How Meditating Helps with Multitasking | MindShift

How Meditating Helps with Multitasking | MindShift

I for one wish my parents were into alternate living when I was growing up, what my grandfather used to call "long haired hippy types".

I practise meditation because it provides an oasis and clarity from the "absolute immediacy" that our society has become. If it is this stressful for an adult imagine the effect on a mind/personality that is developing.

In an era when distraction, diversion, and data (not information) overload are unavoidable, even touted as something everyone needs, I have to agree with Levy's assessment. "Teach the tools that will teach kids to focus, avoid distraction, and judge what to pay attention to as they’re exposed to a slew of diversions."

Making Up Halloween Fears « FreeRangeKids

Making Up Halloween Fears « FreeRangeKids

Ohh how I laughed. People get paid to create this mindless hysteria?

Parks in new estates at risk

Parks in new estates at risk

Apparently parks/green space is costly? And takes up space where you could be building more houses.What's that song line "where do the children play?" Well not here obviously!

Kindergarten kids get laptops

Kindergarten kids get laptops

An old article only recently brought to my attention... particularly interested in,  "The computers will be wireless and, weighing in at under three pounds, they will be easily used in both reading circle and outside the building to explore nature?"

What, how to 'jack the neighbours wifi?, Smack that bug?, Bury in the sandpit?, Use the screen for finger painting?

There is a lot to be said for engaging children in the technology that will be a major part of their lives, (I say that as a self-professed reformed Luddite and yes I see the irony of using a blog to spread the message) but please let them have a childhood before they get plugged into the machine and have their sense of wonder diminished.

REDUX - Darell Hammond: If We Don't Let Our Children Play, Who Will Be the Next Steve Jobs?

-Darell Hammond: If We Don't Let Our Children Play, Who Will Be the Next Steve Jobs?

Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
Robert Fulgham


01/11/2011 - I have been thinking about this post over the last few weeks and mulling over it's content based on the new information (however accurate that may be) about the actual lifestyle, beliefs and actions of Steve Jobs. Not exactly new information, because I think we always instinctually knew that his actions always belied something different to the carefully spun public persona. 


Whilst I agree with the sentiment expressed in the article, that current education systems are set up to crush free thought, personal  innovation, query and independent action, I don't think I would wish a life full of obsession, paranoia and control on any child.   


Which is not me saying that Mr Jobs was bad, mean, wrong or any other thing you may perceive is implied. He was as much a product of his upbringing and environment as any of us, including myself, and he did the best with what life dealt him.  


My point is that the title of the article appears to imply that his life and lifestyle are things children should strive for.  They can if they want to, however, in my experience there is a lot more on offer in life than he had. 


RIP Steve Jobs.  

New children's playground opened in Kings Park - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

New children's playground opened in Kings Park - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

The new Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park opened to Western Australian families Saturday, 15 October 2011 by Premier Colin Barnett. The much anticipated 60,000 sqm bush landscape invites children to immerse themselves in a natural environment doing what comes naturally – building cubbies, wading through creeks, climbing rocks, playing hide and seek and collecting bush treasures.

Mr Barnett said "This is a wonderful playground area for children, .........a return to the old days where you can walk in the creek, play in the wetland, climb trees, get dirty, get your hands wet, even probably skin your knee. But this is a lovely, lovely bushland setting right in the heart of Perth and it will be enjoyed by countless children and their families for generations to come."

Kings Park CEO Mark Webb said ‘Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park is a place for kids to be kids and to experience nature first-hand in our increasingly urbanised and structured lives, we hope this will inspire Western Australian children to love nature and to become the environmental custodians of the future.’

Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park is open from 9.30 am - 5.00 pm, Tuesday - Sunday (closed Monday and all of February for maintenance). Speaking of maintenance - see Garden Maintenance for Playspaces above or on Scribd.

Lots of good things, in respect to naturalistic play, are coming out of WA.

My first response in reading this article was excitement that the importance of naturalistic play had been recognised in such a massive way and by a number of formal institutions.

My second innate response was suspicion that the RIO TINTO tag was associated. For those of you outside Australia RIO TINTO is a massive mining company based in Australia.

HOWEVER if you've ever been part of a parent committee or fund raising committee attempting to raise money for a worthwhile project you would be aware of the feeling of dejection upon approaching big businesses and being told that their PR arm has allocated their funding to a high visibility "sexy" cause, basically something that makes them look like good corporate citizens.

Naturalistic play is vogue but it's definitely not sexy.  So my feelings are this...... CONGRATULATIONS and KUDOS to Rio Tinto for investing in our children's' future, good on you for seeing past your corporate profile and helping create something that will change lives and hopefully create a plethora of future environmental stewards. In days when most multinational corporations are being generically painted as financial villains, its  heart-warming to see one acting so altruistically. And yes, for all you cynics (of which I'm usually Queen) they probably can write it off tax-wise and they will get great press from it, but - SO WHAT - at least they are doing something that will benefit current and future generations, well after any initial fanfare has dissipated. 

A link to the official webpage can be found here.

Again, congratulations to everyone involved in the project, for what it's worth you have my admiration and appreciation.

Kids in Cafeteria Must Ask Adults to Get Them Utensils « FreeRangeKids

Kids in Cafeteria Must Ask Adults to Get Them Utensils « FreeRangeKids

Just staple them to their seats and feed them through a tube.
Remember - If your very, very careful nothing good, or bad, will ever happen to you.