Helping parents raise happy, confident children
Teenagers are often caught in a tricky balancing act. On the one hand, they want to feel accepted and part of a group. On the other, they’re still working out who they really are – and who they want to become. Sometimes this leads to choices that don’t quite fit, like pretending to like something … Read more
Teenage friendships can be a wonderful source of joy and confidence – but they can also bring stress, self-doubt, and pressure to fit in. As parents, we often walk a fine line between stepping in and stepping back. We want to protect our children from harm, but we also know they need space to grow, … Read more
Toys play a really big part in your child’s development, far beyond keeping little ones busy on a rainy afternoon. From the moment a baby can grasp a rattle to those pretend play games at the kitchen table, the toys you offer shape so many important milestones along the way. This article shares practical ways … Read more
Play isn’t just fun – it’s how toddlers explore, experiment, and learn. From mastering language to building coordination and confidence, play forms the foundation of early learning. Here’s how different types of play support your child’s development, with simple, practical ideas for home. 1. Nursery Rhymes: A Language and Memory Booster Singing nursery rhymes introduces … Read more
The Role of Child Development Milestones Understanding child development milestones means more than watching for a child’s first steps or words. As someone who has supported many children in early years settings, I’ve seen how milestones help spot strengths and show where support is needed. Above is a simple visual summary of common developmental milestones … Read more
Bilingual parenting can be both a joyful and complex journey. Every family is different – different languages, different dynamics, different goals. I’ve raised bilingual children, and helped a grandson on his own bilingual path. Along the way, I’ve seen what works, what’s challenging, and how priorities shift as children grow. Here are some of the … Read more
While revisiting some old notes and parenting questions recently, I realised there were two common issues I hadn’t properly addressed in my original post on picky eating: 1) What to do when your child says they’re full at lunch but asks for a snack 10 minutes later2) Whether it’s really worth pushing vegetables when your … Read more
Parenting today can feel overwhelming. We’re juggling work, home life, school demands, and everything in between. It’s easy to assume that if something is important, our child will learn it at school. But the truth is, some basic skills and pieces of knowledge really do need to come from home. Teachers across the world are … Read more
The best parenting advice doesn’t always come from a book or an expert. Sometimes it comes from a simple story that sticks with you. Years ago, I came across an anecdote about a family who unwittingly taught their kitten to scratch the furniture whenever it wanted to go outside. They hadn’t meant to – they … Read more
University life can be exciting and enriching – but also stressful, isolating, and full of pressure. For many students, especially those in their final year or pursuing postgraduate degrees, the intensity of deadlines, dissertations, and high expectations can take a real toll on their wellbeing. Whether your young adult is away at university or has … Read more