The Primary Years

A Principal's Perspective on Raising Happy Kids

Home
About the Author
Memoirs of a School Principal
Parenting-blogs-tips
Books
Public Speaking
Media
Contact Us

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.

September 05, 2024 /Gail Smith

The Primary Years, gail smith, Parenting, parenting Tips, Children, education, Learning, Family Value, Life Lesson, Selfcare, kindness, Role Model, wellbeing

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

Comment

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.

July 31, 2024 /Gail Smith

The Primary Years, gail smith, Parenting, Well Being, Children, Family, Learning, Wellbeing, Burnout, Happiness, Problem Solving, Decision making, Patience, Resilience

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

Comment

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.

July 31, 2024 /Gail Smith

The Primary Years, gail smith, communication, language, Bonding, family, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, speaking

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

Comment

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.

July 17, 2024 /Gail Smith

The Primary Years, gail smith, wellbeing, parenting Tips, Children, family, Hobby, Physical Activities, Meditation, Relaxation

Activity, Children, Emotions, Family, Gratitude, Happiness, holiday, Kindness, Laughter, meditation, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Parenting, Relax, Sleep, Sports, Stress, Well being

Comment

You have produced a book that contains specific ways in helping young children, families, teachers, and others toward the goal of raising happy children.
I find it a reminder for adults to take a look at ourselves and revue the lessons we may have forgotten in the turmoil of living.
Wise and well done, Gail.
Nadine M