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Fuck the World… But I Still Choose Kindness

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  There’s a point in life where you think you’ve seen enough of the world to understand it. You’ve raised children, held families together, worked hard, paid your dues, and believed—maybe quietly, maybe stubbornly—that people are, at their core, decent. That even when things get hard, we find our way back to kindness. And yet here I am. Angry. Not a passing frustration or a fleeting irritation, but a deep, bone-tired anger that sits heavy in my chest. Because this is not how the world is supposed to be. Somewhere along the way, it feels like things have tipped. Conversations have turned into arguments. Differences have turned into divisions. And truth… well, truth feels harder and harder to find. I wake up in the morning and there’s this strange pull—half dread, half compulsion—to turn on the news. To see what’s happened overnight. What’s been said. What’s been done. And too often, it feels like the people who should know better—the ones trusted to lead, to protect, to think beyond...
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I Miss the Footy, the Washing, the Oranges — All of It

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  I Miss the Footy, the Washing, the Oranges — All of It This week in Adelaide,   Gather Round   has brought the city alive. Everywhere you look, there are families in scarves and guernseys, kids with painted faces, parents carrying snacks and jumpers and drink bottles, and that familiar rush of people all heading somewhere together. There is noise, excitement, complaints about parking, children asking for chips, and parents pretending not to calculate exactly how much the day is costing them. And as I watch it all, I find myself smiling. Because I miss it. I miss taking my kids to the footy. I miss weekend sport. I miss weekday sport. I miss being on the sidelines. I miss being in the stands. I miss being the one yelling encouragement, carrying bags, hunting for missing drink bottles, and somehow holding everyone together while pretending I was not completely exhausted. I miss being their biggest cheerleader. Not just in the big life moments. In the small ones too. The r...
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You’re Not Failing as a Parent

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  Many parents quietly carry the same worry. “Am I doing this right?” Parenting can feel overwhelming at times. Social media often shows carefully curated snapshots of family life, which can make it seem like other parents have everything under control. But the reality is much different. Every family experiences difficult days. Children have emotional ups and downs. Parents juggle responsibilities, stress and unexpected challenges. Feeling uncertain does not mean you are failing. In fact, the very act of reflecting on your parenting shows how deeply you care about your children’s wellbeing. Parenting is not about perfection. It is about persistence. It is about trying again after difficult moments, learning from experiences and continuing to support your children through every stage of growth. Children do not need flawless parents. They need parents who are present, responsive and willing to keep learning.
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What Your Child Is Really Saying When They Misbehave

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When children misbehave, parents often focus on stopping the behaviour as quickly as possible. But behaviour is often a form of communication. Children do not always have the emotional language to explain what they are feeling. Instead, those feelings appear through actions. A tantrum might mean: “I’m overwhelmed.” Refusing instructions might mean: “I feel powerless.” Attention-seeking behaviour might mean: “I need connection.” Understanding behaviour as communication allows parents to respond more thoughtfully. Instead of reacting only to the behaviour, parents can ask what emotion might be driving it. This approach does not mean ignoring behaviour or removing boundaries. It simply means addressing the emotional need as well as the behaviour. When children feel understood, they become more open to learning healthier ways to express their feelings. Over time, this helps children build emotional intelligence and stronger self-regulation skills.
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The One Thing Kids Need More Than Discipline

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  When parents think about guiding behaviour, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Rules, consequences and boundaries are important parts of parenting. They help children understand expectations and develop responsibility. But discipline alone rarely produces the long-term results parents hope for. Children need something even more powerful. Connection. Connection is the foundation that makes discipline effective. Without it, discipline can feel like punishment. With it, discipline becomes guidance. When children feel emotionally connected to their parents, they are more likely to cooperate, listen and learn from mistakes. Connection does not mean removing boundaries or avoiding discipline. It means building a relationship where children feel safe, valued and understood. This sense of safety helps children regulate emotions and accept guidance more easily. Connection is built through everyday interactions. Listening when children want to talk. Showing empathy whe...
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Why Kids Don’t Listen (And What Actually Works)

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  One of the most common frustrations parents share is simple: “My kids don’t listen.” But often the issue isn’t defiance. It’s development. Children are still learning how to manage emotions, attention and impulse control. Here are three things that often help. 1. Connection before correction Children respond better when they feel understood. 2. Clear and simple instructions Long explanations can overwhelm young minds. 3. Consistency Children learn boundaries through repetition. Listening is a skill children develop over time. Patience and connection help that process.
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5 Parenting Lies We’ve All Been Told

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  Parenting comes with a lot of advice. Some of it is helpful. Some of it… not so much. Over the years, many parents have been told things that simply aren’t realistic. Here are five parenting myths that deserve to be retired. 1. Good parents never lose their patience Parenting is emotional work. Losing patience occasionally doesn’t make you a bad parent. What matters is how you repair afterwards. 2. Kids should listen the first time Children are learning impulse control, emotional regulation and independence. Expecting perfect compliance is unrealistic. 3. If parenting is hard, you’re doing something wrong Parenting is hard because it matters. Every family faces challenges. 4. Good families never need help Strong families ask for support when they need it. 5. Other parents have it all together They don’t. Everyone is figuring it out as they go. Parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about learning and growing alongside your children.
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