union blue.
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/america...ause-1-1572210
Scots life expectancy stalls for first time in 160 years
Life expectancy in Scotland has failed to rise for the first time since records were established in 1861, research has found.
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/scots-l...ears-1-4383530
Professor gives views on Scots education
Lindsay Paterson, Professor of Education Policy at the University of Edinburgh gives his views on some of the burning questions.
Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-39172769
Wind turbines provided two thirds of Scots energy needs
Wind turbines generated enough energy to cover two-thirds of Scotland’s total electricity consumption last month, according to figures.
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/wind-tu...eeds-1-4383793
Canada trade deal boon for Scotland
MEPs have recently backed the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (Ceta) between the European Union and Canada despite the SNP voting first for and then against the deal.
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/business/mar...land-1-4381933
Scottish independence
10 reasons why Yes think they can win
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...-win-1-4382516
Poll says Indyref2 Yes vote at 50%
Half of Scots would back independence if a fresh referendum was held tomorrow, according to a new poll.
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...t-50-1-4387435
It's make your mind up time on #IRExit for the Irish Republic
by David Hoey in ThinkScotland
Read more at:
http://www.thinkscotland.org/thinkcu...ead_full=13052
People's Movement
March edition now available at: http://www.people.ie/news/PN-163.pdf
Electric Canadian
Liam Fox speech to the Toronto Board of Trade
Speech delivered to the Toronto business community on International Trade Secretary's visit to Canada, 26 January 2017.
The Rt Hon Liam Fox MP
It is a pleasure to be returning to Canada, and to visit your country for the first time in my new capacity as the Secretary of State for International Trade.
I am delighted to be the first UK Cabinet Minister to visit during your celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Confederation. I doubt I’ll be the last.
I would like to thank Jan De Silva, the Toronto Board of Trade and your sponsors for hosting us today.
It is a privilege to be able to address you all at such an exciting moment in the United Kingdom’s history.
END
Mrs Susan le Jeune d’Allegeershecque CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to Canada
Susan le Jeune d’Allegeershecque
Mrs Susan le Jeune d’Allegeershecque CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to Canada in succession to Mr Howard Drake OBE, who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service. Mrs le Jeune d’Allegeershecque will take up her appointment in August 2017.
Chronicles of Canada
Added Volume 21: The Red River Colony.
I might add that I've found text copies of these volumes so have added a link to them on the page. I also found a page where you can get audio copies so have placed a link to these as well.
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...cles/index.htm
D. C. Beard
Author of many books on bush craft for the Boy Scouts of America. I thought I'd bring you a few of them as having found them I enjoyed them and so hope you do as well.
Added another book, "Animal Book and Camp-Fire Stories" in which you get to read about rats and the Buffalo and everything in between which you can read at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/pioneering/beard/
Electric Scotland
The Forfar Directory and Year Book
A most interesting publication with lots of wee stories and articles. I have now added the 1892 edition which you can read at:http://www.electricscotland.com/history/forfar/direct/
Here are a couple of wee stories from it...
Amongst the relics of the past preserved in St.-Martin's-in-the-Fields is a whipping-post, presented to the parish about 1600, which was used for the punishment of men who ill-treated or deserted their wives. This post formerly stood, with a pair of stocks, at the lower end of Trafalgar Square. Its wholesome correction was last administered in 1652.
John o'Groat's House
JAMES IV. of Scotland sent Malcolm Gavin and John de Groat, two brothers, into Caithness, with a letter written in Latin, recommending them to the kind regards of the people of that county. They became possessed of lands in the parish of Anisley, on the banks of the Pentland Firth, which was equally divided between them.
In course of time there were eight families of the same name, who shared alike, and lived comfortably and peaceably for many years. These were accustomed to meet, to celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of their progenitors.
At one of these meetings it became a matter of dispute which of them was entitled to enter first, and take the head of the table, which had like to have terminated fatally but for the presence of mind of John de Groat, proprietor of the ferry, who remonstrated with them; pointed out the necessity of unanimity as regarded their own happiness, their respectability among their neighbours, and general safety from the inroads of those clans who might envy them, and take advantage of their dissensions. He then proposed the building of a house, to which they should contribute equally; and he promised at their next meeting he should so order matters as to prevent any dispute about precedency.
Having gained their assent, he proceeded to build a house, with a distinct room of an octa- gonal form, having eight doors and eight windows, in which he placed a table of oak, with eight sides. At the next annual meeting he desired each to enter singly at different doors, and take the head of the table, himself entering the last, and taking the remaining unoccupied seat. By this ingenious manoeuvre they were all placed on an equal footing, and good-humour and harmony were restored and established. Such was the origin of the sign of "John o'Groat's house."
