Planning Ahead

ADvTECH Group • December 15, 2021

Parenting Advice

A woman is teaching a man how to use a computer.

Back-to-school shopping is an exciting rite of passage for you and your child. Getting new clothes, new kicks, new school supplies, a new lunch kit, and a new backpack can be fun. First off, check with your child's school for their specific supply lists. Then, compare the list of suggested items with what you already have and take it from there.

1. Are you kitted out?

It's no secret that our children grow like weeds, so the back-to-school season is a great time to review your child's school clothes and supplement with what is necessary. Your child's needs will also vary according to their age, gender identity, activity level, and of course, the season. Trinityhouse Schools uniform is a traditional style, incorporating a blazer and school tie. In summer, blazers are optional. Our pupils wear their uniforms with such pride. Contact the school for your nearest uniform store.

2. Pre-pack your stationery!

Let’s face it, we haven’t fully recovered from that thing we will not name, but in the context of our “new normal”, it is a good time to think about school stationery for 2022. If you're a seasoned parent with kids in several grades, this list can strike fear into any heart when done at the last minute. But do not fear, 2022 school stationery includes lots of practical (and sensible) options for grown-ups and is cool for our children. Buy those today and aim to save time (and perhaps money) before the big rush. Start with well-labelled or personalised items to ensure they stay with their original owner and don't get shared. A few options to consider are:

Takealot.com: Stationery Pack: Back-to-school Grade 1, R628.00
Takealot.com: Marco School Stationery Bundle Envelope, R319.00
Loot.co.za: High School Essential Stationery, R400.00
Typo Activity Journal, from R74.99 per book
Typo Desk Set, from R149.99

3. The sports talk

Often, sports parents ask questions about the common issues they experience with their children, including things like sport specialisation versus sport sampling, whether to play multiple sports during the same sport season, and travel leagues versus recreational leagues. These questions can be complex and tricky, even for parents who were once themselves young athletes. Therefore, it is important to have sport choice conversations with your children as the decisions families make regarding school sports are important, not only for sports growth but also for future life skills development. It is also important to make your child part of the decision-making process, as it will directly impact their lives.

It would help if you also were open and honest about the financial impacts participation in certain sports will have. Travelling, camps and additional coaching could potentially make your child’s dreams come true but also break your bank. Therefore, if you cannot afford it, say so upfront and choose an alternative that will make your child equally happy.

Try to stay positive, open-minded, and respectful as you engage in the decision-making process, and show your appreciation to your child that they are taking ownership of their choices. Be flexible with decisions and allow for a change after the season ends. In addition, your child is more likely to have a positive and enriching experience playing sports if you focus on being a good sports parent. Just be sure to refrain from applying too much pressure or setting unrealistic expectations on both you and your child. Open and honest conversations are key before the sports season begins.

4. The ABCs of subject choices

Choosing subjects at school is one of the most important parts of your child’s schooling as they take the first steps on the path of their potential future career. There is a lot of pressure to achieve academically, and sometimes the dreams we have for our children do not match what they want to do. Therefore, it is important to have a conversation.

Encourage your teen to talk to you about their ideas for a potential career path. Allow them to speak to the rest of the family, friends, and neighbours to get their views.

Ask them to do extensive research on what would be required for that specific career path, as well as the necessary subjects.

Although you want your children to look to the future and choose subjects that will help them towards a career they are interested in, they should also consider what they really enjoy and are passionate about. They are far more likely to succeed in those subjects than in the ones they feel they 'must' study.

Support your child as far as possible. Perhaps arrange a meeting with a career counsellor and consider an aptitude test. It is never too early to start thinking about tertiary education. Start with your child’s particular interests and investigate the courses available in those subjects.

The requirements for the National Senior Certificate are seven subjects:

4 subjects are compulsory: 2 x SA languages (the first as a home language and the 2nd as a first additional language), Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and Life Orientation.

Mathematics is a requirement for many university courses and career paths, so keep this in mind when opting for one or the other.

3 subjects have to be chosen from the approved subject list as supplied by the Department of Basic Education, provided the school learner attends an institution that offers the subject(s).

Suppose the three optional subjects are chosen correctly and carefully, with all possible factors taken into account. In that case, your child will have many career opportunities ahead of them and not just one.

Remember it is okay not to know at 15 what you want to be; therefore, keep your options open as far and wide as you can, but do the research!

5. Setting goals!

“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” – Tony Robbins

Approaching the new year offers us an opportunity to take stock of our lives and fix what we do not like. Whether it is our exercise routine, our tardiness, or even our tendency to procrastinate and leave everything to the last minute, there is always room for improvement for the coming year. We not only benefit from new year’s resolutions, but our children can also learn a lot about the value of setting goals and the self-discipline to keep them.

Teach this simple goal-setting formula: Goals usually start with, ‘I will’ and have two parts – what you want to accomplish and when you hope to accomplish it, e.g., for the little ones, it could be as simple as ‘I will brush my teeth, say my prayers and go to bed by 8 pm every night’. For older children, it could be the accomplishment of a chore, lesson or skill. Also, consider involving the whole family in bigger goals. The more public the goal is, the more motivated your children will be.

