"I Just Don’t Know How to Help!" – A Parent’s Guide to Coping When School Gets Tough
active listening, Activity, Anxiety, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Counselling Tips, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Experiences, Family, Independence, Language skills, Listening, Mental Support, Negotiation, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, Resilience, Responsibility, Role model, school, School involvement, teacher, Well being, Worry Gail Smith active listening, Activity, Anxiety, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Counselling Tips, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Experiences, Family, Independence, Language skills, Listening, Mental Support, Negotiation, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, Resilience, Responsibility, Role model, school, School involvement, teacher, Well being, Worry Gail Smith

"I Just Don’t Know How to Help!" – A Parent’s Guide to Coping When School Gets Tough

Let’s take a closer look at how to gently support your child when school becomes a challenge. With slow, steady support, regular check-ins, and working through the ups and downs together, you’ll be showing them the kind of care that builds trust and resilience. Let’s break it down and explore how you can navigate this journey together.

Read More
Letting Go a Little: Why Gradual Independence Matters for Your Child’s Growth
Activity, Anxiety, Appreciation, Behaviour, Boundaries, Children, Decision Making, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Independence, Negotiation, Parenting, Personality, Potential, Problem Solving, Resilience, Responsibility, Role Model, Self Confidence, Self Esteem, Time Management Gail Smith Activity, Anxiety, Appreciation, Behaviour, Boundaries, Children, Decision Making, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Independence, Negotiation, Parenting, Personality, Potential, Problem Solving, Resilience, Responsibility, Role Model, Self Confidence, Self Esteem, Time Management Gail Smith

Letting Go a Little: Why Gradual Independence Matters for Your Child’s Growth

Letting go a little doesn't mean stepping back; it means stepping alongside. Gail Smith shares how allowing our children to try, stumble, and learn with our support (not control) builds the confidence and independence they need to grow.

Read More
How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health Through School Without Over Complicating It
active listening, Activity, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Councelling Techniques, Counselling Tips, Education, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Friendship, Finding Help, Independence, Learning, Listening, Mental Support, Parenting, Personal Time, Positive Behaviour, Resilience, Responsibility, school, School involvement, Starting School, Stress, Support, teacher, Well being Gail Smith active listening, Activity, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Councelling Techniques, Counselling Tips, Education, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Friendship, Finding Help, Independence, Learning, Listening, Mental Support, Parenting, Personal Time, Positive Behaviour, Resilience, Responsibility, school, School involvement, Starting School, Stress, Support, teacher, Well being Gail Smith

How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health Through School Without Over Complicating It

Supporting your child’s well-being doesn’t have to mean long lectures or expensive therapies. Gail Smith shares simple yet effective ways that you can apply to make a real difference in supporting your child's mental health.

Read More
Five simple but practical ideas for parents to find a balance between a busy life and dealing with school matters.
Children, Communication, Education, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Finding Help, Learning, Listening, Parenting, relationship, Responsibility, school, School involvement, Starting School, Starting Term, Support, Technology, Work life balance Gail Smith Children, Communication, Education, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Finding Help, Learning, Listening, Parenting, relationship, Responsibility, school, School involvement, Starting School, Starting Term, Support, Technology, Work life balance Gail Smith

Five simple but practical ideas for parents to find a balance between a busy life and dealing with school matters.

Balancing work, life, and your child’s school commitments can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Gail Smith shares five simple yet practical tips to help busy parents stay engaged with their child’s education while managing their own demanding schedules. While perfection may be out of reach, these strategies can help you find a better, more manageable balance.

Read More
Finishing the school year well
Achievement, Activity, Appreciation, Children, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Family, Friendship, Learning, Parenting, Responsibility, school, School Holidays, School involvement Gail Smith Achievement, Activity, Appreciation, Children, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Family, Friendship, Learning, Parenting, Responsibility, school, School Holidays, School involvement Gail Smith

Finishing the school year well

As the school year draws to a close, it’s the perfect opportunity for parents to reflect on how to wrap up the year meaningfully and start planning for the holidays and the exciting possibilities beyond. Gail Smith shares her ideas on how to approach this thoughtfully and effectively.

Read More
Be a Parent with Purpose: 5 Outstanding Ways to Parent with Intention
Activity, Appreciation, Children, Communication, Confidence, Education, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Independence, Learning, Parenting, Perseverance, Positive Behaviour, Responsibility, Role model, Values, Well being, Work life balance Gail Smith Activity, Appreciation, Children, Communication, Confidence, Education, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Independence, Learning, Parenting, Perseverance, Positive Behaviour, Responsibility, Role model, Values, Well being, Work life balance Gail Smith

Be a Parent with Purpose: 5 Outstanding Ways to Parent with Intention

Gail Smith shares 5 powerful ways to parent with intention, helping you build trust, love, and growth in your child’s life. It’s about being mindful, consistent, and present—not perfect.

