Children struggling at school are frequently labelled as having low intelligence or behavioural problems when in fact their brains are not correctly wired to enable them to effectively learn in a classroom environment.

Neuroscience* research has now identified that the human brain can be ‘rewired’ for better learning with the use of specialised computer programs, and just four hours a week over six to eight weeks can assist some children in achieving a one to two year gain in learning skills.
The concept is already gaining wide acceptance in Australia, with the Federal Government funding the full cost of a neuroscience-based computer program, Fast ForWord, for parents with autistic children aged under seven, as part of a $190 million package designed to help these children access mainstream schooling.

This month in our new regular feature we look at helicopter parenting: work of the devil or unjustly maligned parenting philosophy? Jayne Kearney and Chris Howe battle it out to see what can be learned from the cotton-wool generation.

We’re back at school now, and for many of us that means we’re in the car more often. But did you know there are new child restraint laws which will be in place from March the 1st and apply to children up to the age of seven years?

The following is an excerpt from the RTA website which sets out the basics of the changes. You can visit the site here to read more.