“Why can’t my child sit still anymore?”

If you’ve ever watched your child bounce between apps, skip through YouTube videos after five seconds, or struggle to finish a simple homework task, you’re not alone.

Many parents and teachers are noticing it:
Kids today seem more distracted.
More restless.
More easily bored.

So what’s going on?

While attention challenges like ADHD are better understood and more widely diagnosed today, there’s growing concern that our digital lifestyles, especially early and frequent screen exposure, may be reshaping the way young brains focus, engage, and process information.

Let’s explore what the research says.

What Is “Attention Span” Anyway?

Attention span refers to how long someone can focus on a task without becoming distracted. It’s a key part of learning, memory, emotional regulation, and problem-solving.

For children, attention develops with age. But in the digital era, something has shifted.

What the Research Is Showing

1. Heavy screen use is linked to reduced attention

A 2018 study published in JAMA tracked more than 2,500 adolescents over two years. It found that teens who used multiple forms of digital media (e.g. texting, streaming, gaming) several times a day were significantly more likely to develop symptoms of attention disorders.

This isn’t just about the amount of screen time, but the type of content consumed and the pace at which it moves.

“Our brains are not wired to process rapid-fire shifts in attention constantly,” explains Dr. Michael Rich, pediatrician and director of the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital.

2. Fast-paced media may be rewiring young brains

Apps like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are designed to deliver instant gratification, dopamine hits from quick, high-stimulation content. Over time, this can make slower-paced tasks (like reading, writing, or listening in class) feel unbearably boring by comparison.

This contributes to something called attention fragmentation, where a child’s ability to sustain focus is compromised because they’ve adapted to jump from stimulus to stimulus.

3. Children’s attention spans are shrinking, but the full picture is complex

A study from Microsoft once claimed that the human attention span had shrunk to 8 seconds (shorter than a goldfish). But this stat has since been debated and criticized for oversimplifying a complex issue.

What’s more accurate is this: Kids are becoming more selective in what they pay attention to.
They can focus for long stretches, on things that offer novelty, fast feedback, or intense engagement (like video games). The challenge lies in sustaining attention on non-stimulating, non-rewarding tasks.

So… Is Technology to Blame?

Partially.

Technology isn’t the enemy. In fact, it can support learning, creativity, and connection when used wisely. But the way it’s designed, and the amount of exposure, can condition children to expect:

• Constant stimulation
• Immediate rewards
• Zero boredom

And when real life doesn’t deliver those things? Their attention disengages.

Signs Your Child May Be Struggling With Attention (Tech-Related)

• Constant need for stimulation or background noise
• Struggles to finish homework or reading without distractions
• Frequently switches between apps, tabs, or tasks
• Meltdowns or irritability when screens are removed
• Decreased ability to play imaginatively or independently

What Parents Can Do

You don’t need to ban screens. But you do need to create boundaries and balance.

1. Designate slow time every day

Encourage activities that require sustained attention: puzzles, reading, drawing, unstructured outdoor play. Start small- 10 minutes of uninterrupted focus is a win.

2. Delay exposure to fast-paced media

For younger children, limit short-form content (like TikTok, YouTube Shorts) that trains the brain to expect instant hits of stimulation.

3. Practice tech-free transitions

Build in buffer time between screen time and tasks like schoolwork, bedtime, or meals to help the brain recalibrate.

4. Model digital mindfulness

Your habits matter. If you’re checking your phone every 30 seconds, your child is watching and learning.

5. Use screens with purpose, not passively

Ask: Is this content helping my child learn, connect, or create? Or is it just numbing boredom?

Our children’s attention spans are being shaped, by their environment, their routines, and yes, their screens. But also by the presence, patience, and structure we offer as parents.

Technology isn’t going away. But neither is the power of boredom, imagination, or a story told without a screen.

The goal isn’t to eliminate technology. It’s to make sure it doesn’t replace the experiences that help our kids grow, think deeply, and pay attention to the world and people around them.

Article supplied with thanks to Sabrina Peters.

About the Author: Sabrina is a pastor and a psychologist who is dedicated to helping people experience wholeness and growth. Passionate about building healthy families, she spends her days raising kids, supporting clients, and creating resources that inspire freedom and hope.

Feature image: Canva

What makes some families bend while others break?

Ever wondered why some families seem to be so capable, so stalwart, so brave, seemingly unbreakable?

You might know one or two families who fit into this hallowed zone in your mind. They are the family that, no matter how terrible life gets, somehow manages to stick together and get through it.

On the other hand, you probably know other families who have broken apart for far less. It makes you scratch your head and wonder what are the ingredients for resilient families. Maybe you’re desperately wanting to master the skills it takes to become one of those families.

Well, the research is in and it’s both surprising and a little terrifying. So, buckle in, put on your mindfulness hat, take a deep breath and be ready for some good, old, honest reflection.

