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Dalena van der Westhuizen

Dalena van der Westhuizen is the co-founder and MD of BrainAbility, a cognitive development specialist, a master brain coach and an internationally certified cognitive coach. She translates the latest international cognitive research and best practice into strategies that can be applied by parents and educators alike.

Articles

Articles by Dalena van der Westhuizen

Parent-concerned-about-identifying-learning-difficulties-in-their-child-seeking-homeschooling-learning-support-South-AfricaDevelopment

Lazy or Lost? How to Identify Learning Difficulties in your Child

Concerned about your child's learning? Learn about identifying learning difficulties and when to seek help. Expert advice for SA homeschooling parents.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 21 January 2026Parent-supporting-child-with-executive-function-skills-development-during-exam-preparation-in-South-AfricaEducation

Executive Function: A Blueprint for Exam Focus

Boost your child's success. Learn about executive function skills development and how SA exam time reveals areas for support

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 8 January 2026Parent-looking-for-ways-to-help-child-overcome-procrastination-with-their-schoolwork-in-South-AfricaParenting

The Great Wall of Worry: Dismantling the Fear of Failure

Practical tips to help your child overcome procrastination. Boost cognitive & executive function skills for SA student success.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 8 January 2026self-directed-learning-homeschooling-technologyAsk Dalena

Mastering Technology for Self-Directed Learning

Explore top educational technology for self-directed learning. See recommendations for free platforms like Khan Academy, Duolingo, and Scratch.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 30 December 2025A-planner-showing-how-to-teach-kids-to-plan-a-key-part-of-developing-executive-function-skills-for-childrenDevelopment

Scaffolding Success: How to Build Independence Step-by-Step

Help your child master planning and prioritising. Here are practical ways to teach executive function skills for children in a South African homeschool setting.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 15 December 2025Student-using-science-backed-study-tips-to-learn-effectively-at-homeEducation

5 Science-Backed Study Tips: How to Build Confidence

Transform your child's learning with these 5 science-backed study tips from cognitive expert Dalena van der Westhuizen. Study smart, not hard.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 15 December 2025A-mother-and-daughter-demonstrating-positive-strategies-for-parenting-a-child-with-ADHDAsk Dalena

Unlock Their Genius: Parenting a Child with ADHD

5 essential 'don'ts' for parenting a child with ADHD. Learn expert strategies to avoid pitfalls and build a supportive environment for your daughter.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 8 December 2025learning-styles-myth-homeschoolingDevelopment

Unchaining the Mind: Why the Learning Styles Myth Restricts Homeschoolers

Debunking the learning styles myth for homeschooling parents. Discover why focusing on cognitive skills unlocks your child's true potential.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 4 December 2025teenage - brain - development - understanding - the - teenage - brain - in - South - AfricaDevelopment

Understanding the Teenage Brain: A South African Guide

Struggling with parenting a teen? Learn about teenage brain development and get practical tips for understanding the teenage brain in South Africa.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 28 November 2025A young student receiving dyslexia support while homeschoolingAsk Dalena

Madeleine Asks: How Can I Best Support My Son with Dyslexia?

Looking for dyslexia support? Dalena van der Westhuizen offers practical learning strategies for dyslexia, addressing its effects on maths and memory.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 13 November 2025Homeschooling parent demonstrating adult concentration focus techniques.Ask Dalena

Marina Asks: How Can I Improve My Own Focus While Homeschooling?

Struggling with focus while homeschooling? Dalena offers adult concentration focus techniques, including the Pomodoro method, for parents like Marina.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 13 November 2025An unmotivated child showing a lack of motivation in school.Ask Dalena

Abigail Asks: How Can I Motivate My Unmotivated 12-Year-Old?

Struggling with an unmotivated child? Discover the root causes of their lack of motivation in school and get practical strategies to reignite their drive.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 13 November 2025A South African Parent's Guide to ADHD in ChildrenEducation

A South African Parent's Guide to ADHD in Children

A guide to ADHD in children for South African parents. Learn about symptoms, types, and practical strategies for supporting your child's learning at home

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 13 November 2025Child learning with English German bilingual kids focus.Ask Dalena

 Nicole Asks: Bilingualism and Learning Issues – Focus on Mother Tongue?

Advice for bilingual families facing learning issues. Dalena discusses mother tongue education benefits & supporting language development at home.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 13 November 2025Young children enjoying task-based learning as part of their homeschool daily workloadAsk Dalena

Annemie Grobler Asks: How Much Schoolwork Should Young Kids Do Daily?

Concerned about your child's homeschool daily workload? Dalena offers advice on focusing on tasks, not just time. Learn more

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 16 July 2025Optimal homeschool study space with a clean desk and good organisation for focused learning and education in south africa.Ask Dalena

Debbie Els Asks: How Do I Design an Effective Homeschool Study Space for My Teen?

Setting up a homeschool study space? Get expert advice on creating a productive learning zone for your child’s education in South Africa

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 14 July 2025Child receiving auditory processing disorder support during homeschoolingAsk Dalena

 Ask Dalena: Supporting Tracy's Son with Auditory Processing Disorder in Homeschool

Homeschooling with Auditory Processing Disorder? Get practical tips on learning support and cognitive skills training from Dalena Van Der Westhuizen.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 24 June 2025Young student using a tablet for educational screen time, demonstrating positive screen time guidelines for South African homeschooling families.Education

Navigating Screen Time: A Guide for South African Homeschooling Families

Discover balanced screen time guidelines for South African homeschooling. Support your child’s learning and well-being with practical tips.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 13 June 2025Effective homeschool organization South Africa starts with a good planner and desk setup.Education

Streamline Your Schedule: Mastering Homeschool Organization in South Africa

Practical homeschool organization tips for South African families. Create structure, reduce stress, and enjoy learning together.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 11 June 2025Young child demonstrating leadership skills in homeschooling activitiesAsk Dalena

How Can I Help My Homeschooled Child Develop Leadership Skills?

Nurture your homeschooler's potential. Dalena answers how to develop leadership skills in homeschooling through practical tips & activities.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 17 April 2025South African homeschool student considering options for choosing Grade 10 subjects.Ask Dalena

How to Choose Grade 10 Subjects for SA Homeschoolers

Unsure about choosing Grade 10 subjects? Get expert advice for South African homeschoolers in keeping options open and aligning choices with strengths.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 17 April 2025Parent and child reviewing information for choosing a boarding schoolAsk Dalena

Stressed About Choosing a Boarding School After Homeschool?

Homeschool to boarding school transition? Dalena van der Westhuizen gives some advice on choosing a boarding school for your homeschooled child.

by Dalena van der Westhuizen / 16 April 2025