Protect against bullying with communication and social skills
As we observe the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence this week, it’s worth considering the role of social and communication disorders in bullying. Poor social problem-solving skills...
View ArticleWhy it is OK for your child to be different
I love kids, in fact I love people. My passion is people. I have four fantastic children – who are no longer little – the first a boy and then three girls and I have to say they have grown into...
View ArticleFree Easter colouring-in sheets for the kids
Are your kids looking for some fun Easter activities? Unleash their creative side by downloading and printing out our free Easter colouring-in sheets! We have four to choose from – from a simple...
View ArticleHow to get your kids to bring home empty lunch boxes
When you go the effort of planning and packing a balanced and fresh lunch box for your kids, you want to see it come home empty! A piece of fruit, a sandwich, a drink and maybe something with a bit of...
View Article7 important reasons a child needs outside play
I think we all instinctively want contact with nature – a room with a view, a picnic under a tree or to feel our bare feet in the sand. Yet today’s lifestyle sees us living removed from nature, shut...
View Article7 fun ways to encourage reading comprehension
“Wow you read that beautifully!” My second grade teacher said. I beamed with pride, knowing I had read the story with perfect fluency, pausing at full stops and commas as well as using expression. “So...
View Article7 ways to be an ‘engaged’ school parent (and how your child will benefit)
The largest ever conference on parental engagement in education was held recently in Melbourne. More than 600 people heard from experts around the world talk on the topic and came away with a wealth of...
View ArticleGirls’ school uniforms – let them wear shorts and pants
Ever had that moment when your child decides to dress themselves completely inappropriately for some occasion? It happened to me when my daughter was three, and she put on what was essentially a ball...
View ArticleSay ‘no’ to your children – and they’ll benefit in the long term
I was standing in a department store checkout queue recently, when my 7-year-old daughter started hounding me to buy whatever it was they put in the checkout queue to seduce kids into pester power...
View Article8 ways to win over a reluctant reader
Reading is good for you. Reading is good for your kid. We all know that. But so are prunes and prunes suck. I have never been able to convince any of my children to eat a nasty mothereffing prune but I...
View ArticleTalking to children about sex – an age-appropriate guide
Sex education is one of those things we know we need to do but we aren’t quite sure what we are supposed to talk about. What exactly are we supposed to talk about and when? Here is a quick guide to...
View ArticleIt’s time to teach veggies to our kids
It’s time to get back to basics with vegetables. What if I told you to forget the numbers and stop counting how many pieces of broccoli or carrot that little Josie or Jack eat? I often find from my...
View Article4 biggest influences on a young girl’s body image – are you one?
Body image is an issue for girls today, particularly with the various factors at play that can undoubtedly have an impact. And even if you don’t feel that body image is a concern for you, Mission...
View Article12 ways to make your morning routine less stressful
Do you spend most mornings yelling ‘hurry up!’ over and over again? Is anyone even listening or have you become background noise? It is easy to feel stressed in the mornings when everyone is trying to...
View Article30 awesome picture books for children
There are so many reasons to read to your children. It is a crucial part of their language and literacy development. It helps foster their imagination, improve their listening and concentration...
View Article25 awesome Aussie picture books for children
There are so many brilliant picture books for children but I especially love reading Australian books to my three. We have an amazing amount of talented authors and incredible illustrators here in...
View Article5 practical ways to prepare your child for primary school
You think you know what type of parent you will be when your child has their first day at school. You’ll be the one cheering as they sail through the door. You won’t cry, because big deal? They are...
View Article7 ways to be medicine wise with children
Medicines given incorrectly by parents and carers is the most common reason for accidental poisonings in Australian children under 12 months. Accurately measuring and administering medicines to...
View Article5 things I’ve learnt from my parenting journey
Over my eight-and-a-half years as a parent, I have experienced many highs and lows. My daughter Amelia is deaf and on the autism spectrum so it hasn’t always been a smooth ride, but there’s been a lot...
View Article7 easy ways to build numeracy skills in young kids
In our modern lives, numeracy is critical for understanding so much of what surrounds us. Being able to manage your finances, tally up a bill or understand a mortgage document is something many of us...
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