An open letter via video from parent of three boys, emotional intelligence expert and parenting publisher Yvette Vignando - asking for Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Education Peter Garrett to take action on including a quality social and emotional learning program in the Australian National Curriculum. Read full article
A content-rich podcast on the connections between emotional intelligence in children and academic success. Children with stronger social and emotional skills do better academically and socially. Professor Cohen defines "social and emotional learning" and shares the important research on character education and emotional intelligence education. This recording is a "must listen" for every parent and teacher. Read full article
![<a href="/blogs/yvettevignando/2010/09/29/is-there-a-dangerous-rise-in-therapeutic-education-for-children">Is there a "Dangerous" Rise in Therapeutic Education for Children?</a>](http://www.happychild.com.au/sites/default/files/imagecache/teaser_tall/images/photo primary school girl daydreams.jpg "<a href=\"/blogs/yvettevignando/2010/09/29/is-there-a-dangerous-rise-in-therapeutic-education-for-children\">Is there a "Dangerous" Rise in Therapeutic Education for Children?</a>")
A book published by two Oxford Brookes University academics suggested that a rise in “therapeutic education” in schools could be a bad development. The book is called The Dangerous Rise of Therapeutic Education. Apparently the book criticises school lessons that contain “social and emotional” content on the basis that these lessons may turn children into introverted, self-obsessed people who can not take criticism. Read full article
In Part 1 of this interview Yvette Vignando interviews authors of 'Smart But Scattered' about how parents can recognise the need for and help their child develop higher level 'executive' skills such as organisational skills, planning, and time management. Read full article
Helping your child to develop the personal strengths and social skills they need to survive the transition to primary school. Julia Richardson talks to an experience pre-school teacher and outlines some tips to help your child meet the challenge of starting primary school. Read full article
If your child is getting a hard time in the school or preschool playground, don’t despair. This article shares some ways to help conquer the conflict and build their self-esteem at the same time. Five steps to help your child solve problems in the playground. Read full article