Scottish Short Stories
An Anthology
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/book...rt-stories.pdf
Clan Leslie Society International
Added the March 2017 newsletter at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...eint/index.htm
Bog-Myrtle and Peat
Tales Chiefly Of Galloway Gathered From The Years 1889 To 1895 by S.R. Crockett
You can read this book at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/Hist...erland/bog.htm
SIP - Education
Did an update of our Education page in our SIP section. about "Parents as Teachers" and "Born to Learn". I added a couple of videos and an article which you can see towards the end of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/inde.../education.htm
Essentially this is saying that early learning from birth to 5 years of age are critical to the future of the child and expands on the findings in New Zealand that I wrote about earlier.
A "Memorie", Historical and Genealogical of my Mother's Paternal Lineage
Namely, the Hamiltons of Innerwick; the Lothian Kerrs; and the Earls of Angus, Lords of Bonkyl in the Fourteenth Century including an Episodical Account of the First and Last Duke of Douglas. (1872) (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...amiltongen.pdf
Historic Scenes in Forfarshire
By William Marshall, D.D. (1875)
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...esinforfar.pdf
Annals of the Parish of Lesmahagow
By J. B. Greenshields, Advocate (1864). Added a link to this book on our page for this town at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/coun...arkshire12.htm
Letters Chiefly connected with the Affairs of Scotland
From Henry Cockburn, Solicitor-General under Earl Grey's Government (Afterwards Lord Cockburn) to Thomas Francis Kennedy, M.P. (afterwards The Right Hon. T. E. Kennedy), with other letters from Eminent Persons during the same period, 1818-1852. (1874)
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/book...ersChiefly.pdf
The Story
I found this article while researching this topic for the SIP - Education section and I though it would be useful for everyone to know about it as even if you don't have kids you likely have friends that do and thus interact with them.
Parents as Teachers
A child's brain develops rapidly during the first five years of life, especially the first three years.
It is a time of rapid cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional and motor development. For example, a child learns many words starting at around 15–18 months. Rapid language learning continues into the preschool years.
The child's brain grows as she or he sees, feels, tastes, smells and hears. Each time the child uses one of the senses, a neural connection is made in the child's brain. New experiences repeated many times help make new connections, which shape the way the child thinks, feels, behaves and learns now and in the future.
A close relationship between the child and the caregiver is the best way to nourish the child's growing brain. When a caregiver plays with and sings, speaks, reads or tells a story to the child and nurtures her or him with healthy food, love and affection, the child's brain grows. Being healthy, interacting with caregivers and living in a safe and clean environment can make a big difference in a child's growth, development and future potential.
Babies need lots of care and affection in the early years. Holding, cuddling and talking to the child stimulate brain growth and promote emotional development. Being kept close to the mother and breastfed on demand provide the infant with a sense of emotional security. The baby suckles for both nutrition and comfort.
For young children, crying is a way of communicating. Responding to the child's cry by holding and/or talking soothingly to her or him will help establish a sense of trust and security.
This kind of early bonding and attachment to the mother, father or other close caregiver helps a child develop a broad range of abilities to use and build upon throughout life. These include the ability to:
- learn
- be self-confident and have high self-esteem
- have positive social skills
- have successful relationships at later ages
- develop a sense of empathy.
As children's brains develop, so do their emotions, which are real and powerful. Children may become frustrated if they are unable to do something or have something they want. They are often frightened of strangers, new situations or the dark. Children whose reactions are laughed at, punished or ignored may grow up shy and unable to express emotions normally. If caregivers are patient and sympathetic when a child expresses strong emotions, the child is more likely to grow up happy, secure and well balanced.
Boys and girls have the same physical, mental, emotional and social needs. Both have the same capacity for learning. Both have the same need for affection, attention and approval.
Young children can experience excessive stress if they are physically or emotionally punished, are exposed to violence, are neglected or abused, or live in families with mental illness, such as depression or substance abuse. These stresses interfere with the developing brain and can lead to cognitive, social and emotional delays and behaviour problems in childhood and later in life.
Children who are physically or mentally punished in anger are more likely to become violent themselves.
More positive and effective ways to address children's behaviour can include:
- providing a child with clear explanations about what to do and what not to do
- responding consistently to certain behaviours
- praising good behaviour.
These responses by parents and other caregivers encourage children so they become well-adjusted and productive members of the family and community.
