KIDSLIFE WHAT’S ON
KIDSLIFE COMMUNITY NEWS
KIDSLIFE EASTER CRAFT
KIDSLIFE EASTER COOKING
KIDSLIFE COLOURING COMPETITION
KIDSLIFE SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN
KIDSLIFE - DR JUSTIN COULSON
- 8 GAME CHANGING PARENTING PREDICTIONS
KIDSLIFE - MAGGIE DENT
- TEENS & CARS: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
KIDSLIFE - ALISON FITZSIMMONSFINDING YOUR PLACE IN THE STORY
Not long now families and it’s Easter school holiday time! It’s been an intense start to the year for many, with less than ideal weather conditions and cost of living pressures impacting the economy, so I think Easter is coming right on queue for the many families wanting a bit of down time!
The KidsLife team have created a jam-packed edition of affordable and FREE local holiday activities which will be kind to your hip pocket, so make sure you check them out with the whole family and plan some fun and relaxation together. We’ve created the guide so it’s fun for the kids to have a read of too! We have also created some great craft activities for those wanting to get into the Easter spirit and make some decorations. After all, Easter just isn’t the same without some crafting and decorating!
Event Cinemas have joined with us for some colouring competition fun – a great activity for the kids to do and go into the draw to win movie tickets to some of the latest movie releases: Dogman and Snow White.
KidsLife Magazine™ is published quarterly by CityLife Media Pty Ltd March 2025 to May 2025. All material within the publication remains the property of the publishers unless permission is otherwise sought in writing. Those who make advertising placement and or supply editorial content to KidsLife Magazine™ undertake to ensure all material does not infringe copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander or title. The above mentioned patrons agree to indemnify the publishers against any investigations, claims or judgements. The views expressed in KidsLife Magazine™ are those of the contributors, and are not necessarily shared by the publication. CityLife Media Pty Ltd copyright March 2025 to May 2025.
Dr Justin Coulson shares with us his 8 Game-Changing Parenting Predictions for 2025, Maggie Dent talks to us about Teens & Cars: What Parents Need to Know, and Alison Fitzsimmons discusses the importance of Finding Our Place In The Story. Some great parenting tips to get your year headed in the right direction.
And you’ll see we’ve locked in the dates for the next KidsLife Expo: 7th – 8th June 2025! If you’d like to be part of this year’s event, make sure you reach out – it’s going to be bigger and better than ever, and showcased over two full days of activities for all ages!
We hope you enjoy our Autumn edition of KidsLife Magazine as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it for you.
Cheers
CityLife Media Pty Ltd
371 Mulgrave Road, Cairns Q 4870
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BOOK TITLE: BIG TROUBLE WITH ANGRY CHAIRS
AUTHOR: LACHLAN CARTER
ILLUSTRATOR: DOUGLAS HOLGATE (Illustrator of The Last Kids on Earth)
What’s it all about?
Welcome to Dead End, where apparently nothing ever happens, but as readers are about to discover that is most definitely not the case! Illustrated and worded with hilarity and fun, sisters Clare and Maddie, along with their “trusty” friend, Terrible Chicken, face an Angry Chair uprising, a briefly imagined villain arc from Maddie and the scariest scary-movie monster of all time, the Whatsit!
What did I think?
I found this book completely bonkers in the best way possible! I caught myself laughing out loud at a couple of jokes, drawings and absurd situations in the story. While reading I couldn’t stop thinking about how much my young friends would love this book.
I felt inspired by Clare and Maddie’s problem-solving skills, how they worked as a team and made their own fun together. I think kids will also be inspired to make their own roller chair derbies, stories and movie theatres! Such a refreshing reminder for me and all readers that all you really need to have some fun is your very own imagination.
Don’t sweat it mums and dads, the holiday reading is totally sorted with this absolute gem!
Rating:
5/5 sentient bubbles from The City of Lost Bubbles
And the best part? This is the first of a brand-new series. There is even more trouble to follow in the soon to be released Big Trouble with AN Old Fart coming this April 1st!
Age recommendation: The Big Trouble Series is made for early and independent readers aged 5-10 (But I hear adults are really enjoying it too). The perfect mix of reading and graphics for kids to enjoy.
The turbulent adventures of Clare, Maddie, terrible Chicken and Dad will inspire young readers to create adventures on their own.
Like Lachlan says “The world of Big Trouble reflects the everyday adventures and challenges children experience. It’s meant to be spooky, funny, and empowering… I want kids to see themselves as adventurers who can solve problems, take risks, and create their own stories.”
About the Author: Lachlan Carter lives in here Cairns! He’s an author, educator and co-founder of 100 Story Building, a creative writing centre for children and young people. Carter has dedicated 10 years to empowering children through creative literacy, he loves blending education, storytelling and fun and helping kids unlock their creative potential. So, if it wasn’t clear enough with this awesome new series he’s making, he knows what he’s doing!