Read More
Practical tips for parents to help their children develop executive function skills
Activity, Children, Communication, Confidence, Delegate, Education, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Independence, Learning, Parenting, Responsibility, Role model, Self Confidence, Self-Esteem, Selfcare, Support, Time Management, Executive Function Skills Gail Smith Activity, Children, Communication, Confidence, Delegate, Education, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Independence, Learning, Parenting, Responsibility, Role model, Self Confidence, Self-Esteem, Selfcare, Support, Time Management, Executive Function Skills Gail Smith

Practical tips for parents to help their children develop executive function skills

Are you struggling to boost your child's executive function skills at home? In this blog, Gail Smith shares simple yet practical tips to help improve their school performance with easy, everyday activities that can all operate from the home environment.

Read More
Opinions: Can be damning to a child if not managed well
active listening, Appreciation, Authenticity, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Confrontation, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Listening, Mindfulness, Parenting, Perseverance, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, Resilience, Role model, Responsibility, Respect, Self Confidence, Self-Esteem Gail Smith active listening, Appreciation, Authenticity, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Confrontation, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Listening, Mindfulness, Parenting, Perseverance, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, Resilience, Role model, Responsibility, Respect, Self Confidence, Self-Esteem Gail Smith

Opinions: Can be damning to a child if not managed well

Everyone has opinions, but it’s important to teach children not to base their self-worth on what others think. Gail Smith shares tips on how to help kids understand that they are capable of making good decisions for themselves and should trust their own judgment.

Read More
Teach your child to set goals. It is a great life skill.
Children, Communication, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Finding Help, Independence, Learning, Listening, Parenting, Problem Solving, Responsibility, Role Model, Self Confidence, Self-Esteem, Support, Well being Gail Smith Children, Communication, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Finding Help, Independence, Learning, Listening, Parenting, Problem Solving, Responsibility, Role Model, Self Confidence, Self-Esteem, Support, Well being Gail Smith

Teach your child to set goals. It is a great life skill.

The more your child develops their independence by relying less on others and more on themselves, the more they become inclined to set their own personal goals with confidence and determination. In her insightful discussion, Gail Smith shares some practical and effective suggestions to help your child in this important area of growth and self-discovery.

Read More
Parents can teach their children to make wiser choices.
Children, Communication, Confidence, Decision Making, Empowerment, Family, Independence, Kindness, Learning, Parenting, Problem Solving, Responsibility, Role model, Self Confidence, Self Esteem, Selfcare, Support, Well being Gail Smith Children, Communication, Confidence, Decision Making, Empowerment, Family, Independence, Kindness, Learning, Parenting, Problem Solving, Responsibility, Role model, Self Confidence, Self Esteem, Selfcare, Support, Well being Gail Smith

Parents can teach their children to make wiser choices.

As parents, you can teach your children to make wiser decisions. Follow these steps to guide them in learning how to pause, think, and consider the consequences of their actions, which will lead to wiser decision-making over time.

Read More
Teaching children about the value of making good choices
Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Decision Making, Emotional Intelligence, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Independence, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, Resilience, Relax, Respect, Responsibility, Role model, Self Confidence, Self Esteem, Support Gail Smith Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Decision Making, Emotional Intelligence, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Independence, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, Resilience, Relax, Respect, Responsibility, Role model, Self Confidence, Self Esteem, Support Gail Smith

Teaching children about the value of making good choices

It’s important to encourage our children to recognize the difference and to understand that their choices can shape their lives in profound ways. Who they become is a reflection of the decisions they make. Gail Smith emphasizes the importance of empowering children to make their own choices, highlighting the positive impact it can have on their growth and development.

Read More
Good principles of parenting
active listening, Behaviour, Boundaries, Children, Communication, Decision Making, education, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Finding Help, Listening, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, Responsibility, Role model, Safety, Well being Gail Smith active listening, Behaviour, Boundaries, Children, Communication, Decision Making, education, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Finding Help, Listening, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, Responsibility, Role model, Safety, Well being Gail Smith

Good principles of parenting

The idea of being a perfect parent is a myth. Instead, Gail Smith shares some fundamental principles that can guide us through the ups and downs of parenting. These practices will help you navigate challenges and changes with greater confidence throughout your parenting journey.

