Meet Doctor O

I am married to the love of my life Martha and am blessed with two beautiful children, Carl(19) and Courtney Ann (16). My family is my source of inspiration. My professional career in Education spans over 25 years and the journey continues.

The Road to Doctor O

I began my road in Education with a Higher Diploma in Education at Rand College of Education. Next an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts (Education) at UJ (former Rand Afrikaans University). Followed by a Honours in Education Management. Then I pursued a Magister Educationis (MEd) graduating Cum Laude from a University granted scholarship. Finally, I reached my lifelong goal with a Doctorate in Education Psychology specialising in Psycho-Educational Programme Development. 

My life came full circle when I returned to my primary school as a teacher more than two decades ago. I was “living my dream” doing what I loved and giving back to the community that laid the foundation of my life. Next I moved onto the Independent School sector. Followed by a move into the Private School sector where I am currently based. My career was set off by a combination of charitable and merit contributions and therefore I continue to serve on various Boards and Charity organisations. 

Dr O the Dad

Parenting two independent young adults has changed my perspective. I realised that children are adults in training. They are actively engaged in constructing individual identities and personality. My children taught me that at times they should be allowed to make their own decisions and even fail. It is an opportunity to grow regardless and it is how they learn to take responsibility. The real challenge for a parent is the “when” factor. When to make a decision on behalf of our children and when to hold back and allow them to decide. This is the purpose of this blog. To share with parents my experiences as a parent and also as an educator navigation the education matrix. 

*Michael Grose: - Raising 21st Century Kids

Helping children makes smart decisions, distinguishes three areas of decision-making for parents and children: 

• Parents Rule: non-negotiable decisions . E.g. going to school, bedtime.
• Collaboration: parent and child negotiate outcomes. E.g. when to come home from an outing, TV programs, and
• Kids Rule: giving your children full authority in some areas. E.g. choose the sport they play, school activities.

These guidelines should reflect your family values and be age appropriate. 

My philosophy

Parents and children are constantly learning and growing. We are not there yet! YET Parenting focuses on self-actualisation. Hopefully, we will allow ourselves to grow with our children, allowing them to develop their own personalities in a loving nurturing environment. Self-actualization is: “the achievement of one's full potential through creativity, independence, spontaneity, and a grasp of the real world.” This term is used by Abraham Maslow in: “A Theory of Human Motivation” defined as "the desire for self-fulfilment, [and] tendency for the individual to become actualized in what he is potentially capable of achieving. The YET factor!

This Blog will be an inspiration to parents who are open to learning and growing with their children. Parents who are willing to accept their children for who they are and parents who are brave enough to measure each child against their own ability. 

Happy parenting!

Dr.O