How to Help Your Child Thrive at School Without the Stress!
School life is full of twists, turns, and loop-the-loops. As a parent, you’re the safety harness, keeping your child steady through the ups and downs. But how can you support them without adding to the pressure? Here’s the quick-start guide to helping your child navigate school life with confidence and ease.
School life can be a roller coaster—exciting one day, exhausting the next! As a parent, you’re the safety harness that keeps your child steady through the ups and downs. But how can you best support them without adding to the pressure? Here’s your quick-start guide:
Be Their Cheerleader, Not Their Coach
Your child needs to know you’re on their team. Celebrate effort over results, and remind them that mistakes are part of learning. A simple “I love how hard you tried!” can work wonders.
Create a ‘Safe Space’ at Home
Home should be a refuge, not an extension of the classroom. Keep homework sessions stress-free, encourage breaks, and make time for laughter. A relaxed child learns better!
Listen More Than You Talk
Ask open-ended questions: “What was the best part of your day?” or “What made you think today?” Let them open up on their terms. Sometimes, they just need to vent! Sometimes they just want to also be silent
Teach Resilience, Not Perfection
Life at school won’t always be smooth sailing. Help them handle setbacks with confidence. Instead of fixing problems for them, guide them to find their own solutions. Develop independent thinking in your child.
Prioritise Sleep, Food & Fun
Tired, hungry kids struggle. A good routine, healthy meals, and plenty of play keep their energy and mood in check. A happy child learns better than a stressed one.
Stay Connected (Without Hovering!)
Be involved—know their friends, show up at school events, chat with teachers. But avoid micromanaging! Your child needs space to grow independently.
Lead by Example
If you stay positive about school, they’ll pick up on that. Show enthusiasm for learning, handle challenges calmly, and they’ll mirror your mindset.
Your support doesn’t have to be complicated. Just being present, listening, and creating a positive home environment can make all the difference. So, go on, cheer them on, lift them up, and enjoy the journey together!
“Learning for your child will happen anywhere and at anytime if they are happy and secure.”
Encourage a Wide Net of Friends: Why It Matters.
Friendships are key to a child’s happiness, but relying on just one best friend can lead to heartbreak. Gail Smith highlights why encouraging kids to embrace new friendships is so important.
Friendships are essential for a child’s happiness, but relying on just one best friend can lead to heartbreak. Encouraging a variety of friendships helps children grow socially and emotionally. They are also more receptive to accepting difference.
Less Heartbreak, More Support – If one friend is absent or drifts away, your child won’t feel alone.
Stronger Social Skills – Different friends mean learning to communicate and connect in new ways.
Confidence Booster – A mix of friendships builds self-esteem and reduces social anxiety.
More Fun, Less Drama – Group play means fewer fallouts and more opportunities for joy.
Life-Long Resilience – Adapting to different personalities prepares children for real-world relationships.
Encourage your child to be open to new friendships—it builds a stronger, happier, and more adaptable future! Avoid being judgmental or critical of friends they choose. In time they will work through who are truly friends.
“A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself.”
It’s all in the effort with Parenting
Your child doesn’t need a perfect parent. They need an authentic one. The love, dedication, and effort you pour into each day mean far more than striving to get everything right.
Parenting is a journey, not a performance—there’s no perfect script, and mistakes are part of the process. Your child doesn’t need a flawless parent; they need a real one. The love, effort, and care you put in every day matter more than getting everything right. By showing your child how to navigate challenges, apologize when needed, and keep trying, you’re teaching them resilience and authenticity. So take a deep breath—your best is often more than enough.
“There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one.”
Helping Your Child Navigate Friendships and Challenges
Navigating friendships, forming them, losing them, and finding new ones is a natural part of childhood and essential for social and emotional growth. Here are five impactful ways parents can guide their children in fostering strong, healthy friendships and overcoming the challenges that come with them.
Friendships play a huge role in a child's school experience, shaping their confidence, happiness, and even their academic success. But as every parent knows, friendships come with ups and downs — disagreements, peer pressure, and the heartbreak of feeling left out. Here are five powerful ways parents can help their children build strong, healthy friendships while overcoming challenges.
1. Teach Empathy Through Storytelling
Children who understand how others feel are more likely to form meaningful friendships and handle conflicts with kindness.
Example: If your child tells you a friend was unkind, instead of immediately taking sides, ask: “How do you think they were feeling? Why might they have acted that way?” Reading books about friendship together or sharing your own childhood stories can help children develop empathy and perspective.
2. Role-Play Difficult Social Situations
Many children struggle to know what to say or do in tricky situations. Practising responses in a safe environment can give them the confidence to handle challenges.
Example: If your child is feeling left out at playtime, practise possible conversations:
“Can I join in?” or “Hey, do you want to play together today?”
If they’re dealing with a bossy friend, teach them how to say:
“I like playing with you, but I also want to make my own choices.”
3. Model Positive Friendships at Home
Children learn the most about relationships by watching their parents. If they see you handling disagreements respectfully and maintaining friendships, they’ll follow suit.
Example: If you have a disagreement with a friend or partner, show your child how to resolve it with kindness. Say things like:
“I was upset earlier, but I talked to my friend, and we worked it out.
This teaches them that disagreements don’t mean the end of a friendship—they can be worked through.
4. Encourage a ‘Wide Net’ of Friends
Relying on just one friend can be risky—if there’s a fallout, children can feel completely alone. Encourage them to be open to different friendships.
Example: If your child always plays with the same person, suggest inviting another classmate to join an activity. Say:
“I love that you and Emily are close! Why don’t we invite Mia over too?”
Encouraging group friendships helps children avoid being overly dependent on one person.
5. Teach Resilience When Friendships Change
Friendships naturally shift over time, and not every friendship lasts forever. Teaching your child to accept change helps them build emotional strength.
Example: If your child is upset that a friend has started playing with someone else, acknowledge their feelings but also provide perspective:
“It’s hard when friendships change, but it doesn’t mean you won’t find new great friends.”
Encourage activities where they can meet new friends, like clubs or sports, so they learn that one friendship ending isn’t the end of the world.
Forming friends, losing them and realigning yourself to new groups is a normal part of the childhood development in social and emotional growth. There will be disappointments and successes. There will be sharp reminders about how relationships can change and effect very quickly your well being. As a parent be a good listener and be inclusive with all their friends not showing judgement or bias. Your child needs to walk the road that will ultimately lead them to forming happy stable relationships that are inclusive and that build in them strong emotional intelligence.
“A friend is one of the nicest things you can have and one of the best things you can be.”
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.
Consider these five simple but practical ideas for parents to balance their busy lives while staying engaged with your child’s school matters:
The 10-Minute School Check-in
Set aside just 10 minutes a day to ask about school—over breakfast, on the drive home, or at bedtime. Keep it simple: "What was the best part of your day?" or "Did anything tricky happen today?" Small conversations build strong connections without overwhelming your schedule.
Use Technology to Stay Updated
Sign up for school emails, apps, or newsletters to get quick updates without needing extra time. Skim through messages during coffee breaks or while waiting in line. If possible, set up alerts for key school dates so you don’t miss important events.
Prioritize What Really Matters
You don’t have to attend every event! Choose one or two school activities per term that fit your schedule, like a parents’ evening or a fun day. This keeps you involved without adding stress.
Turn Everyday Moments into Learning
Use daily tasks to support your child’s education. Cooking? Talk about measurements. Shopping? Discuss money and budgeting. This helps reinforce school skills without extra work.
Team Up with Other Parents
Share school runs, swap event updates, or take turns attending meetings and passing on key points. A parent support network lightens the load and keeps everyone informed.
School is ever present in your life as well as your own work demands. There is never a perfect balance, but finding opportunities to throw in a few educational moments and to simply enjoy your child, is so important across that busy week.
“There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one.”
Five sound reasons why parents should stay in touch with their child’s school throughout the year.
