Christmas is an expensive time of year. Our kids might have expectations of an abundance of gifts, but if budgets are tight, there is only so far they can stretch. One challenge we face as parents is how much kids compare what they receive for Christmas with their friends. While we can’t eradicate comparisons, a […]
This year, many families have been significantly impacted by the rising cost of living, leaving them feeling stretched. For some, the usual traditions of lavish meals, piles of gifts, and festive outings may no longer feel realistic or sustainable. But this doesn’t have to mean losing the joy and magic of the season— and it […]
I’ve been trying to describe the real weight of parenting. Is it the exhaustion that comes from keeping the school routine, or driving kids to sports and social activities all weekend? Is it dealing with snippy requests from a teenager who wants to live a grand life with your credit card in hand? While no […]
Woolworths and other outlets have recently taken steps to lock up aerosol deodorants due to chroming concerns. The fact that supermarkets have done this probably means it is more prevalent that most parents are aware. So, with holidays looming it’s important we realise that good kids, can make some poor decisions. We want to be […]
Very sadly, loneliness is close to the top of challenges facing todays constantly plugged in, super connected kids. Headspaces’ 2002 National Youth Mental Health Survey reveals that the majority of young people aged between 12-25 feel either left out, isolated or lacking companionship. Over 60% identify themselves as lonely. Loneliness is a feeling that is […]
567 tweens participated in my 2020 anonymous survey, and chose to answer the question: What is one thing you wished all adults knew about life as a tween? If your child was asked that question, how do you think they would answer? They might tell you that a 10 year old shouldn’t go to bed […]
93.5% of parents I surveyed while writing TWEENS answered a big “YES” to being concerned about the upcoming teenage years. That’s a number you can’t ignore! One dad I interviewed joking said, ‘If this is any sign of what is to come, I’m moving out.’ Many parent’s expressed sentiments like, “If this is what 11 is […]
If you are reducing the number of gifts under the tree this Christmas, you are not alone. Many families, either out of necessity or choice, are scaling back. Increased living costs and rising interest rates have us all thinking twice about where we put our dollar – and rightly so. In this blog I’d like to […]
My two sons are 24 and 21. They would both be disgusted if anyone were to suggest that sex was something to be done to someone, rather than with someone. Am I proud that they understand consent? Not overly. As a mother who desires to raise emotionally intelligent young men, consent doesn’t even scratch the […]