BLOG.
July 15th
Introduced David Lloyd Leisure to the concept of PCP. Very positive response, so watch this space for details of seminars and workshops in their clubs.
July 8th - 11th
Presented a paper at the International Toy Research Association on the values that children and their parents and carers place on their entertainment choices. Thank you to the organizers for such a wonderful conference and to the delegates who were so positive in their response to my paper. The more that the toy industry understands that the needs of parents as well as of children are important, the more they will produce toys that will benefit the whole family.
June 6th
Meeting with local MP and councillors to discuss how PCP can be of benefit to local parents.
June 5th
Meeting with Children's Centres to look at providing seminars and workshops for parents using the centres.
May 16th 2008
Off to India for some cross cultural research into play and parenting. Report to follow.
April 11th 2008
Produced report on the values of reward charts and positive reinforcement. Fiesta Crafts approached me to use some quotes it on their packaging. For a copy of the report, email press@fundamentalsonline.co.uk
March 30th - April 1st 2008
Harrogate Nursery Fair - the products available for new and expecting parents never ceases to amaze me. I am thrilled that more companies are recognising the changing needs of parents, but many companies still trade on negative emotions such as guilt and fear, discouraging parents from feeling confident in their own abilitiy.
March 20th 2008
I've been asked to be an 'expert' on www.workingmums.co.uk. Feel free to pose a question on the website.
Feb 27th
A busy day. We had the first seminar in The Parent Programme for wokring parents at Deutsche bank - thanks for all the complimentary feedback. I also was invited to give evidence at the Early Years Commission Hearing where I highlighted the need for parents to feel supported in order to help raise children's life chances.
Jan 31st - Feb 6th 2008
Another mad toy fair and spring fair week. Retailers starting to appreciate the need to really understand the needs of parents as well as children. Thanks to everyone who took the time to discuss your needs with me.
Jan 17th 2008
Embarked on a consultation for the V and A MUseum of Childhood to look at improving visitors' engagement with the exhibits. Looking at what parents as well as children gain from their visit to the museum.
Dec 24th 2007
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Dec 13th 2007
The Parent-Centred Parenting report is launched into the public domain. Watch this space for reactions or contact press@fundamentalsonline.co.uk for a copy of the report and to express your views.
Dec 7th 2007
Dr. Amanda Gummer is interviewed on BBC 3 Counties Radio, talking about the pressures on children and parents today.
Nov 23rd 2007
Dr. Amanda Gummer is interviewed on BBC Radio Solent about children's playgrounds and their role in modern children's lives.
Dr. Gummer is invited to be a guest speaker on The Parent Company's programme.
Nov 14th 2007
FUNdamentals publishes a report into playgrounds and their role in child development. For a copy of the report email press@fundamentalsonline.co.uk
Oct 16th 2007
The Parenting Programme is launched. Companies and organisations are ideally placed to provide the vital support for new parents that traditionally came from family and life-long friends in their neighbourhood. With people moving futher away from their parents and siblings, the natural support network has, for many people, been reduced. By supporting parents in their decisions and providing practical. relevant information, employers can help parents feel positive about their choices and remove some of the artificial barriers that paretns report struggling with when trying to balance a family life with a career.