Forget ‘overscheduling’ versus ‘boredom’ – Self-direction is the key to a great summer.
The long hot days of summer can be challenging for families. Work commitments keep parents out of the home and away from their children. And if they’re lucky enough to have time off, children ...
You’re Taking Forever!!!
If you’ve got kids (and even if you don’t), you’re well aware that Christmas morning is the most hotly anticipated moment of the year. Kids sneak out of bed well before dawn to see what ...
The Santa Conversation
Christmas time is around the corner and before we know it, our children will begin to talk about all the things that Santa will bring them. Santa is an integral part of our Christmas tradition. ...
Are Activity Trackers Good for Children?
Wearable trackers like the Fitbit, Garmin, Moove, or even smart-watches are gaining significant market-share with children – and with Christmas so close, it’s likely that they’ll be in plenty of...
Why Your Kids Need a Tribe
Everyone needs to be known by someone. Just one significant other. For our kids, knowing that they are known and loved by one caring adult is the central predictor of resilience. Having great ...
Teaching your child the art of psychological flexibility
Have you ever watched what happens when your child or teen is upset, sad, or challenged? Sure, they might become more emotional. We’ve all seen that happen. Perhaps they want to argue, become ...
A Balanced Approach to Parenting
I had a call from a journalist recently. She asked me, “Have you heard of Panda parenting? It’s kind of different to Tiger Parenting. It’s a bit more like Lawnmower or Snow Plough parenting. But...
What to say to your kids when they’re going on their first date
Australia doesn’t have much of a dating culture. Our kids aren’t usually asking someone on a date, going out as a couple, and then dating someone different next week. Instead, it’s more… Yr...
Navigating Your Children’s Unequal Abilities
It’s an objective fact: one of our children is always going to better than another child at any given activity. One child might be academically sharper. Or one child may exhibit greater athleticism ...
How can I help my child be resilient?
Today’s parents are working overtime to help pave the way for their kids. The New York Times has dubbed them ‘snowplow’ or ‘lawn mower parents’ – ‘machines chugging ahead, clearing ...