Family and Child Consultants

Dear Family and Child Consultants Community, There are moments in life that test us to our core, moments that shake our very foundation. Discovering that our child is the perpetrator of family violence is one of those moments. It’s a revelation that brings with it a whirlwind of emotions—shock, denial, guilt, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. But amidst this storm, it’s crucial to remember that there is a path forward, a way to navigate this difficult journey towards healing and resolution.  The Initial Shock: First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge the pain and confusion you might be feeling. Learning that your child has hurt someone within the family is heartbreaking. It’s okay to grieve, to feel angry, and to be scared. These emotions are natural responses to a situation that feels unimaginable. Take a moment to breathe, to gather your thoughts, and to prepare yourself for the steps ahead. Understanding the Behaviour: Understanding why your child has become vi...

  Hey, Family and Child Consultants community! Today, let’s tackle a topic that’s been on my mind lately—something that affects every parent, teacher, and community worker out there. Yep, I’m talking about consequences. Or more specifically, what happens when we let our kids dodge them like they’re playing a game of dodgeball. Spoiler alert: it’s not good.  The Consequence Conundrum: We’ve all been there. Little Johnny spills milk on the floor, looks up with those puppy dog eyes, and before you know it, you’re cleaning up the mess and he’s off playing with his toys. It’s easier, right? Less fuss, less tantrum. But here’s the thing: every time we let kids off the hook, we’re teaching them that actions don’t have consequences. And that, my friends, is a slippery slope. The Real World Isn't a Participation Trophy: Let’s face it—life is full of consequences. Forget to pay your bills? You get a late fee. Miss a work deadline? You might get a stern talking-to from the boss. When we ...

Hey, friends of Family and Child Consultants! Today, I need to get something off my chest. It’s something that’s been bugging me for a while, and I think it’s high time we had a chat about it. So, buckle up (in your unmarked car, preferably), and let’s dive into why company signage on community service vehicles is a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad idea. The Rolling Billboard: Picture this: You’re driving through town, and what do you see? A car plastered with logos and slogans for a community service provider. It’s like a rolling billboard, only more intrusive. These days, it seems like every other car on the road is advertising something, but when it comes to community services, this trend needs to hit the brakes—hard. Privacy, Please! First and foremost, let’s talk about privacy. Community services are all about providing support, care, and assistance to people in need. Often, this involves sensitive situations. Now, imagine you’re one of those people, and a car with a giant co...

  Hey Family and Child Consultants community!  Today, let’s chat about something that might get a few eyebrows raised and a few heads nodding in agreement: kids having jobs outside of school hours. Yes, you heard me right. Let’s explore why encouraging our youngsters to take up part-time jobs is not just a good idea—it’s downright awesome. Building Work Ethic: First things first, having a job teaches kids the value of hard work. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of earning your own money and understanding the effort that goes into making it. Whether it’s flipping burgers, babysitting, or stacking shelves, these jobs instill a sense of responsibility and a strong work ethic that school alone can’t provide. Financial Literacy: Speaking of money, part-time jobs are a fantastic way for kids to learn about financial literacy. They get hands-on experience managing their earnings, budgeting for things they want, and maybe even saving for the future. Understanding the value of a ...

They say that hearing "I love you" is better than winning the lottery. As someone who truly values love and meaningful connections, I wholeheartedly agree. But let's be real for a moment: when the Powerball jackpot hit $150 million last week, I was really hoping to win. I mean, can you blame me? Don't get me wrong—there's something magical about those three little words. When my partner says, "I love you," my heart melts, my spirits lift, and I feel like I can conquer the world. But then again, $150 million could buy an awful lot of magic, not to mention a world-conquering super yacht. As I sat there, clutching my lottery ticket with sweaty palms, I couldn't help but dream. I pictured myself lounging on a private island, sipping a fruity drink with an umbrella in it, and thinking about how I’d finally get around to learning the ukulele because, with $150 million, who has to work? I could almost hear the sound of waves gently lapping against my newly ...

This week, we are mourning again. Another woman has lost her life to violence. It's a heartbreaking and infuriating reality that has become all too familiar. As we grapple with this tragedy, it's clear that we don't need more empty promises or lip service from politicians about ending violence against women. What we need is genuine leadership from men. Men, we need you to stand up and take action. The change we so desperately need won't come from political rhetoric; it will come from within our communities, our homes, and our hearts. It will come from men who are willing to call out unacceptable behaviour, demonstrate respect and consent to their sons, and challenge the toxic culture that perpetuates violence. Calling each other out isn't easy, but it is necessary. When you see a friend, a colleague, or a family member behaving in a way that disrespects or degrades women, speak up. Silence is complicity. By challenging these behaviours, you send a powerful message t...