Both parents, as well as other family members, need to be involved in caring and nurturing the growth, learning and development of children. They should make both girls and boys feel equally valued as they encourage them to learn and explore – this is important preparation for school.
Mothers around the world generally take on the primary role of addressing their children's rights and needs. They love, feed, console, teach, play with and care for their children.
A father's role is as vital as the mother's in nurturing and caring for their children and protecting their rights. A father should make daughters and sons feel they are equally important. Just like the mother, the father can help meet their child's needs for love, affection, approval, encouragement and stimulation. Together, the mother and father can ensure that the child receives a quality education and good nutrition and health care.
An interview with Mildred Winter, the creator of this system, can be downloaded at: Parents as Teachers at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...ip/winterm.pdf
I might add as reading stories is highly recommended I would remind you that we have a collection of some 800 children's stories available at: http://www.electricscotland.com/kids...ns_stories.htm
And that's it for this week and I hope you all have a good weekend.
Alastair
http://www.electricscotland.com/
Electric Scotland News
Registration for the 2017 Scottish North American Leadership Conference is now OPEN.
The conference will be held August 10-12, 2017 at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.
The program will include speakers, round table discussions and planning opportunities as well as the chance to network with others in the Scottish diaspora.
The conference has been scheduled to coincide with the Fergus Scottish Festival, the largest clan gathering in Ontario. It also marks the celebrations of the 150th anniversary since the Confederation of Canada. We will attend the hearth lighting and clan welcoming on Friday evening and the conference will wrap up in time for everyone to be at the Festival before the Opening Ceremonies and Clan Parade.
Note: During 2017 all National Parks in Canada are free to visit in celebration of our 150th anniversary. This means it would be a great time to have a full 2 week holiday around this meeting.
Here’s the full program:
Thursday:
Afternoon: Workshop on Gaelic Language
Meeting between CASSOC, COSCA and the SNAL Leadership Team
Evening: Banquet with Keynote speaker and welcome address by Youth Ambassador, piping of the haggis, and Robbie Burns’ address to the haggis.
Evening Entertainment by piper Rory Sinclair and Celtic Fyre.
Friday:
Breakfast
Speakers on Relevance of Scottish History followed by round table discussions
Lunch and networking opportunities.
Speakers on Relevance of Scottish Heritage followed by round table discussions.
Light dinner
Travel to Fergus for Hearth Lighting and Welcoming of the Clans
Saturday:
Morning: Speakers on Engaging Youth in Carrying Forward Our History and Heritage followed by round table discussions
Setting goals for continuing to engage the youth, providing youth with mentoring opportunities
Setting stage for SNAL Conference 2018
Travel to Fergus for the Clan Parade, Opening Ceremonies, and opportunities for networking, interacting with others of Scottish descent and to indulge in our rich Scottish culture.
You can register at http://snal2017.ca/registration/
2017 Best Countries
I note this list is now available for 2017 and that Switzerland comes out at No. 1 with Canada No. 2 and the UK at No. 3. You can see the whole list at https://www.usnews.com/news/best-cou...rall-full-list
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
Note that this is a selection and more can be read in our ScotNews feed on our index page where we list news from the past 1-2 weeks. I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on Google and other search engines. I might also add that in newspapers such as the Guardian, Scotsman, Courier, etc. you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish.
For sale: 25 acres on Hebridean island - for just £55,000
It’s the ultimate opportunity to create a new life in the Outer Hebrides.
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/for-sal...-000-1-4381567
How a tartan-wearing regiment from Scotland joined the Northern cause
In his wardrobe hangs the dress uniform tartan trews and glengarry of his unit, as well as its battle uniform of Union blue.
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/america...ause-1-1572210
Scots life expectancy stalls for first time in 160 years
Life expectancy in Scotland has failed to rise for the first time since records were established in 1861, research has found.
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/scots-l...ears-1-4383530
Professor gives views on Scots education
Lindsay Paterson, Professor of Education Policy at the University of Edinburgh gives his views on some of the burning questions.
Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-39172769
Wind turbines provided two thirds of Scots energy needs
Wind turbines generated enough energy to cover two-thirds of Scotland’s total electricity consumption last month, according to figures.
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/wind-tu...eeds-1-4383793
Canada trade deal boon for Scotland
MEPs have recently backed the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (Ceta) between the European Union and Canada despite the SNP voting first for and then against the deal.
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/business/mar...land-1-4381933
Scottish independence
10 reasons why Yes think they can win
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...-win-1-4382516
Poll says Indyref2 Yes vote at 50%
Half of Scots would back independence if a fresh referendum was held tomorrow, according to a new poll.
