Pamela’s Book Spot and other interesting things

Ingredients (Serves 4–6) 1 pack  MEB Wholegrain Mini Pita Pockets  (approx. 6) 1 cup  cooked chicken , shredded or chopped 1 cup  roast pumpkin , diced and cooled ½ cup  cherry tomatoes , sliced ½ cup baby spinach ½ small  red onion , thinly sliced ½ cup  smokey BBQ sauce 1½ cups  shredded cheese  (mozzarella, tasty, or a blend) Olive oil spray (optional) Salt & pepper to taste Instructions Preheat oven  to  200°C (fan-forced)  or  220°C (conventional) . Prepare pita bases : Place  wholegrain mini pita pockets  flat on a lined baking tray. Optionally, spray lightly with olive oil for a crisper base. Spread the BBQ sauce : Spoon  smokey BBQ sauce  evenly over each pita round. Layer your toppings : Add  baby spinach,   shredded chicken ,  roast pumpkin ,  sliced onion , and  cherry tomatoes  to each pizza. Top with cheese : Sprinkle generously with  shredded cheese ....

Understanding the Message Behind the Meltdown If you’ve ever wondered why your toddler throws a toy when asked to tidy up or your preschooler has a meltdown when it’s time to leave the park—you’re not alone. These behaviours are more than just mischief or defiance. They’re messages. All behaviour is communication . This simple idea is one of the most important things a parent can understand when supporting their child’s emotional and behavioural development. What Does “All Behaviour Is Communication” Mean? Young children (especially those under age 6) often lack the language, brain maturity, and emotional control to express what they feel or need. So they show us instead. A child who is: Screaming → may be overwhelmed. Throwing toys → may feel frustrated or powerless. Refusing to share → may be anxious or unsure of what to do. According to The Circle of Security model (Cooper, Hoffman, Marvin, & Powell, 1998), children’s behaviour often reflects a need for connection, sa...

Why Emotional Development Matters From the very first cry to those toddler tantrums and preschooler power struggles, children are learning how to understand and express their emotions. Supporting emotional development in the early years lays the foundation for lifelong mental health, relationships, and learning. Behaviour Is Communication When your child throws a toy, refuses to share, or clings to you at daycare drop-off—they’re not being “naughty.” They’re telling you something. Young children don’t yet have the words to explain their feelings or needs. Instead, they show them through behaviour. That’s why it’s essential to look beyond the surface and ask: “What is my child trying to tell me right now?” Understanding behaviour as communication helps shift our response from punishment to support. What Is Co-Regulation and Why Is It Important? Co-regulation is when a caring adult helps a child manage their emotions by staying calm, connected, and responsive. Think of it as emoti...

1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society By Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows 2. The Art of Racing in the Rain By Garth Stein 3. The Dictionary of Lost Words By Pip William 4. The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart By Holly Ringland 5. Rebecca By Daphne DuMaurier 6. The Snow Child By Edwyn Ivey 7. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time By Mark Haddon 8. The Elegance of the Hedgehog By Muriel Barbery 9. Never Let Me Go By Kazuo Ishiguro 10. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry By Rachel Joyce

Hey Everyone, I am renewing my blog and linking it into my pelajane Pinterest account if you want to check it out for all things related to home, life, books and kids, oh and cats too of course! Hope you like the new look and the Pinterest shares, feel free to let me know your Pinterest account so I can follow along too. I will post a new book review soon. 

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by  MizB of Should Be  Reading . Anyone can play along! Just do the following: * Grab your current read * Open to a random page * Share 2 “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page * BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) * Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! This weeks Teaser Tuesday is a special one for me because my dearest friend, Scott Gardiner, composed the beautiful music that you will hear in the trailer below. I hope you love it as much as I do! Plus, as you all know, I do love beautiful cover art! I am really excited to start this book today so my teaser comes from the kindle  edition at 3% p.12: " And as the rain trickled down the windowpanes, Vanessa performed, letting all of the grief pour out of her...