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.

Encouraging your child to write well →

August 14, 2024 by Gail Smith in Achievement, Activity, Children, Communication, Education, Family, Finding Help, Independence, Language development, Language skills, Learning, Library, Listening, Parenting, Potential, Problem Solving, School involvement, Screen time, Self Esteem, spelling, Starting School, Support, Technology, Writing

Some children struggle with writing, finding it difficult to start and continue their stories. Parents can help by providing engaging activities that spark motivation. Gail Smith offers suggestions to show children the power of the written word. Read on to discover more on how to encourage your child's writing journey!

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.

The importance of your child attending school regularly →

June 19, 2024 by Gail Smith in Achievement, Activity, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Education, Happiness, Independence, Learning, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, school, School involvement, Self Confidence, Self Esteem, Starting School, Well being

Ensuring your child is keen and interested in school is vital. When they feel it's important to attend, you can be reassured they are engaged with their school environment. Gail Smith shares five essential reasons why regular attendance is crucial for a well-adjusted child at school. Discover these insights to support your child's educational journey.

Let take a good look at why boredom can be a good thing →

April 24, 2024 by Gail Smith in Activity, Christmas, Education, Happiness, Independence, Raising Boys, Raising girls, School Holidays, Relax, Starting Term, Starting School, Technology

Discover the benefits of embracing boredom! Gail Smiths explains how encouraging children to slow down and enjoy moments of stillness can lead to new ideas and creativity. Let's create space for quiet reflection and see the magic it brings to their lives!

School is a magical place and children learn through many and varied mystical ways →

April 24, 2024 by Gail Smith in Activity, Children, Education, Experiences, Friendship, Reading, school, teacher, Starting Term, Starting School, Technology, Values

Discover the magic of school beyond academics and schedules. It's a realm of enchantment, surprising lessons, and delightful moments. Explore with Gail Smith how to engage with your child's school experiences, encourage their passions, and embrace the wonder of everyday learning.

Be available to listen to your child at this early stage of the school year →

February 07, 2024 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Communication, education, Experiences, Emotions, Family, Parenting, relationship, Safety, school, Starting School

When you listen well to your child you see your child more clearly. Explore the reasons for effective listening with Gail Smith, especially at this early stage of the school year.

Help your child have a great start to the school year →

January 31, 2024 by Gail Smith in Activity, Children, Communication, education, Happiness, Independence, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, school, Seperation, Starting School, Starting Term

Every child will encounter a mix of excitement and anxiety at the start of a new school year. Gail Smith shares tips on actions you can take to ease the pressure for your child and let them know you are navigating this journey together.

Dealing with children's preschool jitters

January 24, 2024 by Gail Smith in Children, Communication, education, Family, Learning, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Starting School

Heading back to school is an adventure, but we know it can bring butterflies for some! Gail Smith has awesome tips to help your family smoothly glide into the new school year. Let's make it an exciting journey together!"

What really makes a great school

September 13, 2023 by Gail Smith in Children, Decision Making, Education, Emotions, Independence, Learning, Memories, Parenting, Starting School, teacher

We all want the best for our child's education. Here are some suggestions on what makes a great school.

Parent involvement reaps all the benefits

April 21, 2023 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Communication, Education, Experiences, Family, Independence, Learning, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, school, Starting School, teacher

As a parent, it is crucial to be involved in your child’s schooling and learning. Here are some outcomes when you show interest in your child’s schooling.

At what age should a child start at school?

April 21, 2023 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Decision Making, Education, Learning, Parenting, school, Starting School

The question of what age to start school has always been tough and debatable. Here are some thoughts about the suitability of school for your child.

10 strategies to get the best from school as the year begins

February 16, 2023 by Gail Smith in Children, Communication, Education, Emotions, Independence, Parenting, school, Starting School

Here's 10 tips on how to listen and encourage your child through the normal processes of the school year.

Do you have plans for a fresh start in the brand new year?

February 16, 2023 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Communication, Emotions, Independence, Learning, Starting School

What would you like to improve this year? Here are some ways that you and your child could add healthy habits into your daily life.

A few thoughts about what your child wants from school this year

February 09, 2023 by Gail Smith in Children, Communication, Education, Emotions, Family, Independence, Learning, Parenting, school, Starting School

The school year can be challenging. Here are some suggestions for parents to positively support their child throughout the school year.

8 dos and don'ts as your child starts school

February 01, 2023 by Gail Smith in Children, Education, Parenting, Starting School, teacher

School starting back can be a challenging, uncertain time. Here’s a few important tips to help you and your child smoothly adjust into Term 1.

11 ways to help your child become settled and have the best opportunities at school

July 04, 2022 by Gail Smith in Children, Education, school, Starting School

Read here for 11 ways to help your child become settled and have the best opportunities at school.

6 simple tips on easing back into school

February 01, 2022 by Gail Smith in Education, Parenting, school, Starting School

Here are 6 simple tips on easing back into school.

The holiday- a time to simply let go and what does it mean for when we return to normality?

January 12, 2022 by Gail Smith in Family, Parenting, Relax, Starting School

Holidays give us such opportunities to enjoy our family in a whole new way. If we can reflect on what worked so well in our family, is it possible to bring some of that holiday feeling into your daily routine when life goes back to normal? Can we see that holiday experience as part of the way we really want to live all the time?