The Primary Years

A Principal's Perspective on Raising Happy Kids

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Tips for busy parents who need to keep in touch with the school

August 22, 2023 by Gail Smith in Activity, Children, Communication, Education, Parenting, school

This blog aims to help busy parents foster a strong connection with their child's school and education.

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August 22, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
Parenting, parenting Tips, Children, School, school community, teacher, education
Activity, Children, Communication, Education, Parenting, school
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Simple suggestions to help build empathy and kindness in your child

August 15, 2023 by Gail Smith in Appreciation, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Emotions, Friendship, Gratitude, Happiness, Positive Behaviour, Values

Read the blog to find out how to build empathy and compassion in your child.

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August 15, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
kindness, Compassion, Gratitude, Parentng, parenting Tips, Emotions, manners, empathy
Appreciation, Behaviour, Children, Communication, Emotions, Friendship, Gratitude, Happiness, Positive Behaviour, Values
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Six ideas to help children focus on learning rather than just completing work

August 15, 2023 by Gail Smith in Achievement, Children, Communication, creative, Education, Learning, Parenting, Reading, school

Here are six different ways to promote deeper learning.

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August 15, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
Children, Parenting, parenting Tips, learning, creativity, education, Reading
Achievement, Children, Communication, creative, Education, Learning, Parenting, Reading, school
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Navigating the Emotional Roller coaster: Supporting Parents with Children at School

August 08, 2023 by Gail Smith in Children, Communication, education, Emotions, Experiences, Friendship, Happiness, Learning, Parenting, Problem Solving, school, Stress

For some children, school can be challenging on many different levels. This blog aims to provide emotional support and practical strategies for parents to navigate the ups and downs of their children's school lives.

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August 08, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
Children, Parenting, parenting Tips, education, learning, support, communication, Resiliance, Stress, self care
Children, Communication, education, Emotions, Experiences, Friendship, Happiness, Learning, Parenting, Problem Solving, school, Stress
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Time to remind yourself that being a parent is a wonderful experience

August 01, 2023 by Gail Smith in Appreciation, Children, Communication, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Laughter, Memories, Parenting, Positive Behaviour

A reminder to cherish the wonders of being a parent.

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August 01, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
child, Children, Parenting, parenting Tips, Emotions, Love, Happiness, appreciation, Memories
Appreciation, Children, Communication, Emotions, Experiences, Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Laughter, Memories, Parenting, Positive Behaviour
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Supporting our Upper Primary Students: Encouraging Growth and Independence

August 01, 2023 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Communication, Emotions, Family, Independence, Parenting

Raising teenagers can be a challenge, here are some tips on how to encourage growth and independence.

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August 01, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
teenager, raising teenagers, family, Emotions, Parenting, parenting Tips
Behaviour, Communication, Emotions, Family, Independence, Parenting
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Nurturing Emotional Intelligence in Children: Emphasising Emotional Care

August 01, 2023 by Gail Smith in Appreciation, Children, Communication, Emotions, Happiness, Parenting, Positive Behaviour

Parenting tips on how to emotionally care for and support your child to help nurture their emotional intelligence.

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August 01, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
child, Children, Parenting, parenting Tips, communication, well-being, Emotions, mental health, empathy
Appreciation, Children, Communication, Emotions, Happiness, Parenting, Positive Behaviour
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Nine Proactive Strategies for Fostering Mental Health in Children

August 01, 2023 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Communication, Emotions, Gratitude, Happiness, Friendship, Laughter, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Relax

Here are nine ways to foster and sustain your child’s mental health and well-being.

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August 01, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
Children, Parenting, parenting Tips, mental health, well-being, Positivity, Emotions, Happiness
Behaviour, Children, Communication, Emotions, Gratitude, Happiness, Friendship, Laughter, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Relax
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How many battles do you need to win?

July 25, 2023 by Gail Smith in Children, Communication, Emotions, Negotiation, Parenting, Problem Solving

This blog discusses the theme of picking your battles with your children wisely.

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July 25, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
Children, Parenting, parenting Tips, Problem Solving
Children, Communication, Emotions, Negotiation, Parenting, Problem Solving
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Practical Ways to Nurture Learning: A Guide for Busy Parents

July 18, 2023 by Gail Smith in Appreciation, Children, Communication, Parenting, Problem Solving

Parenting can be demanding, including learning in your child's daily life doesn't have to be a struggle.

