This article is Part 2 of the Being Independent series, continuing on from Being Independent: What is Independence?
Independence is a highly revered trait in our society, but why do people see it as being so important and commendable? Why do we need independence? Continue reading
For most people in the world, independence is considered a positive attribute to strive towards. But if you ask people to define independence, you may find that many have trouble explaining what independence is, and answering how it can be taught may be even trickier! It seems that for many it is a bit of a vague concept. So what exactly is independence? Why do we need it? and how can it be taught to our children?
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You get out the bath, you look at your hands and you realize your fingertips are as wrinkled as a raisin! Why do we get pruney fingers after soaking in the bath? And why do some people get wrinkly fingers even if they haven’t been anywhere near water? Continue reading
It’s not uncommon to find someone saying “Pardon my French” after a tirade of less-than-dignified language. The classic movie, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off exemplifies its use when Bueller says: “Pardon my French, but you’re an asshole.” Why would anyone claim a sentence like that is French? Continue reading
“My teacher absolutely flew off the handle today when I was 30 minutes late for class this morning…”
We use the phrase “flying off the handle” to describe someone who has lost their temper and self-control, and has become so angry that they are dangerous to others. What has this got to do with flying and handles? Continue reading
Many of us find ourselves wriggling while we work, squirming in our seats and fiddling with our fingers. There are 1001 different ways to fidget. You might bounce your leg up and down, or play with your hair. You might find yourself nibbling or examining your fingernails, picking your nose, chewing or sucking your pen, pen spinning, pen clicking, finger tapping, handling cigarettes, doodling, or touching whatever happens to be in front of you, or whatever happens to be on you (a piece of jewellery, a watch, your clothes). It could even be argued that listening to music whilst working is a form of “auditory fidgeting” and that chewing gum is a form of fidgeting for your mouth! Why do we develop all these ways to fidget? Why do people fidget? Continue reading
Whilst the act of bowing was common in days gone by, today the bow seems to be bordering on extinction in much of the world. Having said that, the bow is still alive in Asian cultures, and is still seen today in parts of China, Korea, India, Taiwan, Japan and Vietnam. Where does this idea of bowing come from? What does it really say? Why do we bow?
The head nod meaning is almost universal throughout the planet, meaning “yes”. Why does a nod mean yes? Continue reading
The head shake from side to side is a globally recognized way of saying “no”. But why do we do it? Continue reading
The finger wag is received with a sinking heart by most recipients. Whether it’s delivered by an admonishing parent or by a critical referee when you’re playing a sport, you know that when you see that finger wagging, it’s a sure sign you’ve done something wrong. How did a finger wag come to mean this? Continue reading
