Fathers should make time for their children now because there are only a few short years to know a child as a child before they grow into adults. Children need a present parent more than expensive gifts, career achievements or a busy schedule. Start small and start today, even with a warm smile when you walk through the door.
Children can use AI for schoolwork, but with guidance. AI can help with research, language barriers and building future digital skills, while over-reliance can weaken independent, creative and analytical thinking and raise concerns about cheating and plagiarism. Parents should learn about AI and teach responsible use, and schools need clear policies on ethical AI use.
To help children enjoy the start of the school year, acknowledge their feelings about the holidays ending and talk through their worries. Re-establish bedtime and wake-up routines several weeks before school starts, set up a regular homework time and quiet workspace, encourage extra-mural activities, share positive school memories and help them set realistic goals for the year.
Parents can help a child who struggles to make friends by practising greetings at home, arranging playdates, enrolling them in extra-mural activities that match their interests and teaching respect for personal boundaries. Model friendly behaviour, share your own childhood friendship stories and avoid comparing your child’s social needs to yours or their siblings’, as one close friend can be enough.
If a child fails their exams, treat it as a chance to find and address the gaps. Talk openly without judgement, meet the teacher, involve the school counsellor and consider an educational psychologist’s assessment. Then build a structured routine with short daily practice and small goals, set realistic expectations and celebrate improvement, not only top marks.
Parental burnout is physical, mental and emotional exhaustion that can lead to chronic fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety and a short temper. Parents can reduce burnout by setting realistic expectations, being honest about their struggles, letting children do tasks they can manage themselves, making weekly time alone, exercising, laughing more and accepting that there is no perfect parent.
