Emotional and Social Milestones of a 6-year-old

Why it’s important to nurture empathy in kids?

Parents should consider teaching empathy and nurturing emotional intelligence in their children for several reasons. In its most basic form, empathy is the ability to put oneself in another’s shoes and comprehend their emotions and experiences. Empathy can also be useful in teaching children about bullying and how to avoid it. Thus, teaching empathy is an important factor in preventing bullying at school.

How can parents encourage emotional intelligence and empathy in their children?

  • Make sure your child’s emotional needs are met – To be able to feel and express empathy for another person, a child’s emotional needs must first be satisfied. Before she can help someone else, she must be able to rely on her parents and caregivers for emotional support.
  • Teach your child how to cope with negative emotions – Negative emotions like anger and jealousy are common in children and adults. A child with good emotional intelligence and empathy is more likely to be taught how to handle these feelings positively in a problem-solving manner by sympathetic parents.
  • Ask, “How would you feel?” – When a pre-schooler smacks a sibling or a friend or takes away a toy they’re playing with, a parent should explain that such action might hurt a person. “How would you feel if someone took your toy away?” or “How would you feel if someone smacked you?” are some examples of questions to use.
  • Name that feeling – Identify and categorize feelings and emotions as much as possible to assist your child in understanding them. If your child behaves kindly toward someone, you can say: “That was very good of you to be so worried about your friend; I’m sure it made him feel much better when you were so kind to him. If your child behaves unpleasantly, you can say: “I understand you may be angry, but it made your friend sad when you stole his toy from him.”
  • Talk about positive and negative behaviours around you – In real life, as well as in books, television, and movies, we are always exposed to instances of good and bad behaviour. Discuss with your child any behaviour you notice, such as someone making another person upset or acting like a bully, or someone helping others and making them feel better about themselves.
  • Set a good example – By watching you and other adults in their lives, your child learns how to interact with others. Show them what it is to be helpful or kind and loving. You can teach your child to be sympathetic by helping family members and neighbours and supporting friends and those in need or going through a difficult time.
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Back-to-School Hearing Health Checklist for Children

Why Hearing Health Matters for Speech and Language Development

The start of a new school year is an exciting time for children and parents alike, especially after a long holiday! New stationery, fresh uniforms, getting back into the swing of the Monday to Friday school routine, and a sense of possibility fill the air. While shopping lists usually include notebooks, backpacks, and shoes, there is one essential item that is often overlooked: your child’s hearing health.

Hearing plays a vital role in how children learn, communicate, and connect with others. Undetected hearing difficulties can affect speech and language development, academic performance, and even confidence in the classroom. We’ve developed this back-to-school checklist to help prepare your child for success, with a special focus on why looking at your child’s hearing health should be part of every child’s school-readiness plan.

A Back-to-School Checklist for Parents

1. Stationery and School Supplies

Make sure your child has the basic tools they need to learn:

  • Exercise books and textbooks
  • Pens, pencils, erasers, and rulers
  • A school bag that is comfortable and supportive

Having the right supplies helps children feel prepared and confident from day one.

2. Vision and Hearing Checks

Many parents remember eye tests but forget hearing checks. Yet children spend most of their school day listening to teachers, classmates, and instructions.

Why hearing checks matter:

  • Children learn language by hearing sounds clearly and consistently
  • Even mild hearing difficulties can affect how words and sounds are understood
  • Hearing challenges are not always obvious and may be mistaken for inattention or behavioral issues

A hearing screening before school starts can identify problems early, when support can make the biggest difference.

3. Speech and Language Development Check

Clear hearing supports clear speech. If a child struggles to hear certain sounds, they may:

  • Mispronounce words
  • Have a limited vocabulary
  • Struggle to follow instructions
  • Fall behind in reading and spelling

If you notice that your child is not speaking as clearly as expected for their age, a hearing test is an important first step.

4. Classroom Readiness Skills

Children with good hearing are better able to:

  • Follow verbal instructions
  • Participate in discussions
  • Attend to and concentrate on tasks
  • Learn phonics and reading skills
  • Engage socially with peers

When hearing difficulties go unnoticed, children may seem distracted, shy, or frustrated, even though they are trying their best.

5. Health and Wellness Check

A general health check can support overall learning readiness. This includes:

  • Up-to-date immunizations
  • Sleep routines
  • Healthy eating habits

Hearing health fits into this wellness picture and is as important as physical health.

Why Hearing Is Key to Speech and Language Development

From birth, children learn by listening. Hearing helps them recognize sounds, learn words, and understand how language works. At school age, this becomes even more important as learning relies heavily on spoken instruction.

If a child cannot hear clearly:

  • They may miss parts of words or sentences
  • They may misunderstand what is being said
  • They may struggle with reading and writing, which are closely linked to sound awareness

Even temporary hearing issues, such as frequent ear infections or fluid in the ears, can affect learning if left untreated.

Signs Your Child May Need a Hearing Test

Not all hearing difficulties are obvious. Look out for these signs:

  • Asking for repetition often
  • Turning the TV or tablet volume up high
  • Difficulty following instructions
  • Speech that is unclear for their age
  • Struggling with reading or spelling
  • Appearing inattentive or tired in class

If you notice any of these, then we recommend a hearing test.

