Yelling at children—especially younger kids—appears to be effective. They stop whatever they’re doing (or not meant to be doing) and start obeying you.

Even so, here’s why experts are recommending we reserve yelling only for when we need to protect them from impending harm or threat (such as when they’re about to run onto oncoming traffic).

1. It’s a Short-Term Solution

While yelling may indeed produce an immediate result, it doesn’t actually address the behavioural problem. In fact, a study on 13-year-olds discovered that the yelling resulted in increased levels of bad behaviour the following year.

2. They Stop Listening

Imagine someone twice your size, face contorted in anger and speaking to you in a loud voice. Surely the only thing you want to do is run away and hide. Even worse, it simply teaches the child to fear you.

3. They Yell Back

Dr Laura Markham is a clinical psychologist and author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting. “Yelling scares kids. It makes them harden their hearts to us. And when we yell, kids go into fight, flight or freeze, so they stop learning whatever we’re trying to teach. What’s more, when we yell, it trains kids not to listen to us until we raise our voice. And it trains them to yell back,” she writes on her website.

If you’ve ever yelled at your children (and let’s face it, which one of us hasn’t?) be assured you haven’t done irreparable damage. As child psychiatrist Dr Kyle Pruett puts it: “[Thinking you may have done long-lasting damage by yelling at your kid is] a somewhat narcissistic view of parenting. Because there are tons of other forces at work including their own neural-developmental progress.”

So, What Should I Do?

While we really shouldn’t be yelling at our kids, it’s what we do after we yell that matters.

“If we can model apologising when we have done the wrong thing and tell our children the steps we will take to improve and change our behaviour the next time, they learn about growth,” says psychologist Collett Smart.

The secret lies in a concept experts call “rupture and repair”. Reality means that our relationships with our children will rupture at some point (or at many points in a day), through yelling, anger or frustration. The repair is the ability to talk to our children about it after, when we’ve calmed down, and apologise for the fracture. 

Needless to say, rupture and repair isn’t a get-out-of-jail-free card. It doesn’t mean we can continue rupturing whenever and wherever. We still need to learn from the mistakes and do better next time. The key is to show ourselves some compassion and be able to move on from whatever we’ve done wrong.

Children don’t need a perfect parent. What they need is a loving, present parent who isn’t afraid to own their mistakes and apologise when they need to.

Melody Tan is a passionate advocate for empowering mothers through connection, faith and digital engagement. She is project manager of Mums At The Table. She lives in Sydney with her husband and their primary-school-aged son.

Article Supplied with thanks to Sign of The Times Magazine

Feature image: Canva

There is a dramatic shift occurring in society. You may not feel it, but this rising tide is lifting all ships.

It’s not a noisy wave crashing on the shore that will come and go. This trend is like a rising tide that is slowly but surely impacting every part of society from workplaces, schools, community groups and businesses that market to parents.

A new generation of emerging parents has arrived on the scene. It feels like an American WWE wrestling battle, where there’s already 3-4 wrestlers in the ring battling it out for the title of best parent, and we’re announcing, in a booming, overly confident voice, the new entrant into the competition. It is a surprise entrant who has different parenting styles, skills, mantras, strengths, and expectations. Their special signature move will be something akin to an AI generated holiday list of activities for keeping kids entertained while parents are busy at work. Parents of the past would have desperately sought this out, or purchased it in a book, whereas Gen Z will prompt AI platforms to make the list in seconds with great ease and confidence.

The emerging generation of parents will be increasingly Generation Z and Generation Y, rather than Gen Y and Gen X. We’ve explored the characteristics of these new generations of parents and what it means for schools in our latest guide, Engaging the Next Generation of Parents.

In this article, we’ll explore the 5 mindsets this new generation of parents.

1. Work-Focused

Today’s new generation of parents are committed to work. In recent decades there has been a sharp rise in families with both parents working. Today three quarters of females in their family forming years (76.5%, ages 30-34) are working, which is twice what it was in 1971 (38%)[1]. This means they are career-minded, highly professional, yet time poor and feel may often feel rushed. Our latest survey found couple families with kids feel twice as rushed as couple families with no kids. The new generations of parents are moving fast, managing the dual responsibilities with skill and perhaps more stress than earlier generations of parents. 