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...t-50-1-4387435
It's make your mind up time on #IRExit for the Irish Republic
by David Hoey in ThinkScotland
Read more at:
http://www.thinkscotland.org/thinkcu...ead_full=13052
People's Movement
March edition now available at: http://www.people.ie/news/PN-163.pdf
Electric Canadian
Liam Fox speech to the Toronto Board of Trade
Speech delivered to the Toronto business community on International Trade Secretary's visit to Canada, 26 January 2017.
The Rt Hon Liam Fox MP
It is a pleasure to be returning to Canada, and to visit your country for the first time in my new capacity as the Secretary of State for International Trade.
I am delighted to be the first UK Cabinet Minister to visit during your celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Confederation. I doubt I’ll be the last.
I would like to thank Jan De Silva, the Toronto Board of Trade and your sponsors for hosting us today.
It is a privilege to be able to address you all at such an exciting moment in the United Kingdom’s history.
END
Mrs Susan le Jeune d’Allegeershecque CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to Canada
Susan le Jeune d’Allegeershecque
Mrs Susan le Jeune d’Allegeershecque CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to Canada in succession to Mr Howard Drake OBE, who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service. Mrs le Jeune d’Allegeershecque will take up her appointment in August 2017.
Chronicles of Canada
Added Volume 21: The Red River Colony.
I might add that I've found text copies of these volumes so have added a link to them on the page. I also found a page where you can get audio copies so have placed a link to these as well.
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...cles/index.htm
D. C. Beard
Author of many books on bush craft for the Boy Scouts of America. I thought I'd bring you a few of them as having found them I enjoyed them and so hope you do as well.
Added another book, "Animal Book and Camp-Fire Stories" in which you get to read about rats and the Buffalo and everything in between which you can read at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/pioneering/beard/
Electric Scotland
The Forfar Directory and Year Book
A most interesting publication with lots of wee stories and articles. I have now added the 1892 edition which you can read at:http://www.electricscotland.com/history/forfar/direct/
Here are a couple of wee stories from it...
Amongst the relics of the past preserved in St.-Martin's-in-the-Fields is a whipping-post, presented to the parish about 1600, which was used for the punishment of men who ill-treated or deserted their wives. This post formerly stood, with a pair of stocks, at the lower end of Trafalgar Square. Its wholesome correction was last administered in 1652.
John o'Groat's House
JAMES IV. of Scotland sent Malcolm Gavin and John de Groat, two brothers, into Caithness, with a letter written in Latin, recommending them to the kind regards of the people of that county. They became possessed of lands in the parish of Anisley, on the banks of the Pentland Firth, which was equally divided between them.
In course of time there were eight families of the same name, who shared alike, and lived comfortably and peaceably for many years. These were accustomed to meet, to celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of their progenitors.
At one of these meetings it became a matter of dispute which of them was entitled to enter first, and take the head of the table, which had like to have terminated fatally but for the presence of mind of John de Groat, proprietor of the ferry, who remonstrated with them; pointed out the necessity of unanimity as regarded their own happiness, their respectability among their neighbours, and general safety from the inroads of those clans who might envy them, and take advantage of their dissensions. He then proposed the building of a house, to which they should contribute equally; and he promised at their next meeting he should so order matters as to prevent any dispute about precedency.
Having gained their assent, he proceeded to build a house, with a distinct room of an octa- gonal form, having eight doors and eight windows, in which he placed a table of oak, with eight sides. At the next annual meeting he desired each to enter singly at different doors, and take the head of the table, himself entering the last, and taking the remaining unoccupied seat. By this ingenious manoeuvre they were all placed on an equal footing, and good-humour and harmony were restored and established. Such was the origin of the sign of "John o'Groat's house."
Scottish Short Stories
An Anthology
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/book...rt-stories.pdf
Clan Leslie Society International
Added the March 2017 newsletter at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...eint/index.htm
Bog-Myrtle and Peat
Tales Chiefly Of Galloway Gathered From The Years 1889 To 1895 by S.R. Crockett
You can read this book at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/Hist...erland/bog.htm
SIP - Education
Did an update of our Education page in our SIP section. about "Parents as Teachers" and "Born to Learn". I added a couple of videos and an article which you can see towards the end of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/inde.../education.htm
Essentially this is saying that early learning from birth to 5 years of age are critical to the future of the child and expands on the findings in New Zealand that I wrote about earlier.
