At the time of writing, it is the beginning of February and the new school year has just begun. For many families, it’s the beginning of a whole new chapter as their child starts school for the first time.
For other families, Prep is a year away, and many parents will be concerned whether their child will be ready for school in 12 months time.
When a child begins Prep, parents are often unsure as to what foundations and skills their little learner should be equipped with.
Topics: Parenting, Primary School, Social Skills, Preschool, Prep, Friendship
I’ve never been great at small talk. It is only when I can burrow beneath surface-level chit-chat level that I become truly engaged.
I am, however, considerably more advanced at the art of polite conversation than my children. My boys are either too direct (eg “My grandad’s losing his hair too”) or shy and monosyllabic, mumbling to their shoes when spoken to by someone unfamiliar.
Topics: Parenting, High School, Primary School, Social Skills, Preschool
The concept of respectful relationships, including consent, has been discussed at a school level for some time, but it hasn’t yet gained universal traction with families. Lacking confidence and unsure where to start, many parents have struggled to make headway in this area. If this sounds familiar, these ideas will help you make a start.
Topics: Teens, High School, Behaviour, Primary School, Social Skills, Preschool, Prep, Toddlers, Boys
The current physical distancing measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be with us for some time. This cocooned existence is a test of parental patience, children’s willingness to cooperate and a family’s ability to pull together.
So, if you’re about to enter the family cocoon, or even if you’ve been living in close family quarters for some time, the following tips will help ensure your children not only survive each other, but emerge from the cocoon with a strong sense of camaraderie, a greater appreciation for their siblings and knowledge that they belong to a rock solid family who can pull together in a crisis.
Topics: Teens, High School, Primary School, Preschool, COVID-19
Updated: 14/02/2020
Beautiful beaches, amazing weather, theme parks, promenades and playgrounds - the Gold Coast has it all.
And then it rains.
Topics: Parenting, Teens, High School, School Holidays, Primary School, Preschool, Toddlers
What's the protocol for parents who choose not to 'do Santa' with their kids? One mum highlights the pitfalls...
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When my brother was seven, the teacher called him a "nasty little liar" and made him sit outside the classroom all afternoon for telling Julie Ashbrook that Santa didn't exist.
Topics: Parenting, Primary School, Preschool, Prep, Christmas