“Parents today are more like Formula 1 race car drivers stopping briefly to do a parenting pitstop before getting back into the career-life race with their baby or two strapped into their fast-paced race car, whereas just a generation ago parents were more like a suburban van slowly doing all the family drop offs for larger families. Parents just a decade or two ago were getting around to a select range of low-cost sports, arts, academic and social activities in a local community where the family belonged and found identity. Today’s Gen Z parents have a wide-range of professionally curated activities to assist in the development of their child socially, emotionally, academically and physically.” GEOFF BRAILEY, SOCIAL RESEARCHER

2. Financial Achievers

As a result of both partners increasingly participating in the workforce, today’s parents have achieved more financially before having children than previous generations of parents. The ability to have a child may be seen even as a sign of financial achievement despite the challenges of more expensive housing, larger university debt, greater cost of living challenges and significantly larger mortgages than earlier generations (that is, if parents have grasped at the elusive Australian property ladder). Aspiring parents may be delaying having children until their higher lifestyle expectations and financial security levels have been achieved. They may also delay having children until their career progresses or reaches a key milestone, or when savings, career packages and family support all align to create an opportunity to start a family.

3. Small Family, Fast Pace

Due to the costs of child care, affordability of housing and career challenges, parents are now having fewer children. In 2027, parents in their 30s, Gen Zs for the first time, will become the norm for being a first time parent. Having children later and having less children, at our current record low fertility rates means families will be smaller, allowing them to move faster through the stages of parenting. Although the new generation of parents will be later starters, they will also be quicker finishers to growing their family. That is, unless we see Gen Alpha and Gen Beta staying at home longer if housing affordability doesn’t change and young adults continue to complete longer university degrees, like their parents did.

4. Video Gamers Learners

A new generation of parents, particularly Gen Z and young Gen Y parents will have new communication expectations, preferences and favourite apps. For example, 48% of Gen Z use Tik Tok daily to learn new skills. Interestingly though, YouTube features in the top 3 way all generations learn new skills. This means that there isn’t one YouTube generation, every generation now enjoys learning via video. There’s a massive expectation of video communication for every organisation. While younger generations have grown up in an era of online gaming, Minecraft and Roblox, they now are expecting to learn parenting in a video format. Gen Z parents won’t say, ‘There’s no parenting manual or book’ like former generations, they’ll be searching on Tik Tok for parenting advice and looking for online courses.

Young parents are thinking, “Why read a book, why listen to an audio podcast. Just give me the video summary, and in short form too if possible.

The standard way of consuming content has shifted from traditional to digital methods in the last decade or two, and in the next decade we’ll see a large shift towards niche social communities like WhatsApp groups as well as video-first platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Established organisations like schools, community volunteering groups and faith-based communities will need to re-evaluate their communication platform offerings for a new generation of parents. They’ll need to consider a transition plan to effectively engage a new generation of parents who simply expect digital first interactions and prefer bots and apps to live phone support.

5. Identity Consumers

Finally, today’s new generation of parents choose products for values alignment and ensure each purchase is increasingly an expression of their identity. Identify expression in purchasing is rising and purchasing power is influenced heavily through the alignment of the individual with the story, vision and value of a brand.

For example, when it comes to picking a school for their child, today’s parents said values alignment is the second highest priority for parents when selecting a school for their child, behind if it is a K-12 school. Today’s parents may have cost of living concerns, yet as parents with fewer children and with increasingly both parents working, it is their ability to select curated experiences and highly congruent values for their child that means parenting purchases will demonstrate their values, search for status in society and brand congruence to show their purpose in parenting.

As a new generation of parents enters the parenting space, the main takeaway that leaders need to consider is the rapid shift that is going to need to occur in communication. Parents are work focussed, feeling rushed and expecting communication from their preferred apps and platforms as they engage with a series of established organisations for the first time as new parents. A new wave of parent consumers is arriving, and many traditional organisations need to promptly develop new engagement and communication strategies to serve them. So, how can organisations prepare for this communication shift?

Lead with confidence as you make decisions because you’ve engaged with them on this journey of change. Be decisive, forward thinking and empathic as you pick your transition pathway to embracing communication with a
new generation of parents.

Listen to new parents. Chat with them informally, do formal focus groups to research their expectations, experiences and sentiment. You could ask questions to parents one or one or survey them on mass in your marketing to better understand who they are and what they need.

Learn what their preferences are and observe how they behave with different platforms.Check out the platforms they use and simply be on them as a user/member before you start building anything or casting vision for change to adopt these new platforms.

Article supplied with thanks to McCrindle.

About the Author: McCrindle are a team of researchers and communications specialists who discover insights, and tell the story of Australians – what we do, and who we are.

Feature image: Canva

What happens when life suddenly throws you into a situation you never expected — like finding out someone close to you has been arrested?

For many, it’s a total shock. 

As Dr. Amelia Haynes puts it, “It comes out of left field — and by the time the crime is revealed, they’re not always ‘loved ones’ anymore.”

Dr. Amelia tackles the deep, often hidden impact of incarceration on families — especially women left behind.

