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.

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.

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.

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.

Good principles of parenting →

August 29, 2024 by Gail Smith in active listening, Behaviour, Boundaries, Children, Communication, Decision Making, education, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Finding Help, Listening, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, Responsibility, Role model, Safety, Well being

The idea of being a perfect parent is a myth. Instead, Gail Smith shares some fundamental principles that can guide us through the ups and downs of parenting. These practices will help you navigate challenges and changes with greater confidence throughout your parenting journey.

Let’s look at some ways in which life can be easier for our working mums. →

August 29, 2024 by Gail Smith in Anxiety, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Finding Help, meditation, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Mother, Parenting, Problem Solving, Relax, Sleep, Stress, tasks, Well being, Personal Time, Work life balance, Delegate, Good Enough, Meal Planning, Meal Prep, Boundaries, Break

Mothers, it's important not to underestimate the value of personal time. Balancing family responsibilities while staying calm and rested is no small feat. Though there's no one-size-fits-all solution, it's worth considering ways to make life a bit easier. Parenting shouldn't feel like an overwhelming burden on top of managing home and work. Gail Smith offers practical steps to help you navigate those hectic school weeks with a little more ease.

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.

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.

Persevering as a parent makes such a difference to your child →

July 24, 2024 by Gail Smith in Children, Communication, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Learning, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Perseverance, Well being, Worry

Parenting can be incredibly challenging, especially on days when you’re exhausted and overwhelmed. While scaling back on some parenting responsibilities might ease your burden, remember that perseverance will ultimately pay off. Gail Smith highlights the benefits of maintaining perseverance in parenting.

Self Care Tips for Busy Parents →

July 17, 2024 by Gail Smith in Activity, Children, Emotions, Family, Gratitude, Happiness, holiday, Kindness, Laughter, meditation, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Parenting, Relax, Sleep, Sports, Stress, Well being

Remember, a tired parent may find it challenging to give their best to their child. It's essential to prioritize your own happiness and health, as it directly impacts your ability to parent effectively. Gail Smith offers nine practical suggestions to help you create a personal well-being routine. Taking time for yourself amidst the busyness of each day is key to feeling fulfilled and being the best parent you can be.

Keep A Look Out For Signs Of Stress In Your Child →

July 17, 2024 by Julie Merrett in Authenticity, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Councelling Techniques, Counselling Tips, Education, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Finding Help, Mental Support, Parenting, Problem Solving, Safety, Responsibility, Self Esteem, Sleep, Stress, Support, Trauma, Well being

In today's world, we often check in on our children's mental health. Social media and other challenges faced by youth remind us to stay vigilant. Gail Smith points out some common triggers that may indicate your child is under too much stress. By recognizing these signs, you can better gauge your child's well-being and offer support when needed. It's important to keep an eye out for these cues to ensure your child feels safe and supported.

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.

Helping your child navigate social challenges at school →

June 05, 2024 by Gail Smith in Anxiety, Behaviour, Children, Decision Making, Discrimination, Education, Emotions, Experiences, Family

Social challenges at school are a normal part of growing up. When your child navigates these situations well, they grow in both intellectual and social maturity. Encouraging your child to stay optimistic and believe in their ability to overcome social issues is crucial. Here are some tips to help them understand that there are many ways to work through social challenges.

Developing good mental health in your child →

May 22, 2024 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Confidence, Communication, Emotions, Family, Happiness, meditation, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Parenting, Role model, Self Confidence, Support, Well being

Building a strong foundation for your child's mental health starts with ensuring they feel safe and happy. Discover practical tips to nurture their well-being during those crucial early years. Gail Smith shares some suggestions to help your child thrive emotionally and mentally.

Let’s reflect on how we are going in our parenting →

May 15, 2024 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Communication, Children, Confidence, Education, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Independence, Listening, Parenting, relationship, Well being, Values

Parenting is like a river, always moving and changing with our children's needs. As they grow, we should grow too. Take a moment now and then to see how you're doing as a parent. Gail Smiths shares some great ideas to help you build an even better bond with your child.

We need to regulate our angry responses around children

May 08, 2024 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Communication, Emotions, Gratitude, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving

It's important for parents to stay calm and not get too angry too quickly. This helps in handling issues at home effectively. When parents get angry, children might not understand why and it can harm the parent-child relationship. It's best to manage anger by taking a break before addressing the problem, as this shows emotional control and helps maintain a positive relationship with your child.

Valuable resources for mastering effective communication with your child →

April 30, 2024 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Communication, Education, Emotions, Family, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, relationship, Support, Listening, active listening

In the hustle of a busy day, we might find ourselves talking quickly and sharply to our children. This can be frustrating for both parents and kids, as everyone wants to be heard and understood. It's normal to feel irritated when we don't get a response or feel like no one is listening. Gail Smith has some great tips to help us support our children and improve our conversations. Learning these skills can make a huge difference in how we communicate.