Many of our children don’t like to admit this – and if they’re reading this article, they’ll say it’s not true – but until at least the age of 16, our children need us to be actively involved in a good portion of their lives.
parenting tips
Ask Dr Justin — Screens in Bedrooms?
Hi Dr Justin
My partner and I are arguing about whether screens cause problem behaviour in kids or not. I say they do but he says they don’t. Our 9 year-old wants a TV in his room to play video games on. I’m saying no. Am I right? My partner thinks it’s fine and will keep him out of our hair. Am I being too “precious” which is what my partner is saying?
50 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before Babies
By: Sabrina Peters
Having a baby is totally AMAZING but let’s be honest for a second. It can be kinda scary, mega hectic and ridiculously lovely all meshed into one. There’s so much the books don’t cover and your friends forget to tell you. Here are some things I learnt on the job!
Channelling the Inner Batman
“If you do what I ask you to, you’ll get a gold star on the reward chart.”
“No treats until you’ve done your job.”
“We’re not going to the park if you won’t do what you’re told!”
To the Parent Without the Right Answers
By: Jennie Scott
Tears streamed down my child’s face, the frustration apparent.
The frustration was clear, but the real issue wasn’t. I couldn’t get to the root of the matter. Was it exhaustion? A misunderstanding? Did something happen at school? What was really going on?
I never figured it out. My questioning and probing did no good with the child sprawled across my bed, so I couldn’t make sense of it.
Which basically summarises being a parent.
We’re All Just Making It Up As We Go Along (Even This ‘Parenting Expert’)
By: Dr Justin Coulson | Happy Families
Have you read The Barefoot Investor? It was the number 1 non-fiction book in Australia last year – all about finance. In his introduction to the book Scott Pape, the author, describes the day his family lost their Victorian bushland home to a fire. As they surveyed the damage, he said his first thought was: “I’ve got this.” He knew that despite the drama, he had his financial security sorted and could get his family through.
The Five Essential Ingredients for a Great School Lunchbox
By: Clare Bruce
If you’re daunted by the prospect of another year of school lunch-making, these tips from nutritionist and dietitian Cindy Williams will help get you inspired.
7 Ways to Really Listen so Your Child Shares More
Dear Dr Justin,
My husband and my 9 year-old son are constantly fighting. It’s little niggles here and there. But it is non stop. They are constantly talking past each other and he (my husband) has started getting really angry. How can we make things better between them?
“The Most Valuable Advice I Received as a New Parent” – 70 Tips
By: Ally Barnes
My hubby and I are expecting our first baby, and to help get us prepared, I’ve been asking friends for their best advice.
13 Questions to Ask the Kids, Better Than ‘How Was School Today?’
By: Duncan Robinson
A year into my daughter’s schooling career, I’m realising something: asking the question ‘how was school today?’ gets about as much response as it does when my wife asks me, ‘how was work today?’