Favorite Blog Posts

• The importance of assertiveness for parent and child
• Why we should let the village raise the child
• Don't be sad for me: Babies and their gender

What topics do you cover on your blog?

My blog is largely about parenting in the modern world but more specifically it is about preventing many of the issues that are presenting themselves in my work as a counsellor. Changes in society and develpments in technology and idealogy have seen a shift in parenting that has resulted in many confused and overwhelmed parents as they struggle to keep abreast of all they feel they should be doing in their role as parent. My blog aims to take parenting back to the basics whilst still addressing the many modern issues faced by both parent and adolescent. As a mother of 5 boys I use both personal experience as well as professional experience, work and research to give a perspective that is not only real, but emapathic, sometimes funny, sometimes painful, sometimes entertaining but hopefuly always informative and valuable. In my work as counsellor I see many parents and children with anxiety and depression and I believe many of these issues can certainly be addressed earlier on in order to have a greater chance at preventing them from taking hold. I also am a mother of a little baby girl who died at nearly 5 months of age. This tragedy and my subsequent journey to recover and find joy again was also one of the main reasons I started my blog. I want people to enjoy their families. I want parents to let go of the many stressors and anxieties that prevent them from relishing in their role as parent. I also want to help those who have been through similiar tragedies to know that whilst nothing will ever take away the pain of losing a child, there is a chance to find joy again. I also look at the impact grief can have on a family and on other children and siblings. My blog covers topics such as building resilience and developing coping skills. It outlines practical organisational tips, strategies to help a range of issues such as sibling rivalry, anxiety, assertiveness, bullying and grief as well as various ways to help us priotitise and focus on our happiness. It is a blog that attempts to keep it real and honest whilst supported by professional work and research. It is a blog that hopes to inform, empathise, educate and entertain all parents in order for them to not only survive, but to thrive in the world of modern parenting.

What are three unqiue features of your blog?

1) every post uses personal experience as well as professional expertise to help parents survive and thrive. 2)it is not a blog about being the perfect parent but rather a blog that endeavours to help parents enjoy their role and relish their in family life. 3)It outlines specific strategies and realistic ways to help parents deal with the many issues they face raising a child in modern society.

What do you like most about raising a child in Australia?

Raising a child in Australia is to me the greatest privilage. We have space and land, with mountains, deserts, forests, and oceans. My children grow up spending large amounts of time at the beach. They have a healthy lifestyle of swimming and surf lifesaving and play sports such as football and cricket. We have long hot summers and cool winters. We have education that is of a high standard and employment prospects that are relatively good. There is opportunity for a great standard of living in a peaceful and stable environment. I have never raised a child anywhere else but am perfectly happy doing so in this great country.