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July 18, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
Children, Parenting, parenting Tips, rushed, communication
Appreciation, Children, Communication, Parenting, Problem Solving
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Talking positively to your child makes all the difference.

July 11, 2023 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Communication, Emotions, Positive Behaviour

This blog explores why your communication style is so important to your child and tips to consider.

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July 11, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
Parenting, Children, communication, positive thinking, Positivity, Positive Behaviour, Emotions
Behaviour, Children, Communication, Emotions, Positive Behaviour
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Helping the shy, less confident child

July 04, 2023 by Gail Smith in Achievement, Children, Communication, Emotions, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Self Esteem

For some children, finding their confidence can be a challenge. Here are some ways to build your child’s stamina in this area.

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July 04, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
Children, Parenting, parenting Tips, shy, Emotions, feelings, Positivity, Confidence, selfesteem, self confidence
Achievement, Children, Communication, Emotions, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, Self Esteem
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How to motivate children to write

June 27, 2023 by Gail Smith in Learning, Parenting, Reading, tasks, Writing

Here are some great parenting ideas to stimulate your child to enjoy writing.

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June 27, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
parenting Tips, Parenting, Children, learning, Writing
Learning, Parenting, Reading, tasks, Writing
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Keeping perspective on what is important

June 27, 2023 by Gail Smith in Appreciation, Children, Communication, Emotions, Gratitude, Happiness, Memories, Parenting

Time goes so quickly with children, here are a few reminders to cherish the smaller moments.

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June 27, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
Parenting, parenting Tips, Children, Memories, Emotions, appreciation, Happiness
Appreciation, Children, Communication, Emotions, Gratitude, Happiness, Memories, Parenting
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A happy classroom is a healthy place in which to learn

June 13, 2023 by Gail Smith in Children, Education, Emotions, Happiness, Parenting, school, teacher

A classroom is a happy place where learning happens. Here are some ways to help your child with feeling happier and settled at school.

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June 13, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
Children, Parenting, parenting Tips, teacher, School, learning
Children, Education, Emotions, Happiness, Parenting, school, teacher
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Help your child improve their mental capacity

June 06, 2023 by Gail Smith in Children, Communication, Emotions, Learning, Parenting, Positive Behaviour

Read for some parenting tips that can help your child improve their mental capacity.

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June 06, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
Children, Parenting, parenting Tips, learning, Emotions, thinking, growth
Children, Communication, Emotions, Learning, Parenting, Positive Behaviour
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Eight easy steps to get your child talking to you

May 30, 2023 by Gail Smith

8 simple steps that can encourage our children to keep talking to us.

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May 30, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
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Keep our children active and physical

May 30, 2023 by Gail Smith in Achievement, Children, Family, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, School Sports, Sports

This article is a reminder of the importance of keeping our children active daily.

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May 30, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
Children, Parenting, parenting Tips, Fitness
Achievement, Children, Family, Parenting, Positive Behaviour, School Sports, Sports
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Can we control everything?

May 30, 2023 by Gail Smith in Behaviour, Children, Communication, Decision Making, Emotions, Independence, Learning, Parenting, Problem Solving

This article discusses controlling a little less and supporting a little more of your child’s sense of personal freedom.

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May 30, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
Children, Parenting, parenting Tips, control, decisions, communication, Emotions, support, Independence
Behaviour, Children, Communication, Decision Making, Emotions, Independence, Learning, Parenting, Problem Solving
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Watch out for self doubting. It can creep in slowly and stealthily

May 23, 2023 by Gail Smith in Achievement, Children, Communication, Emotions, Happiness, Learning, Parenting, Positive Behaviour

Here are some parenting tips to consider for your child to boost their self-worth and reduce self-doubting.

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May 23, 2023 /Gail Smith /Source
Children, Parenting, parenting Tips, Emotions, self-worth, strengths
Achievement, Children, Communication, Emotions, Happiness, Learning, Parenting, Positive Behaviour
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You have produced a book that contains specific ways in helping young children, families, teachers, and others toward the goal of raising happy children.
I find it a reminder for adults to take a look at ourselves and revue the lessons we may have forgotten in the turmoil of living.
Wise and well done, Gail.

Nadine M