One in seven families

The Barna Group is a research organisation that studies culture, families and social trends. They recently ran a large study on families in the United States and their data reveals a sobering reality that’s applicable in Australia and New Zealand too.

Of the 37 per cent of respondents who are married with kids, only 14 per cent of them fell into Barna’s “Resilient” category, while more than a third are classified as “Fragile”.

When I first came across this statistic, I was horrified, but also not really that surprised. In 2024, the crude divorce rate was 2.1 divorces per 1000 people. As a result, many kids, myself included, have to deal with a lot of adult mess at a young age.

But how do you measure resilience?

Barna’s resilience framework identifies four key relational, emotional and spiritual traits that tend to appear in strong, healthy families.

• Shared values and beliefs that guide family life
• Open and healthy communication between spouses
• A deep emotional connection within the marriage
• Active engagement in community or faith-based practices beyond the household

Married parents are categorised based on how many of these traits they consistently exhibit:

• Resilient (all four): 14%
• Stable (three): 26%
• Struggling (two): 24%
• Fragile (one or none): 36%

While you might feel Barna is judging you and your family, these categories aren’t labels of success or failure. Rather, they offer insights for everyday family life, areas of strength and areas where support may be needed.

The three ingredients resilient families use

This isn’t about looking at the research and saying, “That’s it, our family isn’t going to make it”, but rather, “What can I learn about my family from this research, so that we can become resilient?”

Here are the three things to learn from resilient families.

1. Repair

If you think resilient families are perfect, you’re far from right. Resilient families have just as much drama, conflict and day-to-day stress as anyone else, but they practise something special: Repair.

When conflicts arise, which they inevitably will, they seek repair instead of avoiding, blaming, shaming and name-calling. Repair looks like everyone taking responsibility for their actions and addressing the relational tension directly, rather than letting it simmer under the surface.

Resilient families know by experience that unresolved issues will lead to volcanic emotions, which can cause catastrophic emotional damage. When this has occurred, it can be very hard for families to move forward in a healthy way, because of the further unresolved damage that has happened. To avoid all of this unnecessary pain, resilient families make it a habit to regularly repair.

This is about acknowledging the hurt certain actions may have caused and working together on a solution. While all of this might sound humiliating, especially when apologising to a child, it can be the difference between life and death for a family unit when practised consistently.

Good mental health doesn’t exist because of the absence of bad or challenging things, but because we have protective factors in place. We have safe people, safe places, ways to calm down, ways to problem-solve and healthy ways to relax.

It’s the same with resilient families. The negative effects of stress won’t go away, but the positive efforts of repairing and problem-solving as a family can make all the difference for the overall mental fitness of all the family members.

2. Seek support

Every family has unique challenges and resilient families are no different. The tool that resilient families use during hardship is support. When there is a significant distressing event like a loss or trauma, resilient families seek support for their mental wellbeing. This could look like external providers, such as psychologists or counsellors, or a trusted, safe friend.

Interestingly, families in the “fragile category” don’t seek support. They try to go it alone or believe even if they seek help, they won’t find it or it won’t be sufficient for their needs. Unfortunately, this mindset leaves them even more fragile and increases the strain on the family.

Resilience isn’t about being spared from hardship, it’s about not going through it alone. You don’t need to try to push through a mental health challenge as a lone ranger. There are so many services or programs out there that will most certainly help you if you choose to engage. You matter and you deserve support.

3. Engagement

Resilient families have another trick up their sleeves that keeps them together. They engage in their communities. Research has long shown that community engagement, socialising and being a part of a group of healthy people are crucial for mental wellbeing, compared to having little or no community involvement.

Resilient families know this and they engage with their community regularly. For some people, this looks like being part of a vibrant church. For others, it might be mothers’ groups, playgroups, sports clubs, surf lifesaving clubs, volunteering and more. The point is meaningful involvement with a healthy, safe group of people who are all contributing to the betterment of everyone else.

Find community engagement opportunities where you live and depending on the specific needs of your particular area, you might be able to contribute something really meaningful to your community. It’s great to include young children as it teaches them social and communication skills, and that others have needs that are just as important as their own.

Schools often offer opportunities for your family to get involved if you’re struggling to find a community. Older children and teenagers can also make great contributions to community groups and it’s amazing for building their confidence.

Resilient families make up resilient communities and this is a huge benefit for our social futures. Community helps everyone feel connected and have a sense of purpose, crucial for our sense of belonging and inclusion in society.

Your family can become a resilient family

The ingredients to become a resilient family—repair, support and engagement—offer hope because everyone can start practising repair, seeking support and plugging into a great community.

Wherever you find your family right now, even if it’s in the fragile category, you can flip that around. With the help of outside support while including your family as part of the solution, and by engaging in a healthy community, you can increase the chances of your family sticking together forever.

Article supplied with thanks to Mum’s At The Table

About the Author: Adriana is Mums At The Table’s part-time digital content creator and writes from Kingscliff, Queensland.

