Helping Your Child Find Balance in their busy life →

May 21, 2025 by Gail Smith in Activity, Behaviour, Boundaries, Break, Children, Communication, Decision Making, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Experiences, Family, Learning, Listening, meditation, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Parenting, Personal Time, Role Model, Selfcare, Sleep, Stress, Technology, Time Management, Well being, Work life balance, Authenticity, Balance

Too many activities, too much pressure, and too little downtime can leave children overwhelmed. The good news? Balance can be taught. Home can be a space where your child learns to pause, play, and thrive. Read on to discover simple ways to bring more balance into your child’s life.

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

May 13, 2025 by Gail Smith in 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

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.

What AI Means for Your Child’s Education And How to Help Them Thrive →

May 07, 2025 by Gail Smith in Activity, Communication, Confidence, Education, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Learning, Problem Solving, Role model, school, Support, Technology, Artificial Intelligence

As technology continues to evolve, AI is becoming part of everyday life, including the classroom. For parents, this can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You don’t need to be a tech expert to support your child. What matters most is showing curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn alongside them. Gail Smith explores what AI means for your child’s education and how you can use it to help them thrive, starting with open conversations at home.

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

April 29, 2025 by Gail Smith in 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

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.

As a parent remember to listen well →

April 03, 2025 by Gail Smith in active listening, Anxiety, Appreciation, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Emotions, Family, Listening, Mental Support, Problem Solving, Problems, relationship, Role model, Self Confidence, Support, Well being

Children learn by example, and when parents practice active listening, they teach valuable communication skills. When a child feels heard, they understand that their thoughts and feelings matter, building their confidence and sense of self-worth. Gail Smith shares five compelling reasons why truly listening to your child is essential for their emotional and social development.

Understanding Your Child’s Weekly Challenges at School And How You Can Help →

March 20, 2025 by Gail Smith in active listening, Activity, Children, Communication, Confidence, Emotions, Empowerment, Family, Friendship, Independence, Learning, Listening, Mental Support, Parenting, Problem Solving, Problems, Resilience, school, School involvement, Self Confidence, Sleep, Starting School, Stress, Support, Well being

As a parent, understanding what your child faces at school can help you provide meaningful support at home. Here’s a guide to some common challenges children encounter and simple actionable ways to help them thrive.

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

February 19, 2025 by Gail Smith in 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

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.

Have a positive outlook with your child. It's great for strengthening mental health. →

November 14, 2024 by Gail Smith in Achievement, Activity, Appreciation, Behaviour, Children, Confidence, Emotional Intelligence, Family, Happiness, Mental Support, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, Role Model

A positive mindset can help your child build essential life skills and create a happier, more harmonious family environment. Gail Smith shows you how you can nurture optimism and resilience at home.

Being interested in your child’s school has many benefits →

November 08, 2024 by Gail Smith in Achievement, Activity, Behaviour, Children, Education, Emotions, Empowerment, Family, Learning, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, school, School involvement, Well being

Your child spends hours each day, over forty weeks a year, immersed in an environment different from home, facing various influences and challenges. Discover the benefits of staying engaged and involved in your child’s school life.

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

October 24, 2024 by Gail Smith in 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

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.

What lifelong lessons do you want your child to adopt? →

September 26, 2024 by Gail Smith in Appreciation, Authenticity, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Decision Making, Education, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Finding Help, Gratitude, Kindness, Independence, Learning, Listening, Parenting, Problem Solving, Support, Values, Well being

While we teach our children many valuable lessons throughout their formative years, some hold a special, lasting significance that will undoubtedly benefit them well into adulthood. Gail Smith wisely compiled a list of important beliefs and practical strategies on how to effectively impart them to your children.

Teaching children about the value of making good choices →

September 19, 2024 by Gail Smith in 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

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.

Lasting memories of a childhood →

September 05, 2024 by Gail Smith in Appreciation, Children, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Happiness, Learning, Memories, Mental Support, Parenting, Personal Time, Support, Well being, Values

Gail Smith fondly reminisces about her childhood companion, a beloved doll named Barbara. Even as an adult, with life full of daily challenges, Barbara still evokes sweet memories of simpler times. Gail hopes that every child finds their own "Barbara"—a source of comfort and cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

What lessons in life do you want to teach your children? →

September 05, 2024 by Gail Smith in Authenticity, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Emotions, Empowerment, Experiences, Family, Happiness, Independence, Kindness, Listening, Mindfulness, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Role Model, Support, Well being, Work life balance, Selfcare

As parents, we teach our children countless lessons, but some hold a special significance in shaping their happiness and balance in life. The five lessons below are particularly important to instill, not through grand gestures, but through authenticity and sharing our everyday experiences. Ultimately, being truthful and genuine in our interactions with our children is the most powerful way to guide them.

Be Present for your child. It supports their mental Health →

August 29, 2024 by Gail Smith in active listening, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Finding Help, Learning, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Role Model, Self Confidence, Self Esteem, Support, Well being

Being present for your child is one of the most impactful things you can do as a parent. It’s not about grand gestures or extravagant outings; it’s the simple, healthy, and regular engagement that truly nourishes your child's spirit and sense of well-being. Gail Smith emphasizes that these consistent interactions are crucial for your child's mental health. Read on to find out why.

Mental well being needs to be nourished over the years

August 23, 2024 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Communication, Confidence, Education, Decision Making, Experiences, Family, Independence, Learning, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Parenting, relationship, Responsibility, Self Confidence

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.

Self Care Tips for Busy Parents →

July 17, 2024 by Gail Smith in Activity, Children, Emotions, Family, Gratitude, Happiness, holiday, Kindness, Laughter, meditation, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Parenting, Relax, Sleep, Sports, Stress, Well being

Remember, a tired parent may find it challenging to give their best to their child. It's essential to prioritize your own happiness and health, as it directly impacts your ability to parent effectively. Gail Smith offers nine practical suggestions to help you create a personal well-being routine. Taking time for yourself amidst the busyness of each day is key to feeling fulfilled and being the best parent you can be.

Keep A Look Out For Signs Of Stress In Your Child →

July 17, 2024 by Julie Merrett in 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

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.

Be Authentic With Your Child - It Builds Strong And Trusting Relationships →

July 17, 2024 by Gail Smith in Authenticity, Communication, Confidence, Children, Independence, Parenting

When you're true to yourself, parenting becomes more natural and fulfilling, devoid of the pressure to pretend or conform to unrealistic expectations. Gail Smith highlights the profound benefits of authenticity in nurturing your child's growth and fostering a deeper connection based on honesty and mutual understanding.

Let’s remind ourselves that as parents we are doing a great job →

June 12, 2024 by Gail Smith in Appreciation, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Education, Experiences, Family, Finding Help, Happiness, Mindfulness, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Role model, Self Confidence, Self Esteem, Well being, Values, Authenticity, Self-Esteem

Your words, deeds, and actions are powerful examples for your child, shaping their understanding of life. Never underestimate the impact you're having on your child. Parenting in an imperfect world comes with its ups and downs, and it can sometimes feel like your efforts aren't making a difference. Gail Smith shares some reflections to remind us that our efforts are making a difference, even if the impact isn't always visible.