How to motivate your child to learn

November 02, 2022 by Gail Smith in Achievement, Behaviour, Children, Education, Family, Father, Learning, Mother, Parenting, Personality, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, Reading, school, teacher, Writing

Motivating your child to learn can be quite challenging, here’s a few parenting tips on how to keep your child motivated to learn inside and outside of the classroom.

A few tips to get you started in term four

October 27, 2022 by Gail Smith in Achievement, Behaviour, Communication, education, Family, Father, Learning

The school year is quickly coming to a close. Here are a few parental tips that can assist your child with their final term of the year. Read here for more information.

Help your child to accept and enjoy their differences

October 27, 2022 by Gail Smith in Children, Emotions, Family, Friendship, Independence, Learning, Mother, Parenting, Father

Children's uniqueness is a crucial part of who they are as individuals. Read some parenting tips to consider on how to embrace and positively encourage diversity.

Keep smiling it works!

October 20, 2022 by Gail Smith in Children, Family, Happiness, Laughter, Parenting, Positive Behaviour

Children's smiles are their greatest gift. Here are some parenting tips that can assist and remind you of the power of positivity and smiling through life.

Finding a happy balance for your child

October 19, 2022 by Gail Smith in Family, Happiness, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, tasks

Creating a happy balance between everyday tasks is an important topic for children’s learning. Read some parenting tips on how to balance daily activities.

The art of bringing happiness to your child

September 01, 2022 by Gail Smith in Children, Family, Experiences, Emotions, Happiness, Laughter, Memories, Parenting

A happy child is one that feels secure and has strong supports around them that intelligently allow the child to grow in an environment that is open, engaging and inclusive. As parents we try our best and the human side of us sometimes fails to hit the right mark. Here’s some tips to help bring happiness to your child - sometimes, in these stressful days, it’s important to help build a child’s level of happiness.

Accepting limitations and strengths for a child

August 12, 2022 by Gail Smith in Children, Family, Learning, Parenting, Self Esteem

A very young child at an egocentric stage, struggles with understanding that others can be better. With development and more self-awareness, they begin to start accepting themselves for who they are and recognising the bigger world around them. Read here for some different ways parents can help children to develop this awareness.

The importance of the child feeling safe

August 04, 2022 by Gail Smith in Children, Communication, Family, Parenting, Stress, Safety, Anxiety

Children have a right to feel safe. The importance of feeling safe is critical to a healthy society and mental health. Small steps can be used to help your child feel safe and secure and small things can make them feel unsafe, even in their own home. Read here for some parenting tips and considerations.

Children who find school a struggle

July 03, 2022 by Gail Smith in Anxiety, Children, Communication, Education, Experiences, Mother, Parenting, Problem Solving, Stress, teacher, Worry, Father, Family

Many children have times when they feel they are struggling not just with school but also with friends, home issues, siblings, etc. Children can and do have down times. If your child is struggling, read here for some tips.

A helpful child is a useful thing. I guess?

June 21, 2022 by Gail Smith in Activity, Children, Family, Negotiation, Parenting

The home should be a place of rest, safety and feeling secure in a child’s own skin. Of course duties around the house are important but should not overwhelm the child nor should they become a battleground with parents. I stress this as I have seen many unsettled children grow unhappy due to demands at home. Read here for considerations when setting chores at home.

Feeling overwhelmed? It can happen to our children.

June 16, 2022 by Gail Smith in Children, Family, Learning, Parenting, Self Esteem, teacher, Worry

When a child feels overwhelmed by too much information, they simply shut down as a defence. Children can become just as overwhelmed as adults. Read here on some strategies to help avoid anxiety in your children.

Always keep the bright side of situations as your focus

May 24, 2022 by Gail Smith in Children, Family, Happiness, Laughter, Parenting, Worry

Parenting come with a sense of being cautious and protecting your child. Be less afraid of taking a risk and letting in some positive thoughts.

Being credible is such an important part in parenting

May 18, 2022 by Gail Smith in Children, Family, Father, Mother, Positive Behaviour, Parenting, Raising Boys, Raising girls, Values

By nature of being a parent you are invited to present such fine qualities as credibility and trust to your child. Never underestimate that such an opportunity is also all about developing yourself as a fully rounded, emotionally intelligent person. Like it or not parenting forces us to grow up!

Are you planning everything around your children?

May 11, 2022 by Gail Smith in Children, Family, Father, Parenting, Mother

Downtime with the family is a vital time to replenish the family spirit, refresh relationships and simply enjoy each other’s company.

Being a mum - something to think about

May 10, 2022 by Gail Smith in Children, Communication, Family, Happiness, Independence, Mother, Memories

I have learnt some precious realities in watching mums raise a family, live with it and through it, suffer all the hardships, carry the weak moments and rise above the troubled spots. Now that’s being a mum!

What will your child remember about you?

May 06, 2022 by Gail Smith in Children, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Father, Mother

What do our children really think about us? Are they aware of all our efforts? Do they remember the little details and the extra efforts we make over the years? What is their level of appreciation of us the parents?

Let’s teach our children to enjoy what they have and not seek out more

April 13, 2022 by Gail Smith in Children, Family, Father, Mother, Memories, Parenting

No easy task for parents who want to teach their children how to enjoy what they have rather than seeking out the next improved item. Read here for some examples of how to teach children to value what they have.

The importance of getting support when needed

March 26, 2022 by Gail Smith in Children, Education, Family, Father, Mother, Parenting

As parents, we simply don’t have all the answers. Just when we think we are on top of matters, our child surprises us with new challenges. It is mentally healthy to recognise that seeking help is an excellent response when needed.

Differences in families

March 23, 2022 by Gail Smith in Children, Family, Friendship, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, school

‘It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognise, accept and celebrate those differences.’ -Audre Lorde

There is much to be learnt when a child starts school. Their emotional and social growth is all the richer for embracing the wonderfully rich tapestry of different families across the years.

When home life changes

March 21, 2022 by Gail Smith in Children, Divorce, Experiences, Family, Father, Mother, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Problems

Family situations change through separation and divorce and children will feel this. The key point is to provide ongoing love, understanding, reassurance and stability in difficult times. Try to remember that whilst you are going through a personal crisis, there is no avoiding that your child will be experiencing emotionally charged times. Accept that you will need support and so to your child. Rely on family support and networks that will minimise some of the impacts.