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Author: Andrea Nettel

Who Are You Disciplining?

Who Are You Disciplining?

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 -written by Leigh Johnson The word ‘Discipline’ is an interesting one. We all think we know what it means but when it comes down to defining it, it is actually far more elusive. An internet search too can prove just as inconclusive, with quite a variety of meanings and interpretations filling the screen. So what exactly is discipline? I’m not going to answer that question as such – partly because I suspect a large number of you have got heart palpitations right now, or…

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Mother/Son Relationships

Mother/Son Relationships

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What is unique about mother/son relationships is the general expected high regard they hold for each other.  Typical issues like the “Mommy’s Boy” , the overprotective  mom or interfering mother and even the mom that replaces existing or potential spouses are well known publicly. We see sitcoms and comedy using these classic scenarios as materials for entertainment. What however is really behind them. Mothering a child is a full time job and instinct takes on a path of protecting the…

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Use, Abuse and Misuse

Use, Abuse and Misuse

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The internet is full of memes that illustrate the widely accepted need for some kind of alcoholic beverage to calm nerves, to celebrate, to finish the day, to relax, to reward, to surprise etc. They are trying to convince us that we are deserving and ought not to feel bad about our Sun-downers, quick drinks after work with the guys, G&T’s or Bubbly or Mommy juice. Unfortunately at The Family Counselling Centre we see a more sinister side to those…

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ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Aggression etc.

ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Aggression etc.

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Does any of this sound familiar to you? Your child is unable to sit still, he does not follow instructions, she is so manipulative, punishment does not seem to work, her teacher thinks she might be depressed, very low concentration span, struggling with sequencing etc. Terms like ADHD/ADD, Autism Spectrum, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia seem to be brandied about quite easily and it seems like, if the child has a label or a diagnosis it might be easier to send him/her off to…

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Are you living with a special needs/disabled child?

Are you living with a special needs/disabled child?

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Then this is for you! One of our passions at The Family Counselling Centre is disability awareness. I, Andrea Nettel, have a special heart for families living with disabilities because my son was diagnosed with Congenital Muscular Dystrophy at age 2 . He is severely disabled and needs an electric wheelchair and a service dog to function semi-independently. He is now 16, goes to Wynberg Boys High School and aside from his disability he is a normal teenager. My journey with…

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Care for the Caregivers

Care for the Caregivers

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This time of the year my heart goes out to all people working in caring professions. Doctors, social workers, nurses, NSRI staff, teachers, fieldworkers, police, emergency services, etc. Their plight is hard throughout the year but for some reason during the festive season I become painfully aware that, as everyone is celebrating and taking a load off, many cargivers are working hard to keep everyone safe and healthy. 

T’is a time to be Merry – WITH the family!

T’is a time to be Merry – WITH the family!

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Family History, Tensions, Expectations, Nerves, Family Feuds, Ongoing bickering…  Christmas can be a difficult time especially if you are the one who is hosting the whole family this year. Our Team has put together some guidlines that can help making your Christmas  a very Merry Christmas 2017.  

Introducing Your Partenr to Your Kids

Introducing Your Partenr to Your Kids

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Andrea answers some questions about how to go about introducing a new love intrest to your children. The basis of a healthy relationship with your children is to implement – The 4 -Ls of healthy parenting LISTEN to your children, LEARN about your children, LAUGH with your children and LOVE  your children in action Age-approproiate honesty is of utmost importance when communication with your children especially when talking  to them about so-called touchy subjects. Click on the logo or on the…

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How to deal with post-divorce festive season

How to deal with post-divorce festive season

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Sarah J King talks to Andrea Nettel Andrea Nettel, the founder and director of The Family Counselling Centre specialises working with individuals, couples and families who have experienced trauma. She joined Sarah J. King from Cape Talk to give some advice on how to approach the festive season after having gone through the trauma of divorce. Please click on the  Photo or the link below to  listen to the conversation. https://omny.fm/shows/weekend-breakfast-with-africa-melane/how-to-deal-with-a-post-divorce-festive-season