Read More
Mental well being needs to be nourished over the years
Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Education, Decision Making, Experiences, Family, Independence, Learning, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Parenting, relationship, Responsibility, Self Confidence Gail Smith Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Education, Decision Making, Experiences, Family, Independence, Learning, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Parenting, relationship, Responsibility, Self Confidence Gail Smith

Mental well being needs to be nourished over the years

Building a healthy mental state in children doesn't happen overnight—it's about cultivating steady, consistent habits within the family. When children learn to explore and inquire about life, they become more resilient, embracing challenges rather than fearing them. Gail Smith offers practical suggestions to help boost your child's mental health, fostering a mindset where curiosity and confidence flourish.

Read More
Be the parent and not the friend to your child - that’s what they need
Children, Communication, Decision Making, Education, Experiences, Family, Parenting, Problem Solving, relationship, Responsibility, Well being Gail Smith Children, Communication, Decision Making, Education, Experiences, Family, Parenting, Problem Solving, relationship, Responsibility, Well being Gail Smith

Be the parent and not the friend to your child - that’s what they need

Be your children's best friend or be their parent? While we naturally want to support and comfort our children, sometimes the best way to do that is by making clear, rational decisions—even when it means not always being their best friend. After all, being the best parent often means making tough choices for the well-being of your child.

Read More
Keep A Look Out For Signs Of Stress In Your Child
Authenticity, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Councelling Techniques, Counselling Tips, Education, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Finding Help, Mental Support, Parenting, Problem Solving, Safety, Responsibility, Self Esteem, Sleep, Stress, Support, Trauma, Well being Julie Merrett Authenticity, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Councelling Techniques, Counselling Tips, Education, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Finding Help, Mental Support, Parenting, Problem Solving, Safety, Responsibility, Self Esteem, Sleep, Stress, Support, Trauma, Well being Julie Merrett

Keep A Look Out For Signs Of Stress In Your Child

In today's world, we often check in on our children's mental health. Social media and other challenges faced by youth remind us to stay vigilant. Gail Smith points out some common triggers that may indicate your child is under too much stress. By recognizing these signs, you can better gauge your child's well-being and offer support when needed. It's important to keep an eye out for these cues to ensure your child feels safe and supported.

Read More
How to choose the best school for your child?
Children, Communication, Decision Making, Education, Experiences, Learning, Parenting, Problem Solving, Responsibility, school, School involvement Gail Smith Children, Communication, Decision Making, Education, Experiences, Learning, Parenting, Problem Solving, Responsibility, school, School involvement Gail Smith

How to choose the best school for your child?

Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision. While no school is perfect, it's essential that children feel welcomed and safe to learn. So, how do you select the best school? Gail Smith shares insightful pointers to help you navigate this crucial aspect of raising children.

Read More
Information every parent should know about their child's school
Activity, Children, Communication, Education, Family, Learning, Parenting, Responsibility, school, School involvement, Support Gail Smith Activity, Children, Communication, Education, Family, Learning, Parenting, Responsibility, school, School involvement, Support Gail Smith

Information every parent should know about their child's school

Schools can be complex environments, but staying connected can make navigating them much easier. Gail Smith offers valuable tips to help parents gain a deeper understanding and more rewarding experience of school life.

Read More
As a parent be involved in your child's school.
Activity, Appreciation, Children, Communication, Education, Experiences, Family, Learning, Responsibility, school, Support, School involvement Gail Smith Activity, Appreciation, Children, Communication, Education, Experiences, Family, Learning, Responsibility, school, Support, School involvement Gail Smith

As a parent be involved in your child's school.

Your child spends many hours per week at school, making it a significant part of their life. By engaging in their school journey, you reinforce the value of formal learning and support their emotional and intellectual growth. It's crucial to be part of that experience. Gail Smith shares several effective ways for parents to ensure excellent communication and involvement in their child's school life. Read on to discover how you can make a positive impact!

Read More
What do we as parents expect from our children?
Children, Communication, Family, Independence, Responsibility, Resilience Gail Smith Children, Communication, Family, Independence, Responsibility, Resilience Gail Smith

What do we as parents expect from our children?

Becoming a parent means transitioning into a consultant role for your child as they grow and become more responsible for their own lives. Your steady support and guidance will shape their future significantly. Gail Smith shares some essential considerations for parents as we navigate the challenges that concern us or cause discontent.

Read More
Helping children cope with distressing media
Activity, Children, Communication, Education, Family, Learning, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Responsibility, Safety, Screen time, Well being Gail Smith Activity, Children, Communication, Education, Family, Learning, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Responsibility, Safety, Screen time, Well being Gail Smith

Helping children cope with distressing media

Help your kids understand that the internet is like a tool. It can be used for good or not so good things. Teach them to be in control of what they see and how they use it. With your guidance, they can learn to use social media wisely and understand the digital world better. Gail Smith has some great tips on how to do this.

Read More