About the Illustrator: Douglas Holgate is the illustrator of the hit series The Last Kids on Earth (now an Emmy winning Netflix animated series), co-creator and illustrator of the graphic novel Clem Hetherington and the Ironwood Race. He lives with his family in the Australian bush surrounded by 80-million-year-old volcanic boulders and a large fat dog that could possibly be part polar bear.
MAR 08
FAMILY FUN DAY
Big 4 Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park 10am-4pm www.facebook.com/events
MAR 22
JAPAN DAY OF HOPE
Edge Hill State School rman Park 11:00am - 4:00pm www.facebook.com/japandayofhope.kizuna/
MAR 29
NORTH QUEENSLAND ADHD CONFERENCE 2025
Pullman Reef Hotel Casino 8:30am - 1:00pm www.myspiritedchild.com/north-queenslandadhd-conference-2025-nqldac25
APR 05
SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
Western Event Lawn Cairns Esplanade 10:00am-10:00pm www.facebook.com/ ThaiCommunityCairnsQLDAustralia
APR 05 - 06
CAIRNS 50 COMMUNITY RUNNING FESTIVAL
Glenoma Park
See Schedule for event times www.cairns50.com.au
APR 06
PALM COVE MARKETS - APRIL
Williams Esplanade Palm Cove 8:00am - 2:00pm www.palmcovemarkets.com
APR 06
EMMA MEMMADANCE ISLAND PARTY
Tanks Art Centre - Tank 5
12:30pm www.cairns.qld.gov.au/ticketlink/ ticketlinkEvents/events-for-children/emmamemma-dance-island-party
APR 12
POCKETS FAMERS MARKET
The Pocket El Arish 7:30am - 12:00pm www.thepocketelarish.com.au
APR 13
AUSTRALIA ARAKANESE NEW YEAR WATER FESTIVAL 2025
Fogarty Park
10:00am - 10:00pm www.facebook.com/aaac.australia
APR 14 - 17
WOBBLE AND GOBBLE FNQ
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
The Soul Shack 10:00am - 4:00pm www.thesoulshack.com.au
APR 19
GUINESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPTTHE LARGEST GATHERING OF PEOPLE DRESSED AS GARDEN GNOMES BY TANGERINE SUPPORT SERVICES
TBA 9:00am www.facebook.com/tangerinesupportservices
MAY 01
COPPÈLIA
CPAC Theatre
7:30pm www.ticketlink.com.au/ticketlinkEvents/ dance-and-ballet/
MAY 02 - 03
CAIRNS CITY KENNEL CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS
Parramatta Park
See Schedule for event times www.cairnscitykennelclub.org/dog-shows
MAY 03
BANFF MOUTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR 2025
CPAC Theatre
7:00pm
www.ticketlink.com.au/ticketlinkEvents/films/ banff-mountain-film-festival-world-tour-2025
ongratulations to Mackillop Catholic College on another successful Discovery Evening!
Year 9 students from St Monica’s College, Cairns, recently visited Regis Aged Care in Redlynch, bringing creativity and companionship to the residents. The students and residents spent time together making Valentine’s Day decorations, turning the activity into a heartwarming experience of intergenerational connection.
Three talented young athletes from St Andrew’s College have made their mark at the AusTriathlon Queensland School State Championships, taking home big wins after the recent competition.
Their outstanding performances have not only brought pride to their school community but also earned them the opportunity to represent Queensland on the national stage.
Verety, Ella, and Ash took on the challenging triathlon event with extreme determination, achieving fantastic results against some of the best young triathletes in the state.
Verety secured an sixth place in her age group, while Ella delivered an outstanding performance, claiming the silver medal in the 13-14 Junior Triathlon category.
Meanwhile, Ash finished 11th overall in the 13-14 Junior Triathlon and achieved a remarkable third place in her age group.
These remarkable achievements have earned Verety, Ella, and Ash the honour of representing Queensland at the Schools Sports Australia National Championships in Western Australia this March.
Competing at a national level is a significant milestone for these young athletes, and their school and local community are immensely proud of their dedication and hard work.
St Andrew’s College has long been known for fostering athletic talent, and these three competitors exemplify the school’s commitment to excellence in sport.
Their success serves as an inspiration to their peers, highlighting the rewards of perseverance, training, and passion for their chosen discipline.
As the countdown to the national championships begins, all eyes will be on these rising stars as they prepare to take on the best young triathletes from across the country. The entire St Andrew’s community extends their heartfelt congratulations to Verety, Ella, and Ash and wishes them the very best of luck in Western Australia.
With their determination and talent, there’s no doubt that these young champions will continue to achieve great things in the world of triathlon. Go Team Queensland!
Saint Augustine’s College student Thomas King has made history as the youngest recipient of the ‘If I Was Prime Minister’ award, earning him national recognition and the chance to meet the Prime Minister.
