Tag: Queensland

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Wednesday Wisdom

Drooling and Wishing

I have been daydreaming about being on holiday.  Yesterday it was made worse with a Getaway special about a cruise that you can do in France. It looked divine, amazing and just so relaxing.

Although I loved what the Getaway Special were selling me, I was getting rather depressed about the whole thing. I cannot go to France. I have three kids. I don’t have the money and also hubby does not have the time off work! So the longer I watched this show the more annoyed I got. Therefore I turned it off to busy myself with other things, like cleaning the house for my mum to visit (cleaning the bathroom ended up giving my left leg a HUGE bruise and it really hurts!)

I know….the idea of holidaying in France compared to housework and I had to do housework. Oh well, maybe I will be the chick in the commercial one day soon. You will see me swanning around a chic French eatery and looking calm and sooo relaxed. Just you wait!

A Paris Cafe. I can see myself having a bite to eat or just having a relaxing drink and watch the world go by.
A Paris Cafe. I can see myself having a bite to eat or just having a relaxing drink and watch the world go by.

I see specials for holidays everywhere; Television advertisements, discount deals to fly around the world that are emailed to me, flyers in the local newspaper for great holiday deals and also when I’m at the shops. I cannot seem to escape the idea of drooling over a holiday. I have been thinking that it is the universe telling me I need to have a break, just chill and have a holiday. I wish the universe could pay for it though.

A European vacation where I’m touring Spain, Italy or France is a great thought. However a Queensland or Fiji adventure would be lovely also. Even a quick getaway up or down the New South Wales Coast or a trip to Melbourne. I’m not fussy.

Another idea is maybe exploring Tuscany.. doesn't this look amazing!
Another idea is maybe exploring Tuscany.. doesn’t this look amazing!

Actually anywhere at the moment that means that I am looked after, I don’t have to cook or clean is brilliant in my book…oh and if they have a kids club and babysitting is available would be advantageous as well.

Maybe it is the fact that I have had my third child that I am constantly daydreaming about being on holiday and having a break? Or is it due to the fact that kids are now again on school holidays and I wish we were all somewhere with a beach and I had a nice cocktail in my hand.

Yes I would rather be in a warm climate, in my swimmers on the beach and just relaxing. Pity this cannot be at the moment.

Hubby did ask me what I wanted for Christmas and I told him a relaxing holiday on the beach somewhere. I’m not fussy. Just somewhere other than home. A break is needed. However this was met with I don’t think we can do that. I did say, “You did ask me what I wanted”

I have also fantasied about being at a health retreat all on my own…. Yes a whole holiday just for me! How amazing would that be! My health retreat holiday would consist of the following:

  • Great healthy food provided
  • Wonderful drinks provided
  • Yoga
  • Swimming
  • Massages
  • Facial/Manicure/Pedicures and any other wonderful beauty treatment
  • I can sleep in on some days
  • Watch my own television
  • Do my own thing, not worry about others, and have some time for me!

I have never been to a health retreat so if you have let me know what you got up to. I am only daydreaming about what I could do while there.

This would be me at the health retreat. Yes not actually me but you get the idea. Me relaxing and having a much needed massage!
This would be me at the health retreat. Yes not actually me but you get the idea. Me relaxing and having a much needed massage!

My down time actually is finally having a hot cup of coffee and a snack and drinking the coffee when it is still hot. Many parents will know the perils of making a hot drink and then drinking it when it is cold or having to chuck it out and start all over again.

Finally getting a hot cup of coffee. Also managed to get some work done too!
Finally getting a hot cup of coffee. Also managed to get some work done too!

Maybe there is a takeaway here:

A weekend away here and there will be just as good. Now to just book them in and get organised. As said it does not matter where I go, just as long as it is a break. Time out for everyone is a good thing. It helps recharge your batteries and makes you have a happier outlook.

Are you bombarded by things that you cannot have right now? Is it the dream holiday? Is it something else that keeps on popping up in your email or in the mail? Let us know.

 

Categories
News

The Gold Coast is What?

I sit here in my wonderful hotel room at the Royal Pines on the Gold Coast and about to get ready to start Day 1 at Problogger. I arrived late afternoon yesterday and was lucky to be in time for early registration and the networking event for Thursday night.

My fabulous room at the Royal Pines on the Gold Coast
My fabulous room at the Royal Pines on the Gold Coast

However I had to share something that happened on the train on the way to the airport yesterday.