Feature image: Canva

Every parent gets it wrong sometimes. What matters is what happens next

“What is wrong with you? I can’t believe you did that! You’re deliberately trying to make my life harder. I’m so mad, I don’t want to talk to you right now.”

Yup. I said that. To my three-year-old son after he deliberately dropped his yoghurt bottle on the ground to make it splatter across the carpet at the Airbnb we’d just checked into.

Now, let’s put his action aside, because this isn’t an article about what he did. Instead, let’s focus on my response and what was going on for me. I share this not because I am proud of the moment, but because I think it speaks to something universal: We all have these moments.

I’m a professional with a deep passion for this space. I know that shaming a child doesn’t teach the lesson we’re hoping for. In fact, done repeatedly, it can chip away at their self-worth. And yet here I was, shaming my son. Why?

It had been a long day. I was 34 weeks pregnant with my third child, on day three of a month-long stint solo parenting two young kids. Oh, and we weren’t staying at home because our house was being renovated. That day, we’d just checked into our second of five accommodation stays.

But my day hadn’t gone to plan. Instead of packing up early so we could leave on time for the 18-month-old to have his nap on the drive, I’d ended up in an ambulance with him instead (thankfully we were visiting family, so there was someone to watch my three-year-old at the time).

Thankfully, he responded rapidly to the treatment at hospital and we were able to leave after several hours, but the smooth plans for the day were blown. We got on the road late and he had a long, late nap, pushing bedtime well into the night.

This yoghurt incident? It happened after I’d just finished cleaning up following a late dinner. I was exhausted, physically and mentally, and super keen for bed, except my 18-month-old wasn’t going down until 11 pm. I was overwhelmed and at that moment, the yoghurt was simply the trigger that pushed me over the edge.

Rupture is Inevitable

While your story will look different, we all have these moments. We are human with limits, triggers and tipping points. We all have moments we’re not proud of. We may yell. We misread the moment. We react instead of responding.

It doesn’t mean we’re failing, it simply means we’re human. There is no such thing as the perfect parent and that is more than okay.

Rupture, or what I like to call, the moment of temporary disconnection, is inevitable in all meaningful relationships, especially between parent and child. We will make mistakes. But thankfully, the rupture isn’t what defines the relationship. Rather, it is the repair that matters most.

There is extensive research, by medical professionals such as Dr John Bowlby, Dr Donald Winnicott, Dr Mary Ainsworth and Dr Daniel Siegel, that shows that a secure attachment with a parent doesn’t come from getting it right all the time. It comes from attunement, and the intentional reconnection after a rupture has occurred.

Bowlby and Ainsworth’s work laid the foundation for understanding how secure relationships form. Winnicott famously described the goal as being a “good enough” parent, not a perfect one. And we can take comfort in Dr Edward Tronick’s research, which showed that getting it right around 30 per cent of the time is enough to build secure attachment, so long as we’re intentional about reconnecting after we get it wrong.

Why Repair Matters

Repair, or as I prefer to call it, intentional reconnection, teaches your child’s nervous system that important relationships can hold imperfection and still be safe.

It builds trust. It builds resilience. It models humility and emotional accountability. It says, “I care more about our relationship than about being right.”

Repair doesn’t have to be fancy or perfect. It might sound like:

• “I’m sorry Mummy yelled. That wasn’t fair to you.”
• “I was feeling really overwhelmed, but that’s not your fault. I know that hurt you and I’m sorry.”

Repair isn’t the time to teach a lesson. The yoghurt wasn’t the problem; it was the trigger. What needed repair was my reaction, not his behaviour. That was what had disrupted our connection.

Repair is about taking ownership for our response as the parent and the part it played in the rupture. It’s not about making excuses or justifying our responses, and it’s definitely not about shifting the blame to the child. This is about us showing accountability.

Now, that doesn’t mean we don’t guide, teach or set boundaries. That part still matters, deeply. But timing matters too. If a child walks away from the moment feeling only corrected or only soothed, and not both, then something is missing.

Put yourself in your child’s shoes. Imagine you’ve had a painful disagreement with your partner and in the heat of the moment, they’ve said something that deeply hurt you. If they apologise, but in the same sentence, make a comment about how your behaviour had triggered them to respond that way, how does it make you feel?

Contrast that with a sincere, unqualified apology, followed by a calm, non-judgemental conversation about how you can both do better.

Remember, connection first. That’s what makes the lesson stick.

Repair Isn’t Always Instant

Sometimes, for whatever reason, in the moment, you simply won’t have the capacity to repair. That’s okay too. The door to reconnection doesn’t close. It’s not too late to return later with calm, presence and openheartedness to intentionally reconnect.

No matter how intentional we are in our parenting (or let’s be honest, in all relationships), we won’t get it right all the time and that’s okay.

Choosing to be intentional about re-connection is not a one-time event, but rather a way of life. When we choose this path, we model the same to our children. This teaches them emotional literacy, humility and empathy.

Apologising to our children and owning our imperfections, doesn’t make us weak. It makes us safe.