And it’s not just emotional — it’s practical, too.

Suddenly you’re managing finances alone, raising kids solo, and figuring out things you never had to before — all while carrying the heavy weight of stigma and shame.

“We do the crime, but friends and family also share the time,” Dr. Amelia says. And it’s so true.

Life doesn’t just pause because someone you know went to prison.

You’re left to pick up the pieces — often feeling isolated and invisible.

Organizations like Kairos Outside are changing the story. 

They offer confidential, supportive weekends for women navigating life after a loved one’s incarceration.

Here, there’s no judgment. No assumptions. 

Just women supporting women, showering each other with the unconditional acceptance they’ve been craving.

Some women even attend under pseudonyms because of the high-profile nature of their situation — that’s how much shame they’re battling.

But once they step into this space? Everything starts to change.

Fear melts away. Walls come down. Real healing begins.

Kairos Outside gives women a lifeline — practical tools for rebuilding life, and a community that says, “You are not alone.”

If you or someone you know is carrying the hidden burden of a loved one’s imprisonment, this episode is one you have to hear.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Canva

About the Author: Joni Boyd is a writer, based in the Hawkesbury Region of NSW. She is passionate about the power of stories shared, to transform lives.

Bringing a new baby or puppy into your home is a joyful time, but it can also be stressful for your dog. Without proper preparation, your pet may feel anxious, confused, or even threatened.

Orlando Dos Santos from Results Dog Training shares expert tips on how to create a smooth and safe transition for everyone.

Understand How Dogs Learn

“Dogs learn in two main ways,” explains Orlando. “Through association, and outcomes or consequences.” If your dog associates something with a negative experience, such as being excluded from their favourite spot, they may develop fear or frustration. On the other hand, rewarding calm and positive behaviours will encourage your dog to repeat them.

Why Preparation Is Crucial

“The changes can be quite dramatic, especially if you bring a new baby in,” Orlando says. Without preparation, your dog might act out, and sadly, that often ends with the dog being removed from the home.

To avoid this, Orlando recommends starting the transition eight weeks before the baby’s arrival.

An Eight-Week Timeline to Prepare Your Dog

Here’s the step-by-step plan Orlando suggests:

8 Weeks Before

• Start walking around the house with the pram to get your dog used to it.
• Practice obedience cues like “sit” or “go to your mat.”
• Begin leash training inside with the pram to improve control and familiarity.

6 Weeks Before

• Set up baby gates and introduce new boundaries.
• Begin confinement training using a comfortable space with a chew toy or mat. Make it feel like a reward, not punishment.

3–4 Weeks Before

• Simulate feeding routines and practice quiet time in the nursery.
• Gradually reduce your dog’s attention time to help them adjust to the coming change.

1–2 Weeks Before

• Fully implement your new routine.
• Ensure your dog is comfortable with structured activities and reduced attention.

“This preparation builds predictability,” says Orlando, “which helps balance all the new, unpredictable things that come with a baby.”

Four Effective Ways to Train Your Dog

Whether you’re preparing for a baby or a puppy, these training techniques help reinforce good behaviour:

• Luring: Use treats to guide your dog into a desired behaviour.
• Shaping: Gradually teach your dog to move to a target spot like a mat.
• Targeting: Train your dog to follow or touch an object, like your hand or a post-it note.
• Capturing: Reward calm behaviours like sitting quietly to encourage repetition.

“Capturing is key,” Orlando adds. “When they behave calmly, just quietly drop a treat. That teaches them that calm equals reward.”

Introducing a New Pet

Introducing a puppy or kitten? The process is similar but slightly more forgiving.

Use management, association, and positive training:

• Keep the animals at a distance at first.
• Use a harness and short lead.
• Reward your dog only when the new pet is present and they remain calm.

Avoid “flooding”, or throwing them together too quickly. “If the first meeting goes badly, that negative association sticks,” warns Orlando.

The Right Gear Matters

“When it comes to walking, it’s not just the leash it’s how it’s used,” Orlando explains. A collar can cause pain and stress, especially if your dog pulls. Instead, try:

• Side or front-clip harnesses: These distribute pressure more evenly and reduce pulling.
• Distributor leads: These give your dog a sense of balance and control.

“Keep the pain off your dog and the balance in your dog, and they’ll walk,” he says.

Calm Is Key

Teach your dog to settle and stay calm in one spot, especially when new pets or babies are around. Orlando recommends the Karen Overall Relaxation Protocol for long-term calm behaviour.

“When dogs are calm, they respond better,” he says. “Impulse-driven dogs react. Calm dogs observe and respond thoughtfully.”

