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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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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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8 WAYS TO CREATE A ZERO-WASTE LIFESTYLE FOR YOUR FAMILY
Written by Lucy Hall Becoming a zero-waste family can be overwhelming, and many of us give up before even starting. An eco-friendly way of life not only benefits nature, but it also brings family members closer together and teaches responsibility. Transforming daily life may appear difficult, but minor changes eventually result in significant changes. These practices will help to reduce your family’s environmental impact while also cultivating in children the values of mindfulness and sustainability. To Get Started, You Really Need To Begin With Education Educate your family about how much waste you all produce, what can be recycled, and what can be up-cycled. Talk about the need to reduce…
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THE SECRET TO RAISING EARTH-LOVING KIDS
Written by Lucy Hall At a time when environmental issues have gained the most limelight, instilling a love for nature in our children is one of the most essential gifts any human being can give to his or her child. As parents, we have the unique chance to influence how the next generation views the planet. The foundation of this journey is established at home, where morals are instilled in every discussion. We are fostering an appreciation for the environment, which we hope will contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future. Perhaps one of the best ways to raise environmentally conscious kids is through modelling environmentally friendly behaviour.…
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EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY TOGETHER
Written by Lucy Hall Modern life has demonstrated that the care of the planet is not a duty anymore, but is also a fantastic opportunity to bring families closer together. Being greener can become a bedrock of family life, inspiring bonding between each other and the Earth we love so much. Whether you’re taking baby steps into sustainability or are seasoned advocates for the environment, there are a lot of activities that can be both fun and educational for families to explore together. A Family Garden One of the most rewarding eco-friendly activities is to create a family garden. This will enhance not only your home’s aesthetics, but it will…
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INDEPENDENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY
Written by Lucy Hall Independence is an important milestone for a child’s emotional and social growth. A child’s self esteem develops when they begin to take on responsibility and get a sense of their abilities. As they gain independence, they learn to make decisions and accept the consequences of those decisions, which encourages critical thinking and problem solving skills. An empowered child that is able to act independently tends to be more resilient and is better at dealing with adversity, having learned to look out for themselves. Because they have learnt to rely on themselves, confront obstacles and come up with solutions, they are better able to deal with challenges…
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CREATING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT WHERE CHILDREN CAN SHARE THEIR CONCERNS AND WORRIES
Written by Lucy Hall Modern life is fast and sometimes turbulent and children today can face a lot of stress which may have a negative impact on them. From academic pressures to social dynamics, the challenges a young child goes through can at times feel very overwhelming. Creating an environment where a child can feel free to express their problems in a safe space is key to open and honest communication. These spaces not only validate their feelings, little and big, but also provide you with the opportunity to give your child the emotional tools they need to help them navigate their worries and concerns. The Importance of Safe Spaces…
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HOW TO HANDLE BACKTALK FROM YOUR CHILD
Written by Lucy Hall At some point in your parenting journey, your child is going to start talking back. While this behaviour is common in children of all ages, it’s not as cute as it was when they were little and can be slightly frustrating for parents. As your child gets older you’ll notice that they start talking back more. This is a way that children practise learning the new skills to help them with expressing themselves and gaining their independence. Setting boundaries with your child on their talk back is important, as is understanding why they are doing it. Once you have a clear understanding, you can start developing…