This allows for a broader range of encouragement to complete the goal. When you sit down to review your resolutions/goals, it is not a time for punishment but rather to be flexible and understanding. However you and your family arrive at your resolutions, the best part is that you’re doing it together and learning how to manage your role not only as an individual or as part of your family but also in the bigger world at large.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Be mindful of mental health: building wellness, resilience, action and purpose in our families

By Laura Barrett • October 10, 2025

By Laura Barrett, Intern Counselling Psychologist at Trinityhouse Glenvista Each year on 10 October , the world pauses to recognise World Mental Health Day, a reminder that mental well-being is not just an individual concern, but a shared responsibility among families, schools, and communities. As an Educational Psychologist working closely with children and families, I have seen first-hand how early conversations about mental health can change the course of a young person’s life. When emotional well-being is acknowledged and nurtured from a young age, children are better equipped to handle life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. Why conversations about mental health matter? Mental health is not a “grown-up” topic, it’s a human one. If children are not taught about emotions and coping mechanisms early on, they may grow into adults who struggle to manage stress, relationships, or change. Talking openly about feelings, naming emotions, and learning healthy coping strategies are all part of developing emotional literacy. These are the tools that help children and adults stay grounded through the ups and downs of life. At Trinityhouse, together with the world earlier this year, we explored the WRAP framework: Wellness, Resilience, Action and Purpose, a simple yet powerful approach to supporting children’s mental well-being. Each pillar plays a role in creating emotional stability and balance, not only for children but also for the families guiding them. Wellness begins with the basics. Adequate sleep, good nutrition, hydration, and rest may sound simple, but they lay the foundation for emotional regulation. A well-rested, nourished child is far more likely to cope effectively with daily stressors. Being mindful of mental health also involves small, practical steps like taking a few deep breaths before a stressful test or stretching during homework breaks. For adults, this might mean pausing for a cup of tea, taking a short walk, or simply naming what you’re feeling in the moment. Labelling emotions (“I feel anxious about this meeting”) helps calm the mind and re-engage rational thinking. Resilience isn’t about “always being strong.” It’s about learning to recover and grow after setbacks. Parents and teachers can nurture resilience by giving children space to express their struggles without judgement, then helping them explore possible solutions. When a child faces disappointment, a poor test result or a conflict with a friend, remind them of times they’ve overcome challenges before. Ask: “What helped you last time?” This reflective process empowers children to see themselves as capable problem-solvers, rather than passive victims of circumstance. Positive mental health requires active engagement, not just awareness. For families, this can mean creating calm, structured environments where children feel safe and heard. The Positive Parenting framework offers five helpful practices to support this: Empathy : Validate your child’s emotions instead of dismissing them. “I can see you’re upset about your toy” goes further than “Don’t cry, it’s not a big deal.” Positive Reinforcement : Celebrate effort and progress, no matter how small. A star chart or extra family time can be simple yet powerful motivators. Consistent Boundaries : Predictable routines and clear consequences make children feel secure. Boundaries should be calm, firm, and fair. Open Communication : Create family moments for honest sharing. Ask, “What was the best part of your day?” and really listen to the answer. Co-regulation : Young children often mirror their parents’ emotions. When you model calmness through deep breathing or gentle reassurance you teach them to regulate their own feelings. A sense of purpose is vital for both adults and children. It gives meaning to our actions and connects us to something larger than ourselves. Encourage children to explore hobbies and interests that bring them joy and fulfilment, whether it’s art, sport, volunteering, or spending time outdoors. These pursuits help build identity, confidence, and belonging. For parents, purpose can come from nurturing both their children’s and their own mental health. The saying “You cannot pour from an empty cup” is particularly true here. When parents take care of themselves, physically, mentally, and emotionally, they model balance and self-respect for their children. Recognising when a child is struggling Even with the best support, children can experience emotional challenges. Warning signs may include withdrawal from friends, sudden changes in sleep or appetite, irritability, or declining motivation. These can indicate stress, anxiety, or burnout. If you notice these signs, open a gentle conversation: “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed yourself lately. Would you like to talk about it?” Sometimes, simply being heard is the first step toward healing. Continuing the conversation The most inspiring shift in recent years is how openly young people now speak about mental health. Many no longer see anxiety, sadness, or stress as weaknesses but as part of the human experience. This honesty offers hope for a more empathetic, emotionally literate generation. On this World Mental Health Day , let’s extend that conversation beyond schools and into our homes. Let’s practise a WRAP culture together by building Wellness, Resilience, Action and Purpose not only in our children’s lives but in our own. At Trinityhouse , we believe education extends beyond academics, it’s about nurturing the heart and mind. By fostering open dialogue, emotional awareness, and resilience, we aim to create an environment where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. When families make mental health a daily priority, we don’t just raise stronger children, we raise a kinder, calmer and more connected generation.

Helping your child make smart subject choices: a guide for South African parents

September 10, 2025

One of the most significant academic decisions your child will make in their school career is which subjects to select. For many South African families, it can feel like a daunting task filled with pressure, uncertainty, and long-term consequences. But with the right support, tools, and guidance, parents can help their children make well-informed decisions that set them up for future success, both academically and professionally. The foundation of good subject choices lies in understanding your child’s academic ability and current performance. Subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Accounting require solid results in Grade 9 and a strong grasp of key concepts. Similarly, subjects like Engineering Graphics & Design (EGD) or Visual Arts cater to students with practical and creative aptitudes. Consider your child’s learning style: do they prefer theory, or do they thrive with hands-on learning? Although, it is normal to want what’s best for your child’s future, you should not force them to live up to your ideal of success. Rather initiate conversations about possible careers or areas of interest and explore how different subjects align with those pathways. Platforms like YENZA Careers are incredibly helpful in this regard. YENZA uses psychometric assessments to offer realistic subject recommendations based on your child’s strengths, interests, and potential career matches, and it gives parents access to the results too. “Choosing the right subjects is a balance of academic ability, interest, and long-term thinking,” says Sumari Purdon , Head of Academics for Trinityhouse Schools. “We encourage families to use this opportunity to start meaningful conversations about the future, with support from tools like YENZA and input from educators who know the student well.”