Repair isn’t just for our kids. It’s a healing moment for us too. A chance to move from guilt to grace

Final takeaways

I guarantee you will have moments in life where your response will lead to a moment of disconnection with your child. That’s inevitable. We all will. That doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent; it means that you are human. What matters more is what you do next.

Remember, the “rupture” is not the thing that matters most, but rather the repair, that moment of intentional reconnection. You won’t always get that part right either and that’s also okay. Life and parenting is a never-ending journey of growth and learning. The hope is that we can continue to learn and grow alongside our kids.

So, what might a moment of intentional reconnection look like in your home this week?

Article supplied with thanks to Mum’s At The Table

About the Author: Doctor Tash Ching aims to equip parents to navigate the parenting journey with clarity, compassion and confidence. She helps families build secure, emotionally attuned relationships that support lifelong wellbeing. She is also the co-host for the Mums At The Table podcast, Mum to Mum with Doctor Tash.

Feature image: Canva

Miranda Riddington would describe herself as ‘just an ordinary mum‘.

But those who know this year’s Mother of the Year, would consider her an extraordinary Christian woman.

Alongside her husband of 47 years, Joe, Miranda Riddington has raised ten children in southern New South Wales while serving faithfully in pastoral ministry and supporting those in need around her.

She still loves mentoring other mums on raising their children.

“Raising 10 children was hectic and amazing”.

Miranda devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising and homeschooling her children despite multiple moves around Australia, and even overseas.

Throughout that time, her home has been a place of faith, encouragement, and resilience.

Even through challenging seasons, she modelled trust in God and a commitment to building a strong and loving family.

“It was hectic. It was a very busy time,” she said.

“Honestly, it was an amazing season of having the 10 children.”

Walking With the Lord

“Without the Lord we would not have been able to do what we did”

“We were like a community and it was something that everyone loved being a part of when they came to the house.”

“There was always something happening. It was an exciting time, even though it was challenging.”

“But without the Lord, there’s no way that we would have been able to do what we did.”

Miranda’s foundation for raising a family is from Deuteronomy 6:6-7

“It says write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts, get them inside of you and then get them in inside your children.”

“Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street.”

“Talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night.”

“I realised that being a Christian and raising children in a Christian home is about me knowing God first, and unless I have a vibrant strong relationship with the Lord I can’t pass that on to the children.”

Helping Others in her Pastoral Ministry

Miranda is also a grandmother to 16 grandchildren.

Her legacy is seen not only in her own family, but in the many lives she has touched through her service and example. 

For more than three decades, she has served alongside Joe in ministry, sometimes as a pastor herself, walking with people through grief, hardship, and crisis.

She has offered practical help, wise counsel, and a compassionate presence to those who needed it most.

Miranda’s ministry has extended into prisons, support for orphans, and care for women and families facing difficult circumstances.

She played a significant role in supporting the spiritual life of ‘Bali NIne’ drug smuggler Andrew Chan who gave his life to the Lord and ran a prison ministry before his execution in 2015.

Her children say their mother embodies love, humility, patience, and strength.

An unsung hero whose impact has shaped not only her own family, but countless others.

She has consistently pointed others toward the importance of strong marriages, stable homes, and faith-filled living.

Biblical Models

“I love Psalm 128:3.” she revealed.

“It says that your wife will be a fruitful vineyard, so the model I have is of a vineyard that speaks of longevity, that speaks of generation to generation and leaving a legacy and a heritage.”

“I love the fact that God sees us as a vineyard because we are the ones who manage the vineyard and create the opportunities for our children.”

“I think that the family is still the number one, it is God’s heart.”

“He created us to have relationship with Him because He wanted a family.”

“And so through us, it’s amazing to think that He uses us, just the husband and wife, to partner with him to create eternal beings so that He can have relationships.”

“I think if we can keep that thought in our mind, it takes us out of the day-to-day humdrum to see the bigger picture that we’re actually partnering and working with God in raising our children for Him to have a relationship with them.”

Miranda’s Advice to Mums

“My passion is to work with mums that are really struggling.”

“I think if there’s anything I could say to mums today it is that you are the very best person to raise your children. God chose you for that job.”

“You have everything you need within you to be the best mum for that child. And don’t lose hold of that.”

“Don’t lose sight of that and when you need help and when you need wisdom just ask God for it because He says that if you lack wisdom just ask Me and I’ll give it to you.”

“I’ve had to do that so many times and I still do.”

“I just go to God and I say: God I don’t know what to do here but You have promised me that You’ll give me the answer.”

“I want struggling mums to know today that they can do it because if He gave you the child, He has given you everything you need to be able to raise that child in the way that’s honouring to Him.

Article supplied with thanks to Vision Christian Media.

Feature image: Supplied (FamilyVoice Australia)

What’s the real cost when screen time is taking over at home?

Screens are everywhere. From high-definition television to the constant, dopamine-driven pull of mobile devices, digital technology has become woven into everyday life. But as excessive screen time continues to rise, an important question remains. How much is too much?

