Starting School in 2025 →

January 22, 2025 by Gail Smith in active listening, Communication, Education, Family, Listening, school, School involvement, Starting School, Starting Term, Well being

Ease your child's transition into a new school year by talking positively about the fun activities and friendships they'll enjoy, and practice morning routines to help them feel prepared. Offer lots of encouragement and remind them that you're there to support them every step of the way.

Five simple but powerful tips for parents to help their child start school on a positive note →

January 15, 2025 by Gail Smith in Children, Communication, Education, Family, school, School involvement, Starting School, Starting Term, Support

With school reopening soon, take a moment to chat with your child about their holiday highlights and what they'll miss. This helps them transition from break to school. Ask them what they're excited about, whether it’s seeing friends or new activities. These simple conversations can set a positive tone for the new school year.

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.

Being interested in your child’s school has many benefits →

November 08, 2024 by Gail Smith in Achievement, Activity, Behaviour, Children, Education, Emotions, Empowerment, Family, Learning, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, school, School involvement, Well being

Your child spends hours each day, over forty weeks a year, immersed in an environment different from home, facing various influences and challenges. Discover the benefits of staying engaged and involved in your child’s school life.

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.

Practical tips for parents to help their children develop executive function skills →

October 24, 2024 by Gail Smith in Activity, Children, Communication, Confidence, Delegate, Education, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Independence, Learning, Parenting, Responsibility, Role model, Self Confidence, Self-Esteem, Selfcare, Support, Time Management, Executive Function Skills

Are you struggling to boost your child's executive function skills at home? In this blog, Gail Smith shares simple yet practical tips to help improve their school performance with easy, everyday activities that can all operate from the home environment.

A child's mind is a garden—nurture it with love, or weeds of doubt will grow. →

October 17, 2024 by Gail Smith in Children, Communication, Confidence, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Empowerment, Family, Gratitude, Laughter, Learning, Mental Support, Positive Behaviour, relationship, Resilience, Respect, Self Confidence, Self Esteem, Support, Well being

As caring parents, we play a vital role in shaping our children’s mental well-being. In this blog, we are exploring the thoughts that reflect the difference we can make to building good mental health in our children.

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.

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.

What lessons in life do you want to teach your children? →

September 05, 2024 by Gail Smith in Authenticity, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Happiness, Independence, Kindness, Listening, Mindfulness, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Role Model, Support, Well being, Work life balance, Selfcare

As parents, we teach our children countless lessons, but some hold a special significance in shaping their happiness and balance in life. The five lessons below are particularly important to instill, not through grand gestures, but through authenticity and sharing our everyday experiences. Ultimately, being truthful and genuine in our interactions with our children is the most powerful way to guide them.

What you say to your child sticks. →

August 29, 2024 by Gail Smith in active listening, Behaviour, Children, Confidence, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Family, Language, Language skills, Learning, Mental Support, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Self Esteem, Well being, Communication, Empowerment

Here are some of the most powerful phrases you can say to your children, no matter their age. Repeating these words often shows your unwavering love and support as they grow. Whether your child is a toddler or a teen, these statements can help build their confidence and emotional strength. Make them a regular part of your conversations to reinforce your commitment to their well-being.

Be Present for your child. It supports their mental Health →

August 29, 2024 by Gail Smith in active listening, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Finding Help, Learning, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Role Model, Self Confidence, Self Esteem, Support, Well being

Being present for your child is one of the most impactful things you can do as a parent. It’s not about grand gestures or extravagant outings; it’s the simple, healthy, and regular engagement that truly nourishes your child's spirit and sense of well-being. Gail Smith emphasizes that these consistent interactions are crucial for your child's mental health. Read on to find out why.

Mental well being needs to be nourished over the years

August 23, 2024 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Education, Decision Making, Experiences, Family, Independence, Learning, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Parenting, relationship, Responsibility, Self Confidence

Building a healthy mental state in children doesn't happen overnight—it's about cultivating steady, consistent habits within the family. When children learn to explore and inquire about life, they become more resilient, embracing challenges rather than fearing them. Gail Smith offers practical suggestions to help boost your child's mental health, fostering a mindset where curiosity and confidence flourish.

Be the parent and not the friend to your child - that’s what they need →

August 23, 2024 by Gail Smith in Children, Communication, Decision Making, Education, Experiences, Family, Parenting, Problem Solving, relationship, Responsibility, Well being

Be your children's best friend or be their parent? While we naturally want to support and comfort our children, sometimes the best way to do that is by making clear, rational decisions—even when it means not always being their best friend. After all, being the best parent often means making tough choices for the well-being of your child.