“Can one of my school friends come over for a play?” asked my five year old the other day. As if spending six hours a day, five days a week at school isn’t enough. Friendship is so important, so of course I agreed.
I suggested he ask his friend first, and then I would check if it was ok with his Mum. That afternoon, he jumped into the car and proudly advised that Ben would love to come, and so would Tom, Jack, Sam and Henry. “One at a time, thanks,” I told him firmly.
Gone are the days of kids walking next door to play with their neighbourhood friends and returning home at dinner- time. Now we have to phone, text or email parents and schedule a play around swimming lessons, gymnastics, martial arts and soccer matches . . .
Did you know that only 2% of all early childhood educators in Australia are male? I was surprised to learn just how few men work in the profession.
I was fortunate to be invited to the 