Brad Huddleston is an internationally respected speaker, consultant, teacher, and author on technology and culture. Brad challenges us to think honestly about our relationship with technology, not just as individuals, but as families seeking to live with wisdom and intention.

While screens can be useful tools, Brad warns that excessive screen time can quietly shape behaviours, attitudes and even our spiritual health in ways we may not immediately notice.

When Does Screen Time Become Excessive for Families?

One of the greatest challenges with screen use is defining when it crosses the line from normal to excessive. Like any form of addiction, denial often clouds self-awareness.

Very few people who are overly attached to their screens would describe themselves as addicted. Instead, usage is often minimised, justified or laughed off. Yet those around them can clearly see when digital habits have become unhealthy in the home.

This disconnect can be confronting, especially for parents. It rarely takes long for screens to become excessive, particularly for children. In many cases, the mesmerisation begins the moment their little eyes lock onto the screen.

“The glow of the screen appeals to children like a moth to a candle,” he explains.

The attraction is undeniably powerful. Bright colours, constant movement and endless stimulation draw children in quickly. Over time, prolonged exposure can begin to change behaviour and personality, often in ways that are not positive.

Children Aren’t the Only Ones Struggling

While much attention is placed on children and screen limits, there’s a deeper issue many families overlook. Adults are often just as attached to their devices as their kids.

Smartphones, social media, and constant connectivity have created layers of digital dependence within the home. Parents may set rules for their children while quietly modelling the same digital habits at home that they are trying to limit.

Brad encourages parents to pause and ask an honest question. Are we willing to be truthful about our own screen use?

This kind of self-reflection is not about guilt or blame. It is about recognising that children learn more from what they observe than from what they are told. A household shaped by constant screen engagement can unintentionally normalise distraction, impatience and emotional distance.

The Spiritual Cost of Constant Connection

From a biblical perspective, unchecked screen time raises important questions about attention, presence and discipleship, specifically within the home. Scripture repeatedly calls believers to be alert, self-controlled and intentional about how they live.

When screens dominate our time, they can crowd out stillness, prayer and meaningful connection. For families, screen addiction can overtake opportunities for discipline and intentional time together.

Moments once used for conversation, reflection or rest are easily filled with scrolling and streaming.

Recognising excessive screen time isn’t about shame or pointing fingers. Instead, it is a call to awareness for believers. Technology is a tool, but when it begins to control our thoughts, emotions or relationships within the home, it may be time to reassess its place in our lives.

Why Honest Self-Assessment Matters

Real change begins when we are willing to look clearly at our habits without defensiveness.

In many homes, conversations about screen time focus on rules rather than roots.

The deeper issue isn’t just how long we are on screens, but why. Are screens being used to escape stress, avoid conflict or fill emotional gaps?

Scripture invites believers to live in the light, not hiding from uncomfortable truths. Bringing screen habits into the open allows families to make thoughtful, God-honouring choices together.

Creating Healthier Digital Boundaries at Home

Healthy screen habits do not start with strict limits alone. They begin with shared values and intentional rhythms.

Families may choose to create screen-free spaces, such as during meals or before bed. Others may set aside specific times for conversation, prayer or reading Scripture together. These practices help recentre attention on what truly matters.

Technology should serve the family, not replace connection within it. When screens are placed in their proper role, they can be enjoyed without dominating daily life.

Choosing Wisdom in a Digital Age

Living faithfully in a digital world requires discernment. Screens are not inherently harmful, but without boundaries, excessive screen time can subtly shape hearts, habits and homes.

Brad’s challenge is simple but profound. Be honest. Be intentional. And be willing to lead by example.

As believers, every area of life, including our use of technology, is an opportunity to reflect wisdom, self-control and love for others. When we choose presence over distraction, we create space for deeper relationships and a stronger spiritual foundation.

Article supplied with thanks to Vision – a non-profit, follower-funded Christian media ministry taking God’s Word to every corner of Australia and beyond through broadcast, online and print media.

Feature image: Canva

When parents hear the word testing, it often brings anxiety. Will my child fall behind? Are they being judged? Does this affect their future?

According to Craig Hunter, Principal of Kalamunda Christian School, testing isn’t about pressure or performance – it’s about understanding how children learn and how schools and families can support them together.

Craig explains why early childhood assessments are designed to help children thrive, not label or limit them.

Testing Is About Understanding, Not Judging

Many people associate testing with high-pressure exams, but early years assessments work very differently. Instead of measuring success or failure, they act as a diagnostic tool.

“Testing is really diagnosis,” Craig explains. “It helps us understand where a child is at so we know how to support and help them learn.”

Just as a doctor asks questions to understand a patient’s health, teachers use assessments to identify learning stages, strengths, and areas where extra help may be needed. The goal is progress, not perfection.

What Happens in Early Years Testing?