Set Your Child Up for Success This School Year

Back-to-school preparation is about more than supplies; it’s about giving your child the best possible foundation to learn, communicate, and thrive. Including a hearing test on your checklist can only support your child’s academic and social development.

At NB Hearing and Balance, we are passionate about helping children hear clearly and reach their full potential. Our experienced audiologists provide gentle, age-appropriate hearing tests and school screenings designed to support speech, language, and learning success. Contact us if you have any concerns or would like to schedule a hearing test at a branch near you.

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Why Free Play, Gentle Guidance, and Community Matter More Than Ever 

In a world of packed schedules, rising anxieties, and digital distractions, the way we parent has never been more complex, or more important. Children don’t need perfect childhoods, they need real ones. Ones filled with play, protection and participation to grow.

“Today’s parenting styles often come from a place of deep love,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director for Dibber International Preschools in South Africa. “But when we hover too closely or clear every obstacle before our children reach it, we can unintentionally rob them of the small struggles that help them thrive.”

Modern terms like ‘helicopter parenting’ and ‘lawnmower parenting’ describe well-intentioned behaviours. ‘hovering’ to protect and help or smoothing every path to prevent discomfort. While these approaches are rooted in care, they often overlook what child development experts call the ‘just-right challenge’. Dibber’s approach, built on Nordic pedagogical principles, embraces this balanced philosophy which gives children the support they need while encouraging and maintaining independence.

“Children build confidence by trying, failing, and trying again. That’s where resilience begins”, explains Assis. “When we pair warmth with boundaries, and love with opportunity, we see incredible growth -not just academically, but socially and emotionally.”

Free play remains one of the most powerful developmental tools in early childhood. Whether it’s climbing, balancing, or imaginative playing, these experiences help children build executive function, manage emotions, and understand social dynamics. With adult support close by – but not overbearing – these activities become safe and enriching opportunities to learn.

In South Africa, Dibber believes parents have a unique advantage: community. Grandparents, neighbours, and extended families as they often play a vital role in raising children. “That village of support is our strength,” Assis adds. “We encourage families to use it -plan outdoor playdates, invite cousins to join, share learning spaces. There’s no app that can replace the value of human connection.”

At Dibber’s campuses across Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, the focus is on nurturing not just cognitive skills, but the whole child. Teachers act as gentle guides, helping children navigate early life’s hurdles with empathy, patience, and clear structure. The result? Children who feel seen, heard, and confident enough to explore the world.

“Resilience doesn’t come from a perfectly smooth path. It comes from knowing that when life gets bumpy, someone is there to support you while you take the wheel,” says Assis. “At Dibber, we’re not raising perfectionists—we’re helping raise capable, compassionate human beings.”

For parents wondering whether they’re doing it ‘right’, Dibber offers this reassurance: there is no single perfect parenting style. What matters most is balance. Guide, protect, listen, and most importantly let children play, explore, and grow into who they want to be.

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Benefits of Learning Multiple Languages: A Parent’s Role in Language Development

In an increasingly connected world, multilingualism is emerging as one of the most valuable skills a child can develop. At Dibber International Preschools, language learning is seen not only as a tool for communication but as a vital pathway to cognitive, social, and cultural development – beginning in the early years of life.

“Children have a natural ability to absorb language from a very young age,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber International Preschools. “When families and educators support this journey together, children not only learn to speak more than one language, but also gain confidence, empathy, and cognitive flexibility that stays with them throughout their lives.”

The Cognitive Edge

Research consistently shows that children who are exposed to multiple languages benefit from improved memory, problem-solving skills, and mental agility. Switching between languages encourages cognitive flexibility and enhances the brain’s executive function – an ability linked to academic success.

Cultural Understanding Through Language

Language is deeply tied to culture, and learning more than one language offers children a window into other ways of life. Bilingual children often display a heightened sense of empathy and understanding. “By encouraging language learning, we also nurture children’s appreciation for diversity. This is especially important in South Africa, where embracing cultural richness is part of our national identity,” says Assis.

Long-Term Academic and Career Benefits

Multilingualism has been linked to better literacy, stronger academic performance, and improved writing and reading comprehension. In the long term, bilingual individuals are more competitive in the global workforce. “Whether our children become doctors, designers, or diplomats, knowing more than one language gives them a powerful advantage,” Assis adds.

Supporting Language Development at Home

Parents play an essential role in fostering language development. Reading bilingual books, singing songs, and conversing in both languages are simple yet effective ways to reinforce language learning. “Consistency, encouragement, and playfulness are key. Children learn best in environments where language is part of daily routines and joyful moments.”

Dibber’s Commitment to Language-Rich Learning

Language learning is embedded in a play-based, holistic approach at Dibber International Preschools. Through songs, storytelling, and culturally inclusive practices, children are supported in their language acquisition journey while developing emotionally, socially, and intellectually.

“The ability to understand and speak more than one language gives children the tools to thrive in a multicultural world. It’s a gift that empowers them for life,” concludes Assis.

For more information about Dibber International Preschools and how we support language learning in early childhood, visit www.dibber.co.za.

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