A "Memorie", Historical and Genealogical of my Mother's Paternal Lineage
Namely, the Hamiltons of Innerwick; the Lothian Kerrs; and the Earls of Angus, Lords of Bonkyl in the Fourteenth Century including an Episodical Account of the First and Last Duke of Douglas. (1872) (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...amiltongen.pdf
Historic Scenes in Forfarshire
By William Marshall, D.D. (1875)
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...esinforfar.pdf
Annals of the Parish of Lesmahagow
By J. B. Greenshields, Advocate (1864). Added a link to this book on our page for this town at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/coun...arkshire12.htm
Letters Chiefly connected with the Affairs of Scotland
From Henry Cockburn, Solicitor-General under Earl Grey's Government (Afterwards Lord Cockburn) to Thomas Francis Kennedy, M.P. (afterwards The Right Hon. T. E. Kennedy), with other letters from Eminent Persons during the same period, 1818-1852. (1874)
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/book...ersChiefly.pdf
The Story
I found this article while researching this topic for the SIP - Education section and I though it would be useful for everyone to know about it as even if you don't have kids you likely have friends that do and thus interact with them.
Parents as Teachers
A child's brain develops rapidly during the first five years of life, especially the first three years.
It is a time of rapid cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional and motor development. For example, a child learns many words starting at around 15–18 months. Rapid language learning continues into the preschool years.
The child's brain grows as she or he sees, feels, tastes, smells and hears. Each time the child uses one of the senses, a neural connection is made in the child's brain. New experiences repeated many times help make new connections, which shape the way the child thinks, feels, behaves and learns now and in the future.
A close relationship between the child and the caregiver is the best way to nourish the child's growing brain. When a caregiver plays with and sings, speaks, reads or tells a story to the child and nurtures her or him with healthy food, love and affection, the child's brain grows. Being healthy, interacting with caregivers and living in a safe and clean environment can make a big difference in a child's growth, development and future potential.
Babies need lots of care and affection in the early years. Holding, cuddling and talking to the child stimulate brain growth and promote emotional development. Being kept close to the mother and breastfed on demand provide the infant with a sense of emotional security. The baby suckles for both nutrition and comfort.
For young children, crying is a way of communicating. Responding to the child's cry by holding and/or talking soothingly to her or him will help establish a sense of trust and security.
This kind of early bonding and attachment to the mother, father or other close caregiver helps a child develop a broad range of abilities to use and build upon throughout life. These include the ability to:
- learn
- be self-confident and have high self-esteem
- have positive social skills
- have successful relationships at later ages
- develop a sense of empathy.
As children's brains develop, so do their emotions, which are real and powerful. Children may become frustrated if they are unable to do something or have something they want. They are often frightened of strangers, new situations or the dark. Children whose reactions are laughed at, punished or ignored may grow up shy and unable to express emotions normally. If caregivers are patient and sympathetic when a child expresses strong emotions, the child is more likely to grow up happy, secure and well balanced.
Boys and girls have the same physical, mental, emotional and social needs. Both have the same capacity for learning. Both have the same need for affection, attention and approval.
Young children can experience excessive stress if they are physically or emotionally punished, are exposed to violence, are neglected or abused, or live in families with mental illness, such as depression or substance abuse. These stresses interfere with the developing brain and can lead to cognitive, social and emotional delays and behaviour problems in childhood and later in life.
Children who are physically or mentally punished in anger are more likely to become violent themselves.
More positive and effective ways to address children's behaviour can include:
- providing a child with clear explanations about what to do and what not to do
- responding consistently to certain behaviours
- praising good behaviour.
These responses by parents and other caregivers encourage children so they become well-adjusted and productive members of the family and community.
Both parents, as well as other family members, need to be involved in caring and nurturing the growth, learning and development of children. They should make both girls and boys feel equally valued as they encourage them to learn and explore – this is important preparation for school.
Mothers around the world generally take on the primary role of addressing their children's rights and needs. They love, feed, console, teach, play with and care for their children.
A father's role is as vital as the mother's in nurturing and caring for their children and protecting their rights. A father should make daughters and sons feel they are equally important. Just like the mother, the father can help meet their child's needs for love, affection, approval, encouragement and stimulation. Together, the mother and father can ensure that the child receives a quality education and good nutrition and health care.
An interview with Mildred Winter, the creator of this system, can be downloaded at: Parents as Teachers at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...ip/winterm.pdf
I might add as reading stories is highly recommended I would remind you that we have a collection of some 800 children's stories available at: http://www.electricscotland.com/kids...ns_stories.htm
And that's it for this week and I hope you all have a good weekend.
Alastair
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