Early testing focuses on foundational skills such as literacy and numeracy. Teachers may assess:

• Sound and letter recognition
• Early reading skills
• Basic spelling patterns
• Number knowledge and counting

These assessments are usually completed one-on-one with a teacher or education assistant and take only a few minutes per child. Because they follow consistent standards, educators can track growth over time and tailor learning support.

Importantly, educators emphasise “stage, not age.” Children develop at different speeds, especially in their early years, and testing helps teachers meet students where they are developmentally.

Does Testing Create Pressure?

Some parents worry testing might stress children or define their future. Craig says Australian schools generally focus on partnership rather than competition. Parents naturally fear their child might be behind, but testing helps schools provide support early rather than waiting until challenges grow bigger.

“It’s a partnership,” Craig says. “Everything we’re doing is to help your child.”

Identifying Learning Needs Early

Assessments can sometimes highlight indicators of learning differences, such as speech delays, learning difficulties, or neurodivergent traits. However, schools use testing as a screening tool, not a diagnosis.

When concerns arise, educators work alongside families to seek additional support and, where needed, access resources that help children succeed in the classroom. The purpose is never to “fix” children but to better support how they learn.

The Role of Labels – Helping, Not Limiting

One concern parents often raise is whether testing creates negative labels. Craig acknowledges this risk but says understanding how a child learns can actually be empowering.

When children understand their strengths and challenges – known as metacognition, or knowing how you learn – they can develop strategies that help them succeed. Labels should never become limitations. Instead, they provide insight that allows teachers and parents to build confidence and growth.

How Parents Can Support Learning at Home

Parents play a powerful role in reinforcing learning beyond the classroom. Craig highlights several simple strategies:

• Read together regularly. Reading builds language, imagination, and connection while strengthening literacy skills.
• Make maths playful. Try skip counting, counting backwards, or simple number games during everyday routines.
• Encourage curiosity. Asking questions and exploring ideas together helps children become lifelong learners.

Most importantly, focus on strengths. Encouragement and affirmation help children develop confidence and resilience.

Learning Is a Team Effort

Early years testing works best when schools and families partner together. Rather than viewing assessments as something to fear, parents can see them as tools that help unlock a child’s potential.

Every child develops differently. With understanding, support, and encouragement, testing becomes less about results and more about helping children flourish – academically, emotionally, and personally.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

Raising boys is an exhilarating adventure that often resembles a thrilling rollercoaster ride, filled with ups, downs, and unexpected twists.

From their first steps to their first heartbreaks, every moment is a chance to shape their character and instil values that will guide them into adulthood. As parents and caregivers, we play a crucial role in helping boys navigate their emotions and relationships, ensuring they grow into confident, empathetic men. But what does it truly mean to raise boys who are not only strong and resilient but also sensitive and kind? Let’s explore the wisdom, research, and practical tips that can help us on this journey.

The Science Behind Their Development

Research indicates that boys often experience emotional and social development differently than girls. According to Dr. Michael Thompson, a psychologist and co-author of the book Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys, boys are typically socialised to suppress their emotions. This can lead to difficulties in expressing feelings, which may manifest as anger or withdrawal.

Thompson notes, “Boys are often taught to be strong and tough, but this can come at the expense of emotional awareness.”

Studies show that boys may struggle with emotional literacy, often needing more encouragement to articulate their feelings. A report from the American Psychological Association highlights that teaching boys to express emotions can improve their mental health outcomes, reducing the likelihood of anxiety and depression. This understanding underscores the importance of fostering emotional intelligence in boys from a young age.

The Power of Play in Boyhood

Play is an essential aspect of childhood that significantly influences boys’ development. Research by Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, emphasises the importance of play in developing social skills, creativity, and resilience. Brown states, “The opposite of play is not work; it’s depression.”

Engaging in play allows boys to explore their emotions and interact with their peers in a safe environment.

Activities like team sports, imaginative play, and outdoor adventures can foster collaboration and help boys learn valuable lessons about teamwork and empathy. As author and educator Dr. Peter Gray asserts, “Children learn best when they are engaged in self-directed play, which allows them to develop important life skills.”

Encouraging Emotional Expression

To raise emotionally healthy boys, it’s essential to create an environment where expressing feelings is encouraged and accepted. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned psychologist and author of Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child, advocates for the importance of emotional coaching. He suggests parents validate their child’s feelings, saying, “When parents respond with understanding to their child’s emotions, they help them learn to manage their feelings and cope with challenges.”

After a particularly tough week, I noticed my son was unusually quiet. Instead of brushing it off, I decided to have a “feelings check-in” during dinner. I shared my own emotions about the week and encouraged him to do the same. This led to a heartfelt discussion about his worries at school, reinforcing our emotional connection.

Encouraging boys to talk about their emotions can be as simple as asking open-ended questions during daily routines. For instance, after school, a parent might ask, “What was the best part of your day? What was the hardest part?” These conversations can help boys articulate their feelings and develop emotional resilience.