Building relationships with your child’s school, especially their teachers creates a strong foundation for a successful year. Gail Smith shares five key reasons why staying engaged throughout the year benefits both students and parents.
The more you keep in touch with school, the greater chance of a successful school year.
Consider:
Better Academic Support
• Regular communication with teachers helps parents understand their child's progress and areas needing improvement.
• Example: A parent who checks in with the teacher about their child’s struggles in math can get advice on home support strategies or learn about extra resources.
Stronger Home-School Partnership
• When parents and teachers work together, children feel supported both at home and in school.
• Example: A child struggling with reading gains confidence when their parents use the same phonics techniques as the teacher at home.
Awareness of Behaviour & Social Development
• Teachers see how children interact with peers and can provide insights on friendships, behaviour, or emotional challenges.
• Example: A parent might learn that their usually quiet child is struggling with playground conflicts and can then discuss ways to help them navigate friendships.
Keeping Up with School Events & Changes
• Schools often introduce new policies, curriculum changes, or events that parents should be aware of.
• Example: A parent who stays in touch won’t miss out on an opportunity for their child to join a free after-school science club or something similar. Sometimes new activities can happen spontaneously.
Early Intervention for Issues
• Small problems can grow if left unaddressed, but regular check-ins allow for early solutions.
• Example: A teacher notices a child's handwriting is falling behind and, by informing the parents early, they can work together on fine motor skills before it becomes a bigger issue.
Keep in mind that more contact and building relationships with the school and especially the teachers, provides a great framework for a successful year. You will also enjoy the journey.
“School can be a great place to grow for the whole family and just the children.”
5 TIPS TO REDUCE ANXIETY IN YOUR CHILD WHEN STARTING SCHOOL
Starting a new school year can be a big adjustment, especially for kids feeling a little nervous. As a parent, you can help ease their worries and boost their confidence with simple strategies. A smooth start sets the tone for a great year ahead! Gail Smith shows you how you can support your child through this transition.
Starting a new school year can be a big transition for many children, especially if they're nervous. Here are some tips for parents to help their child feel more confident and less anxious:
1. Familiarise Them with the School
• Why it works: New places can feel scary. Making the school feel familiar reduces the unknowns.
• Example: Walk around the school grounds together. Show them where the classrooms and toilets are. If the teacher is available, introduce them to your child.
• Story: “Last year, Mia visited her new school with her dad a week before it started. On the first day, she already knew how to find her classroom, so she felt less nervous walking in.”
2. Practise the School Routine
• Why it works: A predictable routine helps children feel prepared and in control.
• Example: One week before school starts, wake up at the time they’ll need to for school, eat breakfast, and pack a pretend lunch together. Practice leaving the house on time.
• Story: “Jason and his mum did a ‘practice day’ where they packed his backpack and walked to the bus stop. On the first day, Jason felt ready because he’d already done it once.”
3. Role-Play Scenarios
• Why it works: Practising interactions can build confidence.
• Example: Pretend to be a new classmate, and practise introducing themselves: “Hi, I’m Alex. What’s your name?” Also, practise asking the teacher questions like, “Can you help me with this?”
• Story: “Sophia was nervous about making friends, so her dad played the role of a shy classmate. After practising, Sophia felt ready to say hello to new kids at recess.”
4. Plan a Special "Back-to-School Tradition"
• Why it works: Creating a positive tradition makes the start of school exciting.
• Example: Let them pick out their first-day outfit, decorate their notebook with stickers, or have a “back-to-school breakfast” with their favourite food.
• Story: “Every year, Ella’s family bakes pancakes in the shape of letters spelling her name. It makes the first day of school something she looks forward to instead of dreading.”
5. Normalize Their Feelings
• Why it works: Knowing it’s okay to feel nervous helps kids manage their emotions.
• Example: Share a story about a time you felt nervous but things turned out okay, like starting a new job. Then talk about how they can overcome similar fears.
• Story: “When Liam told his mum he was scared about meeting new classmates, she said, ‘I felt the same way on my first day at work, but I ended up making friends. Let’s think of ways you can make friends, too.’
These examples make the advice practical and relatable for parents. Think about your child and what best works for them. Keeping anxieties to a minimum gives your child the best start for the year.
“Loving school is all about feeling safe and comfortable”
Five simple but powerful tips for parents to help their child start school on a positive note
With school reopening soon, take a moment to chat with your child about their holiday highlights and what they'll miss. This helps them transition from break to school. Ask them what they're excited about, whether it’s seeing friends or new activities. These simple conversations can set a positive tone for the new school year.
1. Talk with Excitement – Speak positively about school, teachers, and learning. Your
enthusiasm will be contagious!
2. Keep Mornings Calm – A smooth, stress-free morning routine sets the tone for the
day. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute chaos.
3. Celebrate Small Wins – Praise your child’s efforts, whether it’s making a new
friend or packing their own bag. Confidence grows with encouragement.
4. Listen and Reassure – If your child has worries, acknowledge them, but focus on
solutions and strengths. “You can handle this, and I’m here for you!”
5. Stay Connected – Chat about their day with curiosity, not just “How was school?”
Try, “What made you smile today?”
It is best to start some conversation about school now. Keep on the positive and invite them to talk about what they know about their new school year. Invite them to talk about the things that they have missed in the holidays and what they look forward to when school starts.
“With the new school year comes opportunities and adventures”
A Few wise thoughts about getting ready for Christmas
The festive season can sometimes feel overwhelming, with endless to-do lists and expectations piling up. This year, why not focus on what truly matters? Spending quality time together as a family. Use this season of change as an opportunity to reconnect and remind yourselves of the joy and love that make family the heart of this special time.
Now that school is finished and the family can concentrate on Christmas and holidays, consider making life as simple and uncomplicated as possible. Enjoy the change as a family unit and begin to remember why family is the key point about this season.
Consider:
Focus on Presence, Not Presents: Children will remember the moments you spend together, not the price tags. Make time for laughter, games and hugs
Keep It Calm and Simple: Don’t stress about creating the “perfect Christmas.” Kids love the small things—hot chocolate, movies, or building a snowman. They love the repetition of Christmas.
Share the Spirit of Giving: Involve children in small acts of kindness— donating a toy, baking for neighbours, or making handmade cards. It’s a gift for their hearts too.
Create Special Traditions: Whether it’s matching pyjamas, bedtime stories by
the tree, or a festive family walk, traditions make Christmas magical and memorable.
Let Kids Be Kids: Allow space for excitement, silliness, and mess. The joy of Christmas is in their smiles and giggles—so join in!
Try to be more relaxed and strengthen friendships and relationships. It is all good for the soul.
“Have yourself a very merry Christmas with all the family.”
Holidays are a great time to reinvigorate relationships with your child
Year-end holidays are a special time for families to reconnect, break from routine, and enjoy quality moments together. In this blog, Gail Smith shares why these holidays are essential for strengthening family bonds and creating lasting happiness.
School is over soon for everyone and it is the one time in the year when families can find time together, be different, escape routine and veg out together. This is a time to remind ourselves that as a family we are strong and happy. It is a time to simply play and have fun and to forget about any burdens that have weighed you down this year.
Consider these thoughts that remind us why holiday are such an important time to reunite as a family.
Strengthens Bonds: Holidays provide uninterrupted time to connect, share laughs, and create cherished memories that strengthen family relationships.
Builds Traditions: Creating rituals like baking together or game nights fosters a sense of belonging and gives children something to look forward to every year.
Boosts Emotional Health: Spending quality time as a family reduces stress, enhances happiness, and helps everyone feel supported.
Teaches Values: Engaging in activities like volunteering or storytelling allows parents to pass on values and lessons in a fun, relaxed environment.
Recharges and Reconnects: Stepping away from daily routines allows everyone to reset, appreciate one another, and start fresh with stronger connections.
When everyone is starting to relax it is amazing how humour and laughter increases in a
house. May the jolly HO Ho of Santa permeate in all families over the next few weeks.
‘Tis the season to be jolly.’
5 Simple Tips to Help Your Child Finish the School Year Strong
The end of the school year can bring a mix of emotions for children, from saying goodbye to teachers and classmates to facing uncertainties about the year ahead. Supporting your child through this transition is key to easing their anxieties and helping them embrace the changes. Here are some simple strategies to create a positive closure to the school year and prepare for what's next.
Finishing the school year can come with all sorts of mixed emotions for your child. Farewelling loved teachers, separating from classmates and the fear of the unknown new school year. The best way to help ease end of year anxieties is to put good closure on the current school year. Below are some simple suggestions that may guide you in this area. It's all about helping your child through the transition of school, holidays and school again.
Consider:
1. Set End-of-Year Goals
Encourage your child to set small, specific goals for their final weeks, like I improving in a subject, finishing a project, or mastering a skill. Celebrate every achievement—it builds confidence and momentum.
2. Organize and Review
Help your child clean out their backpack, locker, or study space. Reviewing old notes and assignments reinforces their learning. It is also a chance to revisit special moments.
3. Show Gratitude to Teachers
Writing a thank-you note or small gesture of appreciation teaches your child kindness and helps build lasting connections with their teachers. Discuss who else in the life of the child should be thanked for their successful school year?
4. Reflect on Successes
Take time to discuss your child’s favourite moments from the year. What were they proud of?What did they enjoy most? This positive reflection encourages growth and gratitude
5. Plan for the Next Step
Talk about what’s coming: next summer plans, the next class, or a new school. This helps your child transition with excitement and purpose.
End the school year on a high note by encouraging your child to finish with focus, appreciation, and enthusiasm! Once school is finished, time to make that clear separation from school and holidays. Everybody needs it.
“Closing the school year well prepares your child for a fresh start in the new year.”
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.
As we approach the end of the school year there are excited thoughts of closure and new beginnings coming into a child’s mind. It is a great time as parents to reflect on how closure should look like for the school year and how planning for holidays and beyond should commence.
Consider the following:
Celebrate Achievements, Big and Small
Acknowledge your child's efforts and progress, not just academic results. In a world where comparison is rampant, affirming their unique journey builds confidence and resilience. It is all about the process.
Reflect on Social and Emotional Growth
Ask yourself: How has my child grown in managing friendships, emotions, or challenges this year? These skills are as important as academics in preparing them for the future.
Address Gaps or Concerns Early
If your child struggled academically, socially, or emotionally, now is the time to create a plan for improvement over the summer. Talk to teachers or explore summer programs to help bridge gaps. Do it gently with still plenty of recreation built in.
Plan Purposeful Summer Activities
Balance relaxation with opportunities for learning and growth. Enrol them in camps, encourage hobbies, or plan family activities that nurture curiosity, creativity, and physical health.
Stay Connected with the School Community
End the year by expressing gratitude to teachers and staff. Building positive relationships now sets the tone for smoother communication and collaboration in the next school year.
Each school year will come with highs and lows. Friendships may change and feelings of anxiety may creep in at the thought of changing classes and teachers. Holidays should be a time to refresh, break routine and enjoy personal space. It is a wonderful time for family to renew relationships and simply enjoy each other where routine and responsibilities are no more for a short time.
“Closing the school year happily and with reflection invites a fresh start in the new year.”
Have a positive outlook with your child. It's great for strengthening mental health.
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.
Try to maintain a positive outlook with your child. The less they see and feel the pressures that can mount at home, the more content they will be. What a wonderful outcome if your child remembers their home life as happy and peaceful.
The illustrations below are all about developing good life skills around your child that will support a happy environment with your child.
Consider:
Acknowledge all the efforts
• Example: When your child studies hard but doesn’t get a perfect score, say, “I’m so proud of how much effort you put in. That’s what really matters!”
Reason: Focusing on effort encourages a growth mindset, which helps children view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than reasons to feel defeated.
• Acknowledge Their Feelings
Example: If your child is upset, try saying, “I can see you’re really sad about this. Let’s talk it through together.”
