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THE TRANSITION FROM PRIMARY TO HIGH SCHOOL
Written by Lucy Hall Are you among the countless parents of 2025 that is coming to terms with the fact that your little one isn’t so little anymore? The child who used to hold your hand at school drop-offs, is now taking their first steps into high school! A period of exciting, nerve-wracking, deep transformation for the child and for many parents, it’s a struggle to balance emotions, proud and nostalgic, not to mention an edge of anxiety, which is all very normal! This transition is more than just a change of schools. There is a shift in learning style, social circles, and personal responsibility. Primary school offers a structured,…
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MENTAL HEALTH CHECK-INS ESSENTIAL FOR FAMILIES OF YOUNG PEOPLE DURING BACK-TO- SCHOOL TRANSITION
Written by Lucy Hall With many young people across the country get ready to head into a new school year, many families are focused on school supplies, class schedules, and lunchbox routines. But there’s another essential back-to-school priority that often gets overlooked, mental health. The transition from holiday mode to the structure of school can bring excitement, but it can also stir up stress, uncertainty, and pressure. That’s why headspace is encouraging families to regularly check in with their young person’s mental wellbeing, especially as they navigate the demands of study, friendships, and extracurricular activities. What’s Impacting Young People the Most? New insights from the first-ever National Family Mental Health…
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TIPS TO EASE THE TRANSITION BACK TO SCHOOL – FOR KIDS, TOO!
Written by Tania Anway The back to school promotions are in full swing, pre-ordered uniforms are arriving and your kids are begging for a new lunchbox. It must be the end of January! Congratulations, parents, on making it this far into summer. With school starting next week, it’s important to begin thinking about transitioning your kids (and you!) back to school. Whether a student in your household is starting “big school”, tackling the pressure of Year 12 or anywhere in between, moving from a relaxed summer schedule back to school can be a difficult changeover. Re-Establish A Morning Routine Regardless of your student’s age or grade level, now is a…
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PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH MATTERS FOR EVERY WOMAN
Written by Lucy Hall Pelvic floor health has been secretly discussed for far too long, is ignored, is misinterpreted, and frequently written off as just another aspect of woman’s life. But current research is showing how important pelvic floor awareness is for women’s general health. The results are clear: although many Australian women are aware of the pelvic floor, few actually understand its significance or the best ways to take care of it. Despite the fact that 60% of women experience problems like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or discomfort during physical activities, only 19 percent have received thorough education on pelvic floor health. The Knowledge Gap 80% of Australian women…
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NAVIGATING THE COMPLEX WORLD OF SURROGACY IN AUSTRALIA
Written by Lucy Hall The path to parenthood is not always simple for many hopeful parents to be. Many couples think about surrogacy when medical issues, infertility, or other situations make it impossible to bear a pregnancy. Surrogacy comes with legal, emotional, and ethical issues that must be carefully navigated in Australia. If you decide that surrogacy is the right path for you, you will need to make educated choices, having a thorough understanding of the procedure to ensure that everyone has a good experience. Understanding Surrogacy Surrogacy is broadly categorised into two types: Gestational Surrogacy – Where the surrogate has no genetic connection to the babyTraditional Surrogacy – Where…
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SUN SAFETY FOR BABIES
Written By Lucy Hall Few things are as joyful as watching your baby experience the world—tiny toes wiggling in the sand, giggles echoing through the park, chubby hands reaching for dappled sunlight. But amidst these precious moments, sun protection should be a top priority. A baby’s skin is incredibly delicate, making it far more susceptible to sunburn than an adult’s. In fact, even a single sunburn in infancy can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. That’s why it’s essential to develop smart sun-safety habits early on. Understanding the Sun’s Impact The sun emits two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays that can harm your baby’s skin: Both types…
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THE DAYCARE DROP-OFF DILEMMA: CONQUERING PARENTAL ANXIETY
Written by Lucy Hall The big day is approaching. Your little one is about to embark on their daycare adventure, and let’s be honest, your nerves might be more jittery than theirs. It’s completely natural to feel anxious about this milestone. As parents, we’re wired to protect our children, and the idea of entrusting them to someone else, even in a nurturing environment, can stir up a whirlwind of emotions. But take heart, this transition, while emotional, is manageable with the right preparation and mindset. Understanding the Anxiety One of the biggest sources of parental anxiety comes from the unknown. Will your child be happy? Will they be well cared…
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ARE YOUR CHILD’S TEACHERS QUALIFIED? THE GROWING TREND OF OUT-OF-FIELD TEACHING
Written by Lucy Hall More teachers are being asked to teach courses outside of their areas of expertise as a result of the ongoing strain on schools caused by the nationwide teacher shortage. While worker flexibility is necessary, this expanding practice raises fundamental questions about the quality of education provided to children. It’s reasonable for parents to wonder if the teachers are qualified to give their kids the best education possible. What Is Out-of-Field Teaching? Out-of-field teaching occurs when teachers are assigned to teach subjects or grade levels in which they have not received formal training. This can occur for a number of reasons, such as a lack of teaching…
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Nurturing Your Relationship Throughout the Chaos of Parenthood!
Written by Lucy Hall One of the most profound experiences is becoming a parent. You will have a deep, even overwhelming affection for your child and this can lead to simply to overlooking another important relationship, your relationship with your partner. In the thick of the restless nights, constant nappy changes, and the endless needs of your baby, it will take a good dose of self-awareness to keep your relationship vibrant and meaningful. It’s a juggling act, but it’s one that’s well worth learning. Many couples find the transition to parenthood jarring. Suddenly, your shared life revolves around feeding schedules, nap times, and the endless pursuit of clean laundry. Spontaneous…
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SPECIAL EDITION: 2024 MY CHILD EXCELLENCE AWARDS – WINNERS
Congratulations to all of our 2024 My Child Excellence Awards Winners