Role Models and Mentorship

Boys benefit greatly from positive role models and mentors. Research indicates that having strong male figures in their lives can significantly impact boys’ emotional and social development. As author and educator Dr. Niobe Way notes in her book Deep Secrets: Boys’ Friendships and the Crisis of Connection, boys often crave deep connections with peers but may feel pressure to conform to societal norms that discourage vulnerability.

Encouraging boys to build friendships based on trust and emotional support can help counteract these societal expectations.

Engaging in community activities, sports teams, or mentorship programs can provide boys with the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with adult male figures who can offer guidance and support.

Teaching Responsibility and Empathy

Another vital aspect of raising boys is teaching them responsibility and empathy. Research from the University of California suggests that empathy is not a natural instinct but rather a skill that can be developed. Parents can cultivate empathy by encouraging boys to participate in community service or by discussing the feelings and perspectives of others.

As developmental psychologist Dr. Carol Gilligan notes, “The ability to empathise is crucial for boys to develop healthy relationships.” Encouraging boys to consider how their actions affect others fosters a sense of responsibility and moral awareness that will serve them throughout their lives.

As author and educator Dr. Michele Borba asserts, “The greatest gift we can give our children is the ability to love and be loved.” By investing in the emotional and social development of boys, we prepare them to thrive in an ever-changing world, shaping future generations with kindness, empathy, and resilience.

Article supplied with thanks to Sabrina Peters.

About the Author: Sabrina is a pastor and a psychologist who is dedicated to helping people experience wholeness and growth. Passionate about building healthy families, she spends her days raising kids, supporting clients, and creating resources that inspire freedom and hope.

Feature image: Canva

The teen years bring big changes. For girls, those changes often include hormones, periods and powerful emotions.

Read more: Tackling the Tough Teen Girl Hormone Years

While this season can feel overwhelming for teens and parents alike, experts say knowledge, reassurance and gentle support make all the difference. Naturopath Mel, from Natmed talks about teenage hormones, period pain and how families can better support young women through this important stage of life.

Talking About Periods Without Shame

First and foremost, Mel says it’s time to normalise the conversation. “Periods are a normal biological function that happens to around half the population,” she explains. “There’s no shame in talking about them, and knowledge is power.”

Today, girls are starting their periods earlier than previous generations. In some cases, periods can begin as young as nine. However, irregular cycles in the early years are usually normal.

“For example, a girl might have one period and then not have another for many months,” Mel says. “That doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong.”

Hormones fluctuate significantly during puberty. Emotional changes, mild PMS, and occasional skin breakouts are all common. What matters most is perspective.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While many symptoms are normal, there are times when parents should seek professional help. Mel encourages families to look out for red flags, including:

• Period pain that stops normal activities or requires time off school
• Bleeding that lasts longer than seven days
• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with pain relief
• No period by age 15 or 16
• A strong family history of hormonal or reproductive issues

“If period pain is relentless or debilitating every month, that’s when it’s time to speak to a healthcare professional,” Mel says.

How to Start Healthy Conversations With Teen Girls

For many parents – especially dads – talking about periods can feel awkward. However, Mel says open, gentle conversations are essential. “Choose the right time,” she advises. “If your teen is tired, stressed or in public, it’s probably not the moment.”

Instead, start with simple check-ins like “Are you okay?” or “You seem uncomfortable – can I help?” These small steps help teens feel supported and safe to speak up. Importantly, conversations don’t need to happen all at once. Sometimes it takes several gentle attempts before a teenager opens up.

Natural Ways to Ease Period Pain

Mild cramps, bloating and discomfort are common during periods. Thankfully, there are many natural ways to help reduce period pain and support hormone balance.

Magnesium
Magnesium helps relax muscles, including the uterus. Mel recommends magnesium glycinate, around 300mg per day, to ease cramping.

Omega-3 fatty acids
Found in fish oil, omega-3s reduce inflammation and can help with PMS and menstrual pain.

Calcium
Calcium supports muscle function and may reduce bloating and cramping. It’s best taken separately from magnesium for better absorption.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a role in hormone regulation, mood and muscle health, making it especially helpful during puberty.

Iron
Because periods involve blood loss, many teenage girls need extra iron – particularly those who are vegetarian or vegan. Iron glycinate is a well-tolerated option.

B-group vitamins
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) has been shown in studies to reduce period pain. Mel recommends a B-complex supplement rather than a single B vitamin.

Food Choices Matter Too

Diet plays a significant role in inflammation and hormone health. Highly processed foods and fast food can increase inflammation, which may worsen cramps and skin issues. “Do the best you can,” Mel says. “Even simple swaps help.”

For example, choosing a roast chicken and salad over deep-fried options provides protein and nutrients while still being convenient. Hydration is also important, even though getting teenagers to drink enough water can be a challenge.