I was still making my way down the Blue Mountains and due to it be very early there were school kids on the train. One of these kids were trying to convince her friends that the Gold Coast was not actually in Australia. She was saying that ages ago the Gold Coast was not in Australia, it was on the edge of it.

I know that we had the continental shift and million of years ago all land mass was in a different position and has since moved to its current position.

She was very sure that the Gold Coast in fact was not part of Australia and a different land entirely!

What the????

I was off to fly there very soon?

I did not have a visa? Or my passport! Will I be okay?

Will I be able to get to the conference in this different land?

All of these kids mates were telling her how wrong she was and that it was a very silly idea and that the Gold Coast is part of Queensland and is in fact part of Australia and not a different country.

As this kid was most insistent one friend said, “Fine, I agree with you! The Gold Coast is a different country and not part of Australia. I just want this conversation to end! I want to stop talking about this stupid idea…. “

I did have a BIG chuckle over this, but you can imagine how funny it was when at the airport I checked in at the International Virgin Check In for my flight to the Gold Coast, which is part of Australia and not a different country.

Yep I got checked into my flight at the International Check In at Virgin. It is okay.... they were just doing domestic. However after what happened on the train it was very funny.
Yep I got checked into my flight at the International Check In at Virgin. It is okay…. they were just doing domestic. However after what happened on the train it was very funny.

Have you ever overheard something funny? What was it? Was it like the Gold Coast is not really in Australia? Let us know.

 

Categories
News

Problogger 2013 Takeaways

At Tsh Oxenreider's talk on Day 2
At Tsh Oxenreider’s talk on Day 2

Problogger was exactly what I thought it would be like, awesome! I learned so much, met wonderful people and overcame my fears of saying hi to some well known, very established bloggers. As my hubby reminded me, they are just like me, however the only difference is they have done it a bit longer.

I was super lucky to have been able to attend this conference and it would not have happened without winning the 1stAvailable.com.au blogging contest, so thanks again to the lovely team at 1stAvailable for making it all happen. I do attribute a lot of things to luck, maybe I need to adjust my thinking and believe it was skill. At the end of the day I felt blessed and amazed to be attending the event as at the same time last year, I was stomping around upset that I would never attend such event and just having a bad time of it all.

This bad time could be due to kids not listening, feeling like the blog was not going anywhere, but felt that it would be a nice goal to attend one day. I must have put my thoughts out into the universe and the universe rewarded me this year. I did catch myself wanting to pinch myself that I was actually on the Gold Coast and about to hear such vibrant people like Trey Ratcliff, Amy Porterfield, Darren Rouse, Tsh Oxenreider, Clare Bowditch, and Bernadette Jiwa speak.

Have you got mad about something but really you are just jealous or annoyed due to really wanting to go but can’t. Then it finally happens and it seems very surreal. If so I know how you feel?

So what was the conference like? Is it worth it? 

Yes the conference is well worth every cent and effort made to attend. The talks were inspiring, the information was helpful and it opened my brain to do things a little differently on the blog. The QT on the Gold Coast where the conference was held was amazing, it is quirky, and has a 1960’s funky vibe. The food was so yummy, dining at Bazaar was a magical and a relaxing experience. Breakfast was the same, so much to choose from, that said the catering for the conference was wonderful and we even got served by flight attendants from Virgin Australia as they were one of the major sponsors. It did take me a moment to realize why they were there after leaving a very engrossing talk.

Darren and Trey
Darren and Trey

What were the key messages and takeaways?

  • Image is key, make sure that you have an image for everything
  • Facebook is where to market yourself
  • Make sure that you have a good cover image for Facebook that has what you do clearly visible
  • Your profile image should be the same across all your social sites (need to fix up one I think)
  • Focus on telling a story and adding personality into your brand
  • Tsh was very inspiring with ways to brainstorm and think of what to write about. I do have a million and one ideas, however I don’t write them down or remember them all. She was very clear about how to link things and suggested creating a series
  • If they don’t fit your brand, what could you do with the content? Does it belong on another blog or site?
  • Amy was amazing with all the secrets she shared about Facebook marketing, creating Post Page Ads is one thing I did not know about. Will find out more when I go through more notes
  • What personality type are you? Are you a morning person or is it evenings? Figure out how you work best and go with that.
  • Treat the blog as a business from day 1, this way you will be more focused and organize it as such. Writing and organizing time will not be so bad if you do this from the start. I need to do more of this.
  • Trey showed me that looking the world differently is o.k and one key quote he said about his critics is “fight back with awesome”, I am going to do this, but not sure about critics. I will just assume I have none and power along with awesomeness.Darren's Keynote Presentation

Darren’s Keynote Presentation

  • Clare was amazing and showed me that I have so much in my head that I want to be, I just need to follow my calling and go with it. Focus on what makes me happy. So I will do that. I normally have to do things for others, but due to kids and creating a role for myself at home with the blog and soon to be social media manager it is slowly happening. Following my bliss.
  • Don’t give up with your blog. All the speakers at one time or another was going to throw in the towel and they kept at it, success was just around the corner.
Excited to be at Problogger
Excited to be at Problogger
Virgin Australia serving our food. I did a double take as did not expect this!
Virgin Australia serving our food. I did a double take as did not expect this!
I know Austin from way back. Yeah baby. At the Party on Friday night @ Gold Coast Hilton
I know Austin from way back. Yeah baby. At the Party on Friday night @ Gold Coast Hilton
YUM sweets!
YUM sweets!
Wobbly dark choc dessert, YUM!
Wobbly dark choc dessert, YUM!
These interesting creations are so yummy it is hard to explain. The pill thingy is a squeezy tube that you add over it. It gives it a nice zesty taste.
These interesting creations are so yummy it is hard to explain. The pill thingy is a squeezy tube that you add over it. It gives it a nice zesty taste.

 

I now want to go next year. Keen to find out where the conference will be and see if it is possible for 2014.

If you were unable to attend the conference, the virtual ticket is still available, this gives you access to all the talks – audio and presentations that we saw over the 2 days. As said it was great and a lot of information to digest. Over 30 hours of learning that will help your business and grow your blog.  If you do wish to look at and purchase the virtual ticket. Click on the link on the to right of the blog website, you can learn more and purchase from here. Enjoy, and get ready to be inspired!

What did you think of the conference if you went? Have you attended via the virtual ticket? Are you going to go next year?

Silly photo fun with mummy at the QT on the Gold Coast.
Silly photo fun with mummy at the QT on the Gold Coast.
Categories
5 years and beyond

Back Home

Hi, we are back from our holiday and Problogger. It was so wonderful and I am super grateful that we got to go. Thanks so much to 1stAvailable.com.au for making this all possible. We are super tired and I have many posts to share with you all in the next coming days.

At the conference
At the conference
Me at the beach
Me at the beach

If you did make it to the conference it was lovely to meet you. It was amazing and I am making plans to be there next year, where ever it will be.

Good night world, gotta go get some sleep as kids are at school tomorrow and I have a big day cleaning and blogging.

Categories
4 years and beyond

Mountains V’s Beach. Which is best?

I grew up in North Queensland, Hervey Bay to be precise. My childhood consisted of playing outdoors, cycling on my push bike, swimming, snorkelling and outdoor activities.

Summer is my favourite season and I adore the heat, so why do I now live in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains? Where most of the time it is wet, freezing, cold, gale force winds and just miserable. There is a small window where it nice; warm or hot that you could think it was summer but for me it never lasts long enough; and sometimes we never get a summer and it feels like it is constantly winter!

Katoomba in Winter.
Katoomba in Winter.

I have been in the Blue Mountains for over ten years now and has the environment rubbed off on me? Do I still yearn for the beach, the sun and the all round great weather?

Well the answer is Yes, I still long for the beach and all that goes with it. You cannot change how you grew up and what you long for.

I’m sure that you think that the mountains cannot be so bad. It does have some great things going for it:

  • Great air to breathe.
  • Outdoor spaces to play in and to use. Walks, climbing and parks.
  • You can see stars that you will not see in the city or in built up areas.
  • Greater value for houses and real estate, allows you to get a foot hold in the property market.
  • Live closer to nature. Surrounded by national parks and nature.
  • Experience four seasons and sometimes just one. In October 2012 we had deep snow and it was freezing (see image gallery below). It did not snow in winter but waited till Spring to do this.
  • Cooler in summer compared to the city. This is great if you like the heat but don’t to get too hot.
  • Feels like we live in tourist central, this gives us more choice and infrastructure to our area.

One of the main reasons that I am in the Blue Mountains is due to my hubby. He cannot stand the heat and deals with the cold better. So I love the heat and I hate the cold. In summer in Katoomba the temperature is warm and sometimes hot but not as bad as it would be in the city. This is a good compromise, however I wish it would work better for me in winter.