Dogs, Babies, and Communication

Children and dogs speak different languages. “Kids look dogs in the eye, grab them. Dogs find that very threatening,” Orlando says.

That’s why education is essential. Learn how to read dog body language, teach kids respectful interactions, and prepare your dog ahead of time.

“Preparation is everything,” Orlando urges. “Because if we don’t do the work, we could lose the dog.”

Need More Help?

Orlando offers a free PDF guide for families preparing to welcome a new baby or pet. He also recommends looking up:

• Dr Karen Overall for relaxation protocols
• Debbie Licktenberg for kids and puppy resources

You can also contact a positive reinforcement dog trainer at least eight weeks before any big changes.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

Caring for a loved one is one of the most selfless roles a person can take on.

Yet, many people providing care don’t even recognise themselves as carers. They see it as just helping out a family member or friend. However these unpaid carers are crucial in supporting Australia’s most vulnerable people.

Who Are Carers?

In Australia, there are millions of unpaid carers. Deb Childs, CEO of Helping Minds explains, “Providing care or support to a loved one, a family member, or a friend without financial compensation is what caregiving is about.”

Carers do many things, such as:

• Taking family members to medical appointments
• Helping with housework and shopping
• Providing emotional and social support
• Assisting with daily needs, especially in aged care or disability support

Often, people don’t realise they are carers because they see it as part of their family responsibilities. But these duties go above and beyond normal family roles, especially when someone has a serious illness or disability.

The Challenges Carers Face

Carers juggle many responsibilities, which can lead to burnout. “The biggest challenge is burning the candle at both ends,” Deb says. Many carers also have jobs, children, or other commitments, making it difficult to balance everything.

Self-care is crucial. “You need to put on your own oxygen mask first,” Deb explains. If carers don’t look after themselves, they risk emotional and physical exhaustion. Stress, anxiety, and even depression are common. Lack of sleep and social isolation can also affect their health.

The Financial and Employment Struggles of Carers

Many carers struggle financially. Government support exists, but it’s often limited. “There’s the Carer Gateway, which provides access to counselling, education, and peer support,” Deb says. However, not everyone qualifies, and respite services are scarce.

Employment is another challenge. “Sometimes a caring role impacts your job,” Deb explains. While some workplaces offer flexibility, not all do. Carers may have to take personal leave, but “ten days a year isn’t enough if you’re balancing full-time work with full-time caring.”

The Need for More Support

A surprising number of people take on caring roles. “It’s estimated that 11% of the population are carers,” Deb shares. That’s about three million Australians. Yet, many remain unrecognised for their efforts.

Carers need more support, including better access to respite care. “There used to be great respite programs,” Deb recalls. “But when NDIS came in, things changed. Respite wasn’t recognised at first, but now people are pushing to bring it back.”

Advocates are working to ensure carers receive the support they need. “We need to keep raising awareness,” Deb urges.

Warning Signs of Carer Burnout

Caring for a loved one can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it also comes with significant emotional and physical demands. Many carers do not realise the toll their role is taking until they are overwhelmed. Recognising the warning signs of burnout and accessing available support is crucial to maintaining both personal well-being and the quality of care provided.

Carers often become so focused on the needs of their loved ones that they neglect their own. Some common warning signs include:

• Isolation – Being so caught up in daily responsibilities that you lose social connections.
• Exhaustion – Feeling constantly drained and lacking energy.
• Declining Invitations – Avoiding social events or neglecting personal interests.
• Feeling Overwhelmed – The sense that your responsibilities are never-ending.
• Neglecting Self-Care – Skipping meals, exercise, or personal downtime.

If these signs sound familiar, it may be time to reevaluate your approach to self-care and seek support.

Prioritising Self-Care

One of the most common mistakes carers make is thinking, “I’ll just push through one more day.” However, continuing without taking breaks can lead to full burnout, making it impossible to continue providing care. Prioritising self-care is essential. This can include:

• Taking time to relax, such as having a cup of tea or engaging in a hobby.
• Maintaining a strong support network of friends and family.
• Setting aside moments for activities that bring joy and relief.
• Seeking professional support when needed.

Available Support Services

Carers do not have to navigate this journey alone. Various organisations provide assistance, including:

• Helping Minds – Offers counselling, advice, and a self-care blog with practical tips.
• Carer Gateway – Provides information and support tailored to carers.
• Local Support Groups – Community groups that offer companionship and shared experiences.

Final Thoughts

Caring for someone is a significant responsibility, but it should not come at the expense of your own well-being. Recognising the signs of burnout, taking proactive steps toward self-care, and utilising available support services can help maintain a healthier balance. Remember, looking after yourself enables you to provide the best possible care for your loved one.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva