Our 21st Century Kids are ready for school

GETTING children from birth to the school-gate is a major achievement, says psychologist David Coleman in the fourth series of his TV show, 21st Century Child, which begins on RTÉ One on Thursday.

Coleman says parents do not pat themselves on the back for what they’ve achieved. “They go from day to day, month to month. They see the stand-out moments — the first word, the first step, the first tooth cut.

“But some of the other stuff happens so slowly and quietly. In this series, we get to hear the children talking — here they are with their own ideas and opinions.”