This post is by regular contributor Catherine Oehlman aka Squigglemum. “Mum, can I have my own blog now I’m six?” I stared blankly at my daughter while internally processing my response… “Not yet… maybe when you’re older… hang on yes… yes, of course… no, don’t be ridiculous… NO WAY… but then again…” In the end […]
Building Character
This post is by regular contributor Cath Oehlman aka Squigglemum. Character is higher than intellect. Ralph Waldo Emerson It is of little traits that the greatest human character is composed. William Winter Every human being is intended to have a character of his own; to be what no others are, and to do what no […]
Silly Games: Self Directed Playful Learning
This post is by regular contributor, Cath Oehlman of SquiggleMum. “Mum, we are playing a game called Chilly-Chally and you should reeeeallly blog about this because it’s a great game and we made it up ALL by ourselves!” I laughed, partly because the game was ridiculous, and partly because my five and three year old […]
Family Time: Dating Your Family
This post is by regular contributor Catherine Oehlman aka SquiggleMum. 1. Dating Your Partner Do you remember the days of dating your spouse? Getting dressed up… dinner reservations… talking for hours on the phone… looking forward to doing nothing-in-particular, as long as it was together? For many of us dating is a distant memory, but […]
My Child’s Growing World
This post is by regular contributor Catherine Oehlman aka SquiggleMum. I believe that the world is a big, beautiful place; brimming with interesting people to meet, and exciting places to discover. But it doesn’t start out that way… at least not when we are very little. Here is how my daughter’s world has grown during […]
An Attitude of Gratitude
This post is by regular contributor Catherine Oehlman aka Squigglemum. When I started my career as a teacher a poster near my classroom read, “Let your attitude be one of gratitude.” I’m not sure whether the reminder was for the students or for the teachers! No matter what age we are, it is oh-so-easy to […]
Are Boys and Girls Really So Different?
This post is by regular contributor Catherine Oehlman aka SquiggleMum. Good educators are always asking themselves questions about what makes kids’ minds tick. Over the years I have asked myself many questions about the differences between girls and boys, and been intrigued by the nature vs nurture debate. My opinion on the issue has changed […]
Tree House Dreams
This post is by regular contributor Catherine Oehlman aka SquiggleMum. My dream home is a tree house. Yes, a tree house! Forget about giving me a home among the gumtrees… I want a home IN the gumtrees. I want to reach out and touch the leaves, watch the birds, and feel the breeze blowing through […]
Overcoming Winter Blues
This post is by regular contributor Catherine Oehlman aka Squigglemum. Winter has arrived with a vengeance this year, and the weather is getting me down. Nothing serious, just a case of the blues. It’s possible I’m prone to SAD, although it could also be PMS or just a BHD. Everyone gets down sometimes! As parents […]
Friendship: To have a friend, be a friend
Above: Long time online friends finally meet IRL, Christie and Cath. Photo: Danimezza This post is by regular contributor Cath Oehlman aka Squigglemum. ~ To have a friend, be a friend. ~ Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver the other gold. ~ The best mirror is an old friend. ~ A […]