Reason: Validating their emotions instead of dismissing them teaches children that all feelings are normal and manageable. This approach helps them build emotional intelligence and feel comfortable expressing themselves.
• Use Positive Language When Discussing Mistakes
Example: If your child spills something, say, “No big deal! Let’s clean it up together.”
Reason: Framing mistakes as learning moments rather than failures helps children see that they can recover from setbacks, reducing fear of failure and building resilience.
• Express Genuine Interest in Their Day
Example: When your child comes home, ask, “What was the best part of your day?”
Reason: Showing consistent interest in their lives helps them feel valued, which strengthens their self-worth and builds trust, both essential for mental health.
• Model Optimism and Problem-Solving
Example: If plans change, say, “Looks like we have to change things, but I bet we’ll have a great time with the new plan!”
Reason: Children who see positive coping strategies from their parents are more likely to develop these habits themselves, leading to a stronger ability to handle stress and adapt to challenges.
In each of these ways, a positive approach reinforces a child’s belief in themselves, improves their ability to manage emotions, and provides tools for handling life’s ups and downs. This combination forms a strong foundation for good mental health as they grow.
“A positive outlook always lightens moods and brings in hope.”
Being interested in your child’s school has many benefits
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.
As a parent you are better connected to your child if you value and connect to their school. Remember your child spends five hours a day across forty weeks of the year living in a different world from you where there are many influences and challenges. Your child’s school invites you to be an active member of the work they do with your child. They understand the real difference it makes to your child when you are part of your child’s learning world.
Consider the following benefits:
Academic Progress
Regular communication helps parents stay informed about their child's achievements, challenges, and growth. This way, they can address any learning difficulties early and support their child in meeting academic goals. The more you know the better equipped you are to help.
Emotional Well-being
Children may face social or emotional challenges at school, like bullying or anxiety. By staying in touch with teachers, parents can better understand their child’s social experiences and work together to resolve any issues.
A Strong Parent-Teacher Partnership
Maintaining an open dialogue builds trust between parents and teachers. This partnership ensures everyone is on the same page when it comes to supporting the child’s education and development, creating a united front.
Being Informed About School Events and Changes
Schools regularly have events, programs, or changes to policies. Being in regular contact means parents won’t miss important updates, allowing them to be involved in their child's school life and prepared for any changes.
Encourage Positive Behaviour
When children see that their parents and teachers are connected and communicate often, they are more likely to take school seriously, respect rules, and stay motivated to do their best.
There is so much to enjoy for all the family in the life of a school. You will be enriched by that environment in which you have entrusted your child.
“Make your child’s school a destination for yourself.”
Talk to your child regularly. It’s important for their mental health
Keep talking with your child. Show them that conversations help solve problems and make them feel better. In this blog, Gail Smith shares why regular conversations are so important for your child’s well-being.
Keep conversations going with your child even if you think they are not listening. Let them know that you are a listener and want everything to be out in the open and frequently discussed amongst you. Let them see that conversations are a great way of dealing with problems and that you feel better when matters are openly discussed.
Regular conversations with your child:
1. Builds Trust and Emotional Safety
When children feel heard, they trust that they can share their emotion without fear of judgement.
Example: A child struggling with bullying feels safe opening up to a parent who listens calmly, instead of dismissing their feelings.
2. Prevents Emotional Suppression
Open conversations help children process emotions instead of bottling them up, reducing the risk of anxiety and depression.
Example: Asking, "How was your day?" allows a child to express frustration over a ` grade rather than holding it in.
3. Develops Problem-Solving Skills
Talking through challenges teaches kids how to handle problems and make decisions.
Example: If a child is upset about a fight with a friend, discussing the issue helps them brainstorm ways to apologize or make amends.
4. Strengthens Parent-Child Connection
Frequent conversations create a strong bond, making children feel supported and valued.
Example: Regular chats during bedtime build a habit of sharing, even when they grow older and face bigger challenges.
5. Detects Early Signs of Mental Health Issues
Talking often allows parents to notice mood changes or troubling thoughts before they escalate.