I brave the freezing cold for my hubby, how nice of me. What have you done for your partner?

The view from our room at the QT on the Gold Coast.
The view from our room at the QT on the Gold Coast.

What is so wonderful about the beach and warmer weather?

  • Better climate to allow more activities to happen year round rather than just certain times of the year.
  • Makes me feel great and energised.
  • Love the salt water.
  • Love the smell of the sand, sea and the idea that the days seem endless.
  • Due to better climate more outdoor activity can be had.

As I write this I am in my hotel room on the Gold Coast. It has been a lovely hot day and just enjoyable weather. I can smell the sea air and it just makes me feel good. Feels like home. I am pleased that I am getting my fix for what I long for, and hope that I can repeat it soon.

The mountains has great qualities also, the fog that makes it so appealing. The trees that change colour in autumn and look so pretty in their reds, browns, and yellows. I know the whole dynamic of the Blue Mountains would change if it was constantly warm and sunny. There would be no curling up in front of the open fire and snuggling with your hot chocolate or skinny cap or maybe a glass of port.

Mind you I do like these things in the mountains, but I hate the cold, and cannot stand dealing with the layers of clothes that is needed to stay warm.

I  have decided that I don’t like winter and never will. I love and hang out for summer, summer holidays, Christmas and spending time at the beach, pool and just being outdoors.

What are your thoughts? What is wonderful about the mountains or the beach? What is your favourite?

Note: This post was written to enter the Problogger Competition to win a trip to South By Southwest in 2014 courtesy of Virgin Australia. Wish me luck and hope that I get considered.

Categories
4 years and beyond Uncategorised

Mountains V's Beach. Which is best?

I grew up in North Queensland, Hervey Bay to be precise. My childhood consisted of playing outdoors, cycling on my push bike, swimming, snorkelling and outdoor activities.

Summer is my favourite season and I adore the heat, so why do I now live in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains? Where most of the time it is wet, freezing, cold, gale force winds and just miserable. There is a small window where it nice; warm or hot that you could think it was summer but for me it never lasts long enough; and sometimes we never get a summer and it feels like it is constantly winter!

Katoomba in Winter.
Katoomba in Winter.

I have been in the Blue Mountains for over ten years now and has the environment rubbed off on me? Do I still yearn for the beach, the sun and the all round great weather?

Well the answer is Yes, I still long for the beach and all that goes with it. You cannot change how you grew up and what you long for.

I’m sure that you think that the mountains cannot be so bad. It does have some great things going for it:

  • Great air to breathe.
  • Outdoor spaces to play in and to use. Walks, climbing and parks.
  • You can see stars that you will not see in the city or in built up areas.
  • Greater value for houses and real estate, allows you to get a foot hold in the property market.
  • Live closer to nature. Surrounded by national parks and nature.
  • Experience four seasons and sometimes just one. In October 2012 we had deep snow and it was freezing (see image gallery below). It did not snow in winter but waited till Spring to do this.
  • Cooler in summer compared to the city. This is great if you like the heat but don’t to get too hot.
  • Feels like we live in tourist central, this gives us more choice and infrastructure to our area.

One of the main reasons that I am in the Blue Mountains is due to my hubby. He cannot stand the heat and deals with the cold better. So I love the heat and I hate the cold. In summer in Katoomba the temperature is warm and sometimes hot but not as bad as it would be in the city. This is a good compromise, however I wish it would work better for me in winter.

I brave the freezing cold for my hubby, how nice of me. What have you done for your partner?

The view from our room at the QT on the Gold Coast.
The view from our room at the QT on the Gold Coast.

What is so wonderful about the beach and warmer weather?

  • Better climate to allow more activities to happen year round rather than just certain times of the year.
  • Makes me feel great and energised.
  • Love the salt water.
  • Love the smell of the sand, sea and the idea that the days seem endless.
  • Due to better climate more outdoor activity can be had.

As I write this I am in my hotel room on the Gold Coast. It has been a lovely hot day and just enjoyable weather. I can smell the sea air and it just makes me feel good. Feels like home. I am pleased that I am getting my fix for what I long for, and hope that I can repeat it soon.

The mountains has great qualities also, the fog that makes it so appealing. The trees that change colour in autumn and look so pretty in their reds, browns, and yellows. I know the whole dynamic of the Blue Mountains would change if it was constantly warm and sunny. There would be no curling up in front of the open fire and snuggling with your hot chocolate or skinny cap or maybe a glass of port.

