“I need a volunteer!” is always a statement that guarantees most people will suddenly stare at their shoes or the ceiling. But when I add the statement “And they need to be the fittest and healthiest human specimen in the room”, most people feel immediately safe. “I’m off the hook,” they think as they immediately scan the room for someone to dob in.
happy families
Attitude is Everything
When my youngest daughter was around 18 months old we shared an experience that taught me a valuable lesson about how our attitude is everything.
The Cultivation of Character
A brave mum raises her hand to ask me a question. There are close to 400 parents in the packed auditorium. The topic was teens and screens, but her question stretches well beyond those boundaries.
The Spanking Debate: Changing Minds Takes a Generation
Smacking is one of those topics in parenting that never really goes away. It’s always in the headlines or creating some kind of provocation on social media.
Why Advice About Alcohol Falls on Deaf Teen Ears (and What You Can Do About It)
In late 2019, shortly before COVID-19 began to do its damage, I was in a coastal NSW high school talking to students in Grades 9 and 10 about the latest alcohol statistics. Those stats tell a very good news story. Kids today drink less than ever before.
My 7 yr-old Only Eats Chips
Dealing with a fussy eater can be a challenge. Poor eating habits in middle childhood and the tween years tend to be long-lasting. We need to take them seriously.
3 Simple Tips for Managing Screen Time for the Whole Family
Have we all become slack-jawed zombies, staring blankly at our screens? According to research from around the globe, one of the most significant impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on parents and children (outside of the enormous and sad loss of life) is that screens are taking over!
Happy Families Podcast: Dealing With Fussy Eaters
Sometimes kids just don’t like certain foods, or they want a sense of control over how and what foods get put on their plate. In this episode of the Happy Families podcast, Justin and Kylie discuss fussy eating.
Happy Families Podcast: The 3 Words Your Child Needs to Hear
As a parent, how can you show unconditional love towards your child when you don’t agree or accept their decisions that they’re making in life?
Happy Families Podcast: Me Time vs We Time
Do you need time away from the family or does the family need time together?