Example: If a usually cheerful child starts avoiding conversations, this could signal stress or sadness, prompting early support.
“A child really feels supported when a parent uses open communication.”
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.
We don’t have to try too hard but with simple behaviour that is solid and reliable you can make a big difference for your child.
Model Values You Want to Teach
Children learn more from what they see than what they’re told. Be intentional about modelling kindness, patience, respect, and responsibility.
Example: If you want your child to be empathetic, let them see you helping others and speaking kindly, even when things are tough.
Create Meaningful Family Rituals
Family traditions foster connection and give children a sense of belonging. Purposeful rituals—like a weekly game night or gratitude journal — build memories and reinforce family values.
Example: Start each day by sharing affirmations with your child.
Focus on Connection Over Perfection
It’s easy to get caught up in the desire to parent perfectly, but children thrive when they feel emotionally connected to their parents. Spend time listening, hugging, and laughing together.
Example: Instead of correcting every mistake, use them as opportunities to bond and teach. For instance, say, “I love you even when things go wrong.”
Encourage Independence with Guidance
Purposeful parents prepare their children for the real world by teaching problem-solving, accountability, and independence. Step back when appropriate but offer a safety net when needed.
Example: Give your child age-appropriate responsibilities, like managing their homework, and discuss their challenges instead of solving problems for them.
Prioritize Presence Over Multitasking
Being present means giving your full attention, even if just for a few minutes each day. It’s not about the amount of time but the quality of your engagement.
Example: Set aside 15-20 minutes daily to talk without distractions—no phones, just undivided attention. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was the best part of your day?”
These strategies will help parents embrace their roles with intention, fostering trust, love, and growth in their children’s lives. Being a purposeful parent means being mindful, consistent, and engaged—not perfect, just present.
“Your presence around your child gives them comfort and reassurance.”
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.
We are always keen to help our children improve their learning capacity at school. There are some practical and useful ways we can support them in this area. Many of the things you currently do may be also useful in supporting your child’s learning. Consider the ideas below that can all operate from the home environment. Perhaps you are currently using these techniques as part of your routine?
Create Daily Routines and Visual Schedules
Why: Routines build predictability, helping children develop organisation and time management skills.
How: Work with your child to create a visual schedule for school days, including tasks like homework, chores, and downtime. Use calendars, to-do lists, or apps that show progress, such as a checklist where they can cross off completed tasks.
Encourage Breaks and Time Management.
Why: Children learn to manage their focus and energy better when they alternate between work and rest. We all need to learn the balance.
How: Teach them to study for 25-minute blocks followed by 5-minute breaks (Pomodoro technique). Use timers to keep track, making it easier to stay focused and avoid burnout.
Use Games and Activities to Strengthen Working Memory
Why: Strong working memory helps children hold and use information for tasks like following instructions and solving problems.
How: Play memory-boosting games such as card-matching games, Simon Says, or apps designed to challenge working memory (e.g., puzzles or brain-training games).
Model and Teach Self-Regulation Strategies
Why: Self-regulation helps children manage emotions and impulses, crucial for staying on task and following through on assignments.
How: Practice mindfulness techniques together, such as deep breathing or counting to ten. Encourage them to pause before reacting impulsively to frustration or distractions.
Promote Independence Through Goal Setting and Reflection
Why: Setting goals fosters accountability and helps children develop problem-solving skills.
How: Start with small, achievable goals (e.g., “Complete maths homework by 5 PM”). Afterwards, discuss what worked and what could improve. This reflection builds self-awareness and teaches them to adjust their strategies over time.
These tips provide hands-on ways for parents to nurture their child’s executive function skills, making academic tasks easier and improving school performance. You will enjoy being actively involved with them and demonstrating how you also value ways to improve your ongoing learning.
“The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences.”
A child's mind is a garden—nurture it with love, or weeds of doubt will grow.
As caring parents, we play a vital role in shaping our children’s mental well-being. In this blog, we are exploring the thoughts that reflect the difference we can make to building good mental health in our children.