Mind you I do like these things in the mountains, but I hate the cold, and cannot stand dealing with the layers of clothes that is needed to stay warm.

I  have decided that I don’t like winter and never will. I love and hang out for summer, summer holidays, Christmas and spending time at the beach, pool and just being outdoors.

What are your thoughts? What is wonderful about the mountains or the beach? What is your favourite?

Note: This post was written to enter the Problogger Competition to win a trip to South By Southwest in 2014 courtesy of Virgin Australia. Wish me luck and hope that I get considered.

Categories
4 years and beyond

Off to Sand and Sea

I’m a very lucky lady indeed. I was fortunate to win a blogging competition and thanks to 1stAvailable.com.au we are all off to the Gold Coast for a family holiday. Well, part of it is a holiday and the other part is that I am finally attending Problogger 2013, yes my first and much anticipated blogging conference. I cannot wait!

The twins have been on a plane before but don’t remember due to being three months old at the time. This time they will remember and enjoy the whole experience. While at the Gold Coast my little girls will be turning five and they are super excited to be going to the beach for their birthday. Yes what a great mummy I am….well I am taking the thanks for this one, why not, right?

Do your kids jet off for holidays? Have they been well behaved on planes or has it been a bad experience. Flying to the Gold Coast is a small flight and we will only be in the air for about an hour and half. It will not be like we are flying to America or any other greater distance, so at least that is a plus.

I am keen to see how they like the airport, the plane and the whole experience. Do you have tips and tricks to help travelling with kids? Why not send them in. Many families have planned or are about to plan their summer travels so it might be a good time to find out some key things to do or to not do.

Excitement at our house is growing day by day. Our tickets for travel have been booked, accommodation sorted, and car organised. Now need to make sure that I have adequate professional clothing for the conference and nice summer gear for all to maximise our time in sunny Queensland.

Any advice for what to wear at a blogging conference send them in. I am aiming for professional but casual, also it needs to be comfortable and something that has natural fabric so does not heat up too much. Maybe a dress, or something simple so that I can just slip it on.

As a former Queenslander I am keen to be on a beach in the sun and to just relax for a bit. Bring it on.   Currently the Blue Mountains is very cold, windy and just icy so a warm climate would be welcome and luxury.

One glitch that has reared its head is sickness. I am ill and now have one child sick with tonsillitis again…let’s hope that the other does not get ill. We only have two weeks to be all better before we jet off. So off to the doctors for sick kid today and to make sure that we all stay well for the weeks ahead. Crossing fingers and toes that we all o.k for our trip.

Have you planned your summer holidays yet? If so are you getting excited about it? My girls are telling everyone and are so happy that we are off somewhere different.

Categories
News

Accept the Breast

Breastfeeding your child is natural and is not news, however when a woman in Queensland was forced to leave an aquatic centre it becomes news and an issue. It is 2013 and women have the right to breastfeed in public and it is not against the law.

The woman in question had her other two older kids at the pool and she was feeding her 11 month old baby girl while she had her feet in the pool to keep cool from the heat.  A staff member came up to her and told her that she had to stop feeding in the open.

The staff member offered alternatives such as going to a change room or putting a blanket over the baby. As it was a very hot day a blanket would not be appropriate and according to the article the baby pushes them off so it would not have worked. The older kids were happily playing in the pool and if like me you are the only adult to supervise; this would mean making the other kids get up and come into the change room with you so you can feed the baby. Not ideal at all.

Breastfeeding in public is legal and that should be that.  In an article in the Sydney Morning Herald it discusses that asking women to leave or move while breastfeeding is still happening, although it is inhumane.

I think the lady in article, Liana Webster should have stayed there and refused to move. I would have. What would they have done, call the police?  I do understand wanting to leave and being so upset that she just upped and went home. I can relate. It is not the same, but my local aquatic centre has stopped one of the sessions for the crèche, which means that days that I have the kids and a fitness class is on, I cannot go. I was in tears as I only got told after paying to go, to then find out that I was not able to do it due to no child care. (I got my money back thank god for that, but I am still very upset about it and left the centre in tears)

I am amazed that we are still so backwards in our thinking. We can look at the naked body, or a woman in a bikini but a woman feeding a baby is bad and considered something to cover up. I for one think that a mother feeding their child to be a great sight and a lovely image.

