A Few wise thoughts about getting ready for Christmas →

December 20, 2024 by Gail Smith in Activity, Appreciation, Children, Christmas, Experiences, Family, Happiness, Gratitude, holiday, Kindness, Parenting, relationship, Relax, School Holidays, Well being, Values, Work life balance

The festive season can sometimes feel overwhelming, with endless to-do lists and expectations piling up. This year, why not focus on what truly matters? Spending quality time together as a family. Use this season of change as an opportunity to reconnect and remind yourselves of the joy and love that make family the heart of this special time.

5 Simple Tips to Help Your Child Finish the School Year Strong →

December 05, 2024 by Gail Smith in Achievement, Appreciation, Children, Communication, education, Education, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Happiness, Learning, Memories, school, End of Year

The end of the school year can bring a mix of emotions for children, from saying goodbye to teachers and classmates to facing uncertainties about the year ahead. Supporting your child through this transition is key to easing their anxieties and helping them embrace the changes. Here are some simple strategies to create a positive closure to the school year and prepare for what's next.

Finishing the school year well →

November 28, 2024 by Gail Smith in Achievement, Activity, Appreciation, Children, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Family, Friendship, Learning, Parenting, Responsibility, school, School Holidays, School involvement

As the school year draws to a close, it’s the perfect opportunity for parents to reflect on how to wrap up the year meaningfully and start planning for the holidays and the exciting possibilities beyond. Gail Smith shares her ideas on how to approach this thoughtfully and effectively.

Have a positive outlook with your child. It's great for strengthening mental health. →

November 14, 2024 by Gail Smith in Achievement, Activity, Appreciation, Behaviour, Children, Confidence, Emotional Intelligence, Family, Happiness, Mental Support, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, Role Model

A positive mindset can help your child build essential life skills and create a happier, more harmonious family environment. Gail Smith shows you how you can nurture optimism and resilience at home.

Talk to your child regularly. It’s important for their mental health →

November 07, 2024 by Gail Smith in active listening, Appreciation, Children, Communication, Education, Family, Finding Help, Mental Support, Problem Solving, Support, Well being

Keep talking with your child. Show them that conversations help solve problems and make them feel better. In this blog, Gail Smith shares why regular conversations are so important for your child’s well-being.

Be a Parent with Purpose: 5 Outstanding Ways to Parent with Intention →

October 24, 2024 by Gail Smith in Activity, Appreciation, Children, Communication, Confidence, Education, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Independence, Learning, Parenting, Perseverance, Positive Behaviour, Responsibility, Role model, Values, Well being, Work life balance

Gail Smith shares 5 powerful ways to parent with intention, helping you build trust, love, and growth in your child’s life. It’s about being mindful, consistent, and present—not perfect.

Teach your child to like themselves →

October 10, 2024 by Gail Smith in Anxiety, Appreciation, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Decision Making, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Empowerment, Family, Gratitude, Independence, Kindness, Parenting, Perseverance, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, Resilience, relationship, Role Model, Self-Esteem, Self Confidence, Stress, Well being

One of the keys to success is helping children accept and like who they are. They need to believe they deserve kindness and good things in life. Gail Smith shares why it's essential for parents to teach their kids self-acceptance and self-worth.

Opinions: Can be damning to a child if not managed well →

October 10, 2024 by Gail Smith in active listening, Appreciation, Authenticity, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Confrontation, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Listening, Mindfulness, Parenting, Perseverance, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, Resilience, Role model, Responsibility, Respect, Self Confidence, Self-Esteem

Everyone has opinions, but it’s important to teach children not to base their self-worth on what others think. Gail Smith shares tips on how to help kids understand that they are capable of making good decisions for themselves and should trust their own judgment.

A happy child is on the way to developing good mental health →

October 03, 2024 by Gail Smith in Appreciation, Emotional Intelligence, relationship, Behaviour, Education, Mental Support, Well being

Helping children develop good mental health starts with teaching them the value of positivity and optimism. Gail Smith highlights five key reasons why keeping kids happy plays a crucial role in their mental well-being. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of nurturing happiness in your child’s life.

What lifelong lessons do you want your child to adopt? →

September 26, 2024 by Gail Smith in Appreciation, Authenticity, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Decision Making, Education, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Finding Help, Gratitude, Kindness, Independence, Learning, Listening, Parenting, Problem Solving, Support, Values, Well being

While we teach our children many valuable lessons throughout their formative years, some hold a special, lasting significance that will undoubtedly benefit them well into adulthood. Gail Smith wisely compiled a list of important beliefs and practical strategies on how to effectively impart them to your children.

Encourage your child to be different →

September 19, 2024 by Gail Smith in Appreciation, Authenticity, Children, creative, Empowerment, Family, Learning, Personality, Self Confidence, Self Esteem, Worry

Encouraging your child to be different not only nurtures their individuality but also fosters critical thinking. Gail Smith shares insightful reasons why empowering children to question the status quo leads to personal growth. By teaching them not to always accept things as they are, we invite healthy curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Let’s look at conversations to have with your child →

September 12, 2024 by Gail Smith in active listening, Appreciation, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Education, Emotions, Family, Empowerment, Gratitude, Happiness, Listening, Mental Support, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, Resilience, relationship, Self Confidence, Self-Esteem, Support, Stress, teenager, Well being, Values

By having regular, open conversations, parents can nurture a positive outlook in their child’s life. Here are five meaningful topics parents can frequently discuss to support mental health, instill confidence, and remind children that they are always loved. Read on to learn how these conversations can help your child grow with confidence and emotional security.

Lasting memories of a childhood →

September 05, 2024 by Gail Smith in Appreciation, Children, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Happiness, Learning, Memories, Mental Support, Parenting, Personal Time, Support, Well being, Values

Gail Smith fondly reminisces about her childhood companion, a beloved doll named Barbara. Even as an adult, with life full of daily challenges, Barbara still evokes sweet memories of simpler times. Gail hopes that every child finds their own "Barbara"—a source of comfort and cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Why it is important to monitor the mental health of your child →

August 14, 2024 by Gail Smith in Achievement, Activity, Anxiety, Appreciation, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Gratitude, Learning, Parenting, Safety, Self Confidence, Starting School, Support, teenager, Well being

In today's complex world, children face an overwhelming influx of information from social media and other sources. It's crucial to ensure their happiness and sense of security during the early years to build mental resilience. By being present, listening well, and working together to solve problems, parents can foster resilience and reassurance in their children. Gail Smith emphasizes the importance of monitoring and supporting your child's mental health.

Keep yourself well and healthy as a parent →

July 31, 2024 by Gail Smith in Appreciation, Behaviour, Children, Decision Making, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Family, Finding Help, Happiness, Kindness, Learning, Mindfulness, Mental Support, Memories, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, relationship, Resilience, Sleep, Support, Stress, Well being

As parents, it's easy to focus solely on our children's well-being and overlook our own. However, maintaining our own mental and physical health is crucial for effective parenting. Gail Smith explains how prioritizing self-care enhances our ability to be the best parents we can be. Keep your well-being at the forefront to savor the joys of parenting.

It is important to speak well to your children →

July 31, 2024 by Gail Smith in active listening, Appreciation, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Decision Making, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Family, Emotions, Gratitude, Kindness, Language, Language development, Language skills, Learning, Listening, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, relationship, Role model, Self Confidence, Self Esteem

Children quickly pick up on what you say and how you say it, understanding the value you place on them. Gail Smith highlights six compelling reasons why speaking positively to children is crucial and the potential harm caused when we don’t. This insightful blog post sheds light on the importance of nurturing communication.

It really matters to listen to your child →

June 12, 2024 by Gail Smith in active listening, Appreciation, Communication, Confidence, Experiences, Family, Emotions, Gratitude, Learning, Listening, Parenting, Problem Solving, relationship, Self Confidence, Self-Esteem

Listening to your child is crucial for building and strengthening your relationship with them. Gail Smith explains five compelling reasons why attentive listening truly matters.

Let’s remind ourselves that as parents we are doing a great job →

June 12, 2024 by Gail Smith in Appreciation, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Education, Experiences, Family, Finding Help, Happiness, Mindfulness, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Role model, Self Confidence, Self Esteem, Well being, Values, Authenticity, Self-Esteem

Your words, deeds, and actions are powerful examples for your child, shaping their understanding of life. Never underestimate the impact you're having on your child. Parenting in an imperfect world comes with its ups and downs, and it can sometimes feel like your efforts aren't making a difference. Gail Smith shares some reflections to remind us that our efforts are making a difference, even if the impact isn't always visible.

Helping our children to love reading →

June 05, 2024 by Gail Smith in Activity, Appreciation, Behaviour, Children, Education, Family, Experiences, Happiness, Language, Learning, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Reading, Role Model, school, Screen time, Technology, Well being, Library

Just as we need a balanced diet for our health, our children need a balance between books and other forms of entertainment. Explore these strategies to help your child develop a love for reading amidst the digital distractions.

As a parent be involved in your child's school. →

May 29, 2024 by Gail Smith in Activity, Appreciation, Children, Communication, Education, Experiences, Family, Learning, Responsibility, school, Support, School involvement

Your child spends many hours per week at school, making it a significant part of their life. By engaging in their school journey, you reinforce the value of formal learning and support their emotional and intellectual growth. It's crucial to be part of that experience. Gail Smith shares several effective ways for parents to ensure excellent communication and involvement in their child's school life. Read on to discover how you can make a positive impact!