Your care shapes their mental world. The below thoughts reflect the difference we make to building good mental health in our children.
Your presence today builds their strength for tomorrow. Show up now—secure their future resilience.
Silence breeds shadows—talk to your child before the darkness grows.
Speak up to stop emotional struggles.
Your words are the bricks that build their self-worth.
Every word moulds their confidence.
Neglect the mind, and the heart will follow—mental health is family health.
Mental wellness starts at home.
A child’s laughter today is their shield for tomorrow’s battles.
Joy builds lifelong emotional armour.
You hold the key to unlocking their inner strength.
Your support empowers their resilience.
A parent’s love is the first line of defence against the world.
Your care protects their mental well-being.
Being a caring parent, recognizes that your work involves building strong mental health in your child.
“Promise me you’ll always remember you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
Teach your child to like themselves
One of the keys to success is helping children accept and like who they are. They need to believe they deserve kindness and good things in life. Gail Smith shares why it's essential for parents to teach their kids self-acceptance and self-worth.
One of the keys to success is to accept and like who you are. A child needs to believe that they deserve to be treated well and that they deserve good things in their life. They need to nurture the belief that they are as good as anyone else. It takes time for a child to mature into really recognizing their own value so start early as a a parent in teaching them their worth.
Here are five reasons why parents need to teach their children to like and accept themselves, along with examples of how they can do it:
1. Builds Confidence
When children learn to accept themselves, they become more confident in their abilities and decisions. For example, if a child feels unsure about their looks or talents, parents can remind them of their strengths and help them embrace their uniqueness. Complimenting their efforts, not just results, can help reinforce this.
2. Develops Emotional Resilience
Self-acceptance helps children cope better with challenges and failures. Parents can encourage this by framing mistakes as learning opportunities. For instance, if a child doesn’t win a competition, remind them it’s okay to fail sometimes and that they still have value regardless of the outcome.
3. Promotes Healthy Relationships
Children who accept themselves are more likely to build strong, positive relationships because they don’t rely on others for validation. Parents can encourage healthy relationships by teaching their children not to compare themselves to others and to value friends who respect them for who they are.
4. Reduces Anxiety and Stress
When children are comfortable with who they are, they feel less pressure to meet unrealistic expectations. Parents can help by reassuring their children that they don’t have to be perfect. For example, if a child is stressed about grades, parents can focus on the effort and improvement rather than demanding perfection.
5. Fosters Independence and Decision-Making
Self-accepting children trust themselves and their instincts, leading to better decision-making. Parents can nurture this by allowing children to make age-appropriate choices, like choosing their clothes or hobbies, while guiding them gently without taking control. This shows them that their opinions matter. By teaching self-acceptance, parents provide their children with the emotional tools they need to lead happier, more fulfilling lives.
As the parent show your child how your life reflects treating yourself with dignity and nurture. Your lifestyle and self-management will be watched carefully by your child.
“It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will makes them successful human beings.”
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.
We all have opinions. What we need to teach our children is that you do not judge yourself on what others think of you. From an early age we remind our children that they are worthy of making good judgements for themselves.
Teach your children that:
• What other people say about or to you can only affect you if you believe them. This is all about building their self worth.
• You are in charge of how you feel. When you get others bringing you down keep reminding yourself that they have no value at all.
• No one can make you feel inferior without our consent, said Eleanor Roosevelt. Therefore, you do not give anyone consent to put you down.
• Be proud of your opinions and know that they are valued. Not everyone may believe them but they are yours to own and to express to others. After all success comes from believing in yourself.
• Gravitate around positive people that are not in the habit of bringing people down. This makes for happier lasting friendships.
• People that have strong opinions about others are usually very poor listeners and are not interesting to be around as a friend. In fact they can bring you down very easily as they control the conversations usually in a negative way.
• Choose friends wisely as this will be a big boost to a happy childhood.
Finally teach your children that you are there to listen to them with no judgement and that you value what they have to say. With affirming parenting, they will take advantage of your wisdom.
“Listen to your child’s opinions and applaud their creative approach to life.”