Dr Elna Gibson

14/02/2026

Happy Valentines!!! ❤️❤️❤️

09/02/2026

Probeer dit!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BrbjZJUtz/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Rhythm clapping builds reading brains! 👏📚

When young children clap, tap, and move to rhythms, they’re strengthening the same brain skills needed for reading — hearing sounds, remembering patterns, and noticing how words break apart.

Try these simple ideas:
✅ Clap the syllables in children’s names
“Ma-ri-sol” → clap-clap-clap
“Alex” → clap-clap
Then let the child try.
Why it matters:
This builds phonological awareness — hearing how words break into parts. Children who can hear syllables learn to decode words more easily later.

✅ Tap the sounds in words like cat (c-a-t)

✅ Copy and repeat simple clap patterns
Rhythm Copy (Auditory Memory)
Clap a short pattern:
👏 👏 — pause — 👏
Children repeat it.
Then increase the pattern.
Why it matters:
Reading requires holding sounds in working memory long enough to blend them into words. Rhythm copying builds this same brain pathway.

These playful rhythm games help pre-readers build the foundation for phonics, decoding, and early reading — all through joyful movement and music! 🎶

07/02/2026

Three common parenting trap:
This article provides very good advice.

Discover effective parenting skills to avoid common traps like the escalation trap. Learn how to navigate these challenges for a healthier family dynamic.

04/02/2026

What is OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER and how to treat it. Follow this link.

Learn about the symptoms of ODD and how treatment can improve the parent-child relationship and a child's behavior.

31/01/2026

Interesting article - What is the cause of ADHD?

What causes ADHD? Is it a genetic or hereditary condition? Influenced by culture and environment? What about nutrition? We don’t know for certain what causes attention deficit, but medical research points to genetic and neurological explanations for symptoms exacerbated by some external factors.

29/01/2026

Very helpful!!

Fidget tools for regulation work best when they match sensory needs and stay in the background. Learn how to choose quiet options.

12/01/2026

Information after the SAHPRA press release regarding Selenium an Zinc picolinate products for children:

11/01/2026

For many children, going back to school after a long break, can cause a lot of anxiety.

These tips might help:

Getting ready for back-to-school can be a stressful time for children and parents alike. A children’s mental health expert provides tips for parents and caregivers.

11/01/2026

This is a link to an article from the world famous Mayo Clinic, about improving your immunity for better health. It is a MUST READ for everyone.

You will be required to register with you email and as bonus you can read up to date easy to understand articles on any health subject, knowing that it is from a well respected source.

04/01/2026

Our offices are open again from Monday 5th of January. While it is still school holiday, we will be open from from 8am until 13h00. From the 12th of January we will be happy to help you Mondays to Thursdays from 8 am until 15h30 pm.
You can phone us on 0283121619. Alternatively send a WhatsApp to 0824502533 or send an email to gibsone@paediatrician.co.za.
We are looking forward to be of service to you.

03/01/2026

In 1994 het ek as jong pediater in die Vaal Driehoek begin werk. Suster Mariaan was een van die wonderlike mense betrokke by die ontwikkeling van ons nuwe kindersaal. Vir baie jare was sy my steunpilaar en verseker een van die beste pediatrie susters in die land. As sy aan diens was, was my pasiëntjies veilig en met liefde, geduld en expertise verpleeg. Wat ‘n voorreg was dit om mekaar gister weer te kon sien. Mariaan, ons tye saam was van my beste werksjare. Kosbare tye. BAIE, BAIE DANKIE!!

31/12/2025