I do think we are missing a gem when it comes to helping our teenagers study and pass exams. That gem is the fathers and the important role they can play. In my experience, Dads tend only to get wheeled in if things are going wrong or some kind of reward/punishment needs to be issued. Now I know that is not the same in every house and I am speaking in generalist terms here. However, over and over again in the many families I have worked with, we are not using fathers to their full potential. And I know some of these statements are very stereotypical and they may put the feminine and masculine movement back years, however I think sometimes you just need to say what is – make of it what you will.

Dads, you have important skills your teenagers need. The biggest reason most children fail at exams is simply that they cannot get themselves organised in a logical way and I think that this is where Dads can really shine.

As our little man is getting older (nearly two now !!!) I'm realising how important it is to get certain key concepts in life across to him. Not in a Baz Lurman "use sunscreen" kind of way ... but stuff that helps us communicate and prevents him from getting hurt. Here's what I've come up with so far:

1) STOP! or danger / dangerous
2) "Yes" / "No"
3) "Hot" / "Cold"
4) Where is ... or where does it hurt?
5) Day / night
6) Likes / dislikes
7) Directions (left / right / up / down / under / over / forward / backwards)
8) I need a pee / poo (hah ... I wish!)
9) Loud / quiet
10) How much? ... you're dreamin' (just kidding)

What did I forget?

-Stef