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.

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.

Teach your child to set goals. It is a great life skill. →

September 26, 2024 by Gail Smith in Children, Communication, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Finding Help, Independence, Learning, Listening, Parenting, Problem Solving, Responsibility, Role Model, Self Confidence, Self-Esteem, Support, Well being

The more your child develops their independence by relying less on others and more on themselves, the more they become inclined to set their own personal goals with confidence and determination. In her insightful discussion, Gail Smith shares some practical and effective suggestions to help your child in this important area of growth and self-discovery.

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.

Teaching children about the value of making good choices →

September 19, 2024 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Decision Making, Emotional Intelligence, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Independence, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, Resilience, Relax, Respect, Responsibility, Role model, Self Confidence, Self Esteem, Support

It’s important to encourage our children to recognize the difference and to understand that their choices can shape their lives in profound ways. Who they become is a reflection of the decisions they make. Gail Smith emphasizes the importance of empowering children to make their own choices, highlighting the positive impact it can have on their growth and development.

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.

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.

Six reasons why giving your child quality time works →

August 07, 2024 by Gail Smith in Activity, Behaviour, Children, Communication, creative, Education, Experiences, Family, Happiness, Independence, Learning, Parenting, Personality, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, relationship, Self Confidence, Stress, Well being

The time you spend with your child is invaluable and leaves a lasting impact on their sense of being loved and secure. As they grow into teenagers and become more independent, those shared moments become even more precious. Gail Smith shares six surprising benefits of dedicating time to your child in this insightful blog post.

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.

How to choose the best school for your child? →

June 19, 2024 by Gail Smith in Children, Communication, Decision Making, Education, Experiences, Learning, Parenting, Problem Solving, Responsibility, school, School involvement

Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision. While no school is perfect, it's essential that children feel welcomed and safe to learn. So, how do you select the best school? Gail Smith shares insightful pointers to help you navigate this crucial aspect of raising children.

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 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.

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!