Breastfeeding is covered under Australian Federal Law and this is an excerpt from the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s website:

“In Australian Federal Law breastfeeding is a right, not a privilege.

Under the federal Sex Discrimination Act 1984 it is illegal in Australia to discriminate against a person either directly or indirectly on the grounds of breastfeeding. Direct discrimination happens when a person treats someone less favourably than another person. For example, it is discriminatory for a waiter to decline to serve a patron who is breastfeeding. Indirect discrimination happens when an apparently neutral condition has the effect of disadvantaging a particular group, in this case women who are breastfeeding. For example, an employer may impose a requirement on all employees that they must not make any breaks for set periods during the day under any circumstances. Such a condition would particularly disadvantage women who need to express milk” (https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/breastfeeding-and-law/legalright)

Organisations should follow the law and not create a climate that makes mothers want to leave, if any other patrons of the pool had an issue with it they should either move away or look away for the required time it takes to feed the baby. Why is it that the mother needs to relocate, why it can’t be the person who finds it offensive? I for one don’t think it is offensive but if you don’t want to be around it, leave. Why make the mother and the kids leave.  She has every legal right to be there and so has everyone else, we just need to have a broader acceptance and understanding of others.

Has this happened to you when you were breastfeeding? What did you do? Send in your comments.

Categories
News

Is Technology Making Us Smarter?

According to a story on news.com.au by Jackie Sinnerton, technology is making us smarter. This is apparently due to being exposed to more information and a wider vocabulary. I do agree the more things you are exposed to the greater chance you have of learning more and absorbing the information, this is especially so for little kids who have been described as sponges due to the fact that they soak up everything around them.

I do question the person or family that cannot afford all the gadgets and technology and doing things the old fashioned way. Reading books, exposing their child/children to the same things but not via a computer tablet, or an iPhone (note, I have the series 4). I do agree if you can afford the technology all the better, however it is expensive to make sure that you have what your kid needs in this technology age. We would love to give the kids an iPad each, but we are not made of money. It does not need to be an iPad, it could be a Google Nexus each or something similar. Maybe the Microsoft Surface (release date for 26th Oct 2012 – not sure what the cost of this product is as yet, waiting to see) when it comes out. We are not picky but it really all does come down to money. We cannot purchase one we will need to get two, so every cost is doubled.

In this age of technology it is a must to expose your child/children to computers and any technology that will help them with their future and of course school work. No computer skills will be a negative in the future, everything is computer driven and related. I must say that the iPhone that I was lucky to get for my birthday this year was very easy to use and with no lessons the twins are using it like masters.

My girls have done most things early, but not sure if that is a sign of genius or just smart little girls. I do know they have been told they are advanced in some areas, but also in some areas they need to do more. So in regards to advancement who knows really. In the news.com.au article there is a link to a Mensa Test. I never do well at intelligence tests, not that I am dumb but my brain does not do well with these type of questions. I like more creative things, I tend to find that I lean towards to the arts more than the maths and sciences. Maybe this is why I don’t do well with an intelligence test.

Why not test your smarts and take the Mensa Mini Quiz, answers are listed as well just in case you want to know if you are getting it right. Not everyone can be geniuses or have a high IQ. I do think my kids are smart but it does not bother me as long as they are happy. When they are older the girls find something they like to do, and manage to make a living out. You can only wish for happiness and that they do well. If they are clever at some subjects or certain areas, I do hope the school sees this and pushes them to do more, although hard to know until they are in school as they are still in pre-school. Why is it everyone has to have advanced clever kids, why can’t they just be average? I know it is more interesting if they are smart and excel and everything, however many successful people were average and have done very well.

Many kids that are very smart give up trying as they think it all comes naturally to them. When they go to a selective school with all smart kids they find it hard to keep up as they are now not the smartest person in the room.  This is a big shock to some kids. The average student tends to try harder and achieves while some over achievers and high IQ kids don’t want to pursue a career as a doctor, lawyer or politician and some decide the pressure is too much. I have seen this happen.  While this is just some things that I have witnessed and is not indication for all, so don’t think that average is bad, it sometimes can make you try harder and do very well at life.

Do you think we are getting smarter? Is it due to more information or that parents are teaching more things to their children and in turn the kids are learning more? As a stay at home mother I find that the kids benefit by me being here and teaching them, but vice versa, if I was working they would be learning things at care and also to pre-school so maybe it is much of a muchness. Send in your comments, and why not continue the discussion on our twitter or facebook pages.