Drug-Free Pain Relief Options

In addition to supplements and diet, several physical therapies can help relieve menstrual pain:

• Heat packs or hot water bottles relax the uterine muscles and reduce cramping
• TENS machines use gentle electrical pulses to block pain signals
• Castor oil packs may improve circulation and reduce muscular tension
• Ginger supplements (1,000–2,000mg daily) can reduce pain, nausea and inflammation

“Ginger helps reduce prostaglandins, which are responsible for uterine spasms,” Mel explains. Often, a combination of rest, heat, magnesium and ginger can make a noticeable difference.

Supporting Teen Mental Health

Normalising period conversations also supports mental health. When girls feel comfortable talking about their bodies, they’re less likely to suffer in silence. “Be emotionally intelligent,” Mel says. “Read the room. Keep things private and supportive.”

She also encourages parents to explore modern options like period underwear or menstrual cups, which can make periods feel more manageable for teens.

You’re Not Alone

Puberty and periods are a normal part of growing up, but no family has to navigate them alone. With the right information, gentle conversations and practical support, parents can help their daughters move through the teen season with confidence.

And if symptoms are severe or impacting daily life, seeking professional advice is always the right next step.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

While church and youth group helps, the biggest influence on a child’s faith comes from home.

Parents play a vital role in shaping their children’s values and beliefs. While churches and youth groups help, the biggest influence on a child’s faith comes from home. As Pastor Joel Chelliah put it, “The number one influence of a child under 12 is actually the parents.” So, how can parents lead their family in faith?

The First Church: Your Home

Many parents assume taking their kids to church is enough. But a child’s primary experience of faith starts at home. “The first church that we are to lead is our own families,” Pastor Joel explained.

Children mimic what they see. If parents live out their faith daily, kids notice. “You see that pretty quick in your kids when you’re maybe passing on things you don’t want them to pick up,” he joked. Kids are like little mirrors, reflecting what they see in their parents.

Practical Ways to Lead in Faith

Being the spiritual leader in your home doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are two simple ways to incorporate faith into daily life.

1. Make Prayer a Daily Habit

Prayer doesn’t have to be long or formal. It can be as simple as a 30-second prayer in the car before school. Pastor Joel shared, “It’s amazing because I find out what’s going on in the hearts of my kids.” When kids pray, they reveal their worries and hopes, giving parents a chance to support them.

Other moments to pray together include:

• At the dinner table
• Before bedtime
• When facing challenges

This consistency teaches kids that prayer isn’t just for emergencies—it’s a daily part of life. “It’s not a last resort; it’s a first step,” he added.

2. Read the Bible Together

Reading the Bible as a family helps children grow spiritually. Pastor Joel shared their rule during school holidays: “No Bible, no play.” Their children would spend at least ten minutes reading Scripture before playing.

For kids who struggle with reading, audio Bibles are a great alternative. “I can hear them listening to the app,” they said. Even small moments—five minutes here, seven minutes there—help build a strong foundation of faith.

Small Steps Make a Big Impact

Raising children in faith doesn’t require hours of daily devotion. Simple habits, like short prayers and Bible reading, make a lasting difference, and help parents lead their family in faith. Over time, kids learn that faith is a natural part of life, not just something for Sundays. “You just watch your kids grow up in a way that carries the faith we’re supposed to carry,” Pastor Joel noted.

By leading in faith at home, parents equip their children with the spiritual tools they need for life.

Feature image: Canva

Susan Woodworth from Walk and Talk Psychology shares why kids lie and how parents should respond and proceed with the situation.

When Do Children Start Lying?

Children can start lying as early as 2 or 3 years old. This behavior is a developmental milestone indicating cognitive growth. Lying involves a skill known as “Theory of Mind,” which is the ability to understand that others have perspectives and beliefs different from their own. This milestone shows that their brain is growing and practicing new skills, such as holding two thoughts simultaneously—the truth and the untruth they present. Lying is also connected to other social skills like empathy, cooperation, and understanding how to influence others.

Understanding Why Children Lie

Lying in children is often impulsive and not about deliberately trying to deceive. Children lie to avoid immediate trouble or consequences, or sometimes to connect socially or hide something they fear. This behavior is part of their cognitive and social development and experimenting with cause and effect.

How Parents Should Respond

Parents should avoid feelings of guilt or shame about their child’s lying, as it is a normal stage in development. It is counterproductive to demand an admission of guilt because this can lead to shame, defensiveness, and arguments. Instead:

• Stay calm and avoid getting pulled into debates over details.
• Focus on moving forward and repairing the situation.
• If the lie caused harm, such as breaking something, guide the child to take responsibility by fixing or replacing it.
• Explore the reasons behind the lying, such as fear of punishment or social pressures.

Guiding Children Toward Responsibility

The goal is not to force confessions but to help children understand and accept accountability for their actions in a supportive way. This builds trust and cooperation rather than defensiveness. If lying becomes persistent and significantly disrupts the child’s life, seeking professional advice may be necessary.

This approach encourages a calm, understanding, and constructive response to lying, helping children learn important life skills and emotional regulation.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva