It really matters to listen to your child →

June 12, 2024 by Gail Smith in active listening, Appreciation, Communication, Confidence, Experiences, Family, Emotions, Gratitude, Learning, Listening, Parenting, Problem Solving, relationship, Self Confidence, Self-Esteem

Listening to your child is crucial for building and strengthening your relationship with them. Gail Smith explains five compelling reasons why attentive listening truly matters.

Helping your child navigate social challenges at school →

June 05, 2024 by Gail Smith in Anxiety, Behaviour, Children, Decision Making, Discrimination, Education, Emotions, Experiences, Family

Social challenges at school are a normal part of growing up. When your child navigates these situations well, they grow in both intellectual and social maturity. Encouraging your child to stay optimistic and believe in their ability to overcome social issues is crucial. Here are some tips to help them understand that there are many ways to work through social challenges.

Developing good mental health in your child →

May 22, 2024 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Confidence, Communication, Emotions, Family, Happiness, meditation, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Parenting, Role model, Self Confidence, Support, Well being

Building a strong foundation for your child's mental health starts with ensuring they feel safe and happy. Discover practical tips to nurture their well-being during those crucial early years. Gail Smith shares some suggestions to help your child thrive emotionally and mentally.

Let’s reflect on how we are going in our parenting →

May 15, 2024 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Communication, Children, Confidence, Education, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Independence, Listening, Parenting, relationship, Well being, Values

Parenting is like a river, always moving and changing with our children's needs. As they grow, we should grow too. Take a moment now and then to see how you're doing as a parent. Gail Smiths shares some great ideas to help you build an even better bond with your child.

We need to regulate our angry responses around children

May 08, 2024 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Communication, Emotions, Gratitude, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving

It's important for parents to stay calm and not get too angry too quickly. This helps in handling issues at home effectively. When parents get angry, children might not understand why and it can harm the parent-child relationship. It's best to manage anger by taking a break before addressing the problem, as this shows emotional control and helps maintain a positive relationship with your child.

Valuable resources for mastering effective communication with your child →

April 30, 2024 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Communication, Education, Emotions, Family, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, relationship, Support, Listening, active listening

In the hustle of a busy day, we might find ourselves talking quickly and sharply to our children. This can be frustrating for both parents and kids, as everyone wants to be heard and understood. It's normal to feel irritated when we don't get a response or feel like no one is listening. Gail Smith has some great tips to help us support our children and improve our conversations. Learning these skills can make a huge difference in how we communicate.

Using 'I' statements to get your message across to your child →

April 30, 2024 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Communication, Education, Emotions, Family, Learning, relationship, Well being

"I" statements are about expressing your needs and feelings directly, fostering genuine communication. They help your child understand your perspective better, whether you're addressing a concern or praising their actions. Together with Gail Smith, let’s explore the impact of "I" statements in family communication.

Beware the roadblocks to good communication with your child

April 17, 2024 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Communication, Counselling Tips, Education, Emotions, Mental Support, Mindfulness, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Well being

Have you ever noticed that sometimes our kids seem to tune us out or react in unexpected ways? It might be because we unintentionally create barriers to good communication with them. Discover with Gail Smith some common roadblocks we might unknowingly set up, thinking we're doing what's best for them.

A Few Tips on keeping a Calm Household

April 17, 2024 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Communication, Education, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Learning, Memories, Mindfulness, Parenting, Problem Solving, relationship, Responsibility, Well being

Navigating the hustle and bustle of family life can sometimes leave us feeling worn out and frazzled. Staying calm during the busy week can be hard. Here are some simple tips from Gail Smith to help reduce tension at home with your child.

What brings joy to you and your child? →

April 04, 2024 by Gail Smith in Activity, Appreciation, Communication, Children, Emotions, Family, Happiness, Laughter, Positive Behaviour, Raising Boys, Raising girls, Self Esteem, Values

The more we share joy with our children, the deeper and richer connection we make with them. Sharing joy triggers a host of significant physiological and psychological changes that improve our physical and mental health. Gail Smith shares some examples of what brings joy to your child.

Encourage your child to write well →

March 28, 2024 by Gail Smith in Activity, Children, Communication, Education, Emotions, Family, Finding Help, Language development, Learning, Parenting, Writing

Writing is like giving your child a superpower—a way to express themselves, explore their thoughts, and tap into a world of creativity. It's not just about words on paper; it's about unlocking a whole new level of intellectual, physiological, and emotional growth. Dive into these exciting ideas by Gail Smith to cultivate your child's passion for writing, a skill that lies at the core of education!

Some simple ideas to slow down tension at home →

March 20, 2024 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Education, Emotions, Family, meditation, Mental Support, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Problem Solving, Well being

Managing a bustling household often leads to tension, with everyone juggling tasks and schedules. To avoid potential issues, try these simple tips for a more harmonious home. Remember, small changes can make a big difference, so be kind to yourself as you navigate the challenges of parenting.

Parenting through uncertain times →

March 06, 2024 by Gail Smith in Activity, Behaviour, Children, Education, Emotions, Family, Happiness, Learning, Media, Mental Support, Parenting, Positive Behaviour

In our fast-paced world, the internet and social media greatly influence how we see things. As a parent, navigating this can be tough. Check out Gail Smith's tips for creating a safe and supportive home environment for your child in this digital age.

The importance of helping your child develop a positive body image →

February 28, 2024 by Gail Smith in Appreciation, Behaviour, Children, education, Emotions, Family, Gratitude, Learning, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Self Esteem, Stress, teenager, Teen years

In today's world, our children can face many challenges when it comes to body image. It's important to help them develop a positive view of themselves. Gail Smith explains why this is so crucial and offers tips on how you can support your child in this process.

Understanding difficult behaviour

February 14, 2024 by Gail Smith in Anxiety, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Decision Making, Education, Emotions, Family, Finding Help, Learning, Parenting, Problem Solving, Stress

Parenting can get tricky, especially when dealing with difficult behaviour. Check out Gail Smith’s suggestions on handling those challenging moments with your child.

Be available to listen to your child at this early stage of the school year →

February 07, 2024 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Communication, education, Experiences, Emotions, Family, Parenting, relationship, Safety, school, Starting School

When you listen well to your child you see your child more clearly. Explore the reasons for effective listening with Gail Smith, especially at this early stage of the school year.

Listening to your children is incredibly important for several reasons →

January 10, 2024 by Gail Smith in Children, Communication, education, Emotions, Family, Parenting, Self Esteem

Talk less, listen more next time when you are having a conversation with your children. Consider the following reasons why active listening is so important by Gail Smith.

Nurturing Your Child's Well-Being: A Guide for Parents to Cultivate Hope and Resilience →

January 05, 2024 by Gail Smith in Anxiety, Appreciation, Children, Discrimination, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Self Esteem

With the challenges children face today, from academic pressures to social media’s influence, fostering their mental and emotional health has never been more important. Read on for some strategies and insights to help you in this enriching yet challenging endeavour.

Encourage creativity in our children →

January 03, 2024 by Gail Smith in Achievement, Activity, Children, creative, Experiences, Emotions, Happiness, Independence, Laughter, Learning

Creativity is intelligence having fun. Read on to see how creativity can be a major driving force of learning for your child.

Christmas Home Decorations - Rituals And Happy Memories

December 16, 2023 by Gail Smith in Activity, Appreciation, creative, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Friendship, Parenting, Personality, Positive Behaviour, School Holidays, school

The home environment takes on a special magic for your child. Here are some thoughts about how your efforts in decorating for Christmas can have long-term value and memory-making moments for your children.