The competition, hosted by the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF), encourages students to share their vision for the country’s future. Thomas’s winning entry stood out for its creativity, depth, and passion, capturing the judges’ attention and securing him the top prize.
The AIEF Scholarship program is dedicated to empowering young Indigenous students through education, opening doors to lifechanging opportunities. Thomas’s achievement is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of initiatives that support young minds in reaching their full potential.
Congratulations, Thomas, on this well-deserved recognition!
tudents at Our Lady Help of Christians, Earlville were treated to a very special visit from the Cowboys recently, with players coming in to teach rugby league skills and inspire the future of NRL.
You Will Need
Egg carton
Scissors (ask an adult for help)
Paint brushes
Acrylic paint
Paint pens (or Sharpies)
PVA glue
Cereal box (probably best if it’s an empty one)
Step 1: Let’s Start with the Bunny’s Face
First, take your egg carton and cut out the pointy part at the base. This will be the bunny’s face. Next, draw two skinny leaf shapes on the carton lid and cut these out, for the bunny’s ears.
Step 2: Round Out the Nose
At the tip of your bunny face, cut four lines on each corner to make little tabs and gently fold them inwards. Then, outline a frame shape and a smaller inner shape for the photo frame and cut these out.
Step 3: Time to Paint
Now, it’s painting time! Paint the bunny’s face and ears. Will your bunny have patterns on their fur? Don’t forget to paint the frame and the background cards - make them as colourful as you like.
Step 4: Add the Details
Once your paint is dry, it’s time to make your bunny’s face even cuter. Use your paint pens to add eyes, a little nose, and any other details you want!
Step 5: Assemble the Frame
Now it’s time to put everything together! First glue the background to the frame and then glue the face and ears in the centre. Remember to leave space for their body.
Step 6: Final Touches
Finally, it’s time to finish up. Make sure the glue is dry, then, add the clothes of your bunny. Then add fun patterns or details to the background of your portrait.
CityLife is the longest serving Cairns Magazine (est. 1996) with over 300 plus editions published in over two decades. We have the largest social media and online following than any other magazine in the city. So the decision on where to spend your hard earned advertising dollars is simple.
7-8th June 2025
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT KIDSLIFE EXPO IS BACK!!
Last year’s event was a great success and we are planning an even bigger and better KidsLife Expo this year!!
Our local families are continuing to do it tough with the crippling cost of living and we feel they deserve an incredible day out and we do hope you will join us in making this possible!
This community event is a great opportunity to showcase your business while supporting your local community!
Sponsorship opportunities available from $500
To express your interest, please email events@citylifemedia.com.au
DANCING, ART & CRAFT, SINGING, STORYTIME, ACTIVE PLAY, STEAM
Things you’ll need:
Head bands
Scissors
Foliage
Paint & paint brush
String Hot glue gun
Ribbon
Lets get started:
1. Go for a wander in your back yard or take a walk outside and collect any leaves that look like bunny ears, we found frangipani leaves worked well for us. While you’re out and about, forage for some foliage to use for decorating your headband.
2. Once you’ve collected your foliage it’s time to get your hands messy, set up some paint in an egg carton and paint your bunny ears and any foliage you’d like to be colourful.
3. Once painted, allow all pieces to dry. While you’re waiting, cover your headband with your chosen ribbon.
4. Using the string and hot glue gun, secure the foliage and ears to your headband and you’ll have your eco bunny ears ready to hop into Easter!
Ingredients:
1 cup walnuts
1 cup almond meal
¼ cup cacao powder
14 pitted dates
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Dark chocolate 70% cacao or higher
Dairy free white chocolate
Method:
7Servings:largeeggs&5smalleggs
1. Take all your ingredients except the dark and white chocolate and blitz together in a blender until they form a fine & sticky crumb.
2. Shape the mixture into egg shapes and place into the freezer to firm up. Leave them for 15 minutes.
3. Melt the dark chocolate & dip the eggs, coating them completely.
4. Shake off the excess chocolate and place onto baking paper and place into the fridge to harden.
5. Melt the white chocolate and pour into a piping bag. Take the eggs out of the fridge and decorate with the melted white chocolate.
6. Place in the fridge one last time to set the white chocolate then they are ready to enjoy!
7. Keep stored in an airtight container in the fridge Crack in to these egg-stra special treats, we hope you have a wonderful Easter!��
Cairns is still super-hot in March, so cooling off at the Cairns Lagoon is the perfect way to spend the day! Our huge, free-swimming pool on the Esplanade is safe, has lifeguards, and is great for all ages. Bring your floaties and have fun in the water!
1. 3. 2. 4.
Love nature? Take a walk through the Cairns Botanic Gardens, where you can see giant trees, colourful flowers, and even butterflies! There are walking tracks and boardwalks where you might spot cool birds or lizards. Best of all, it’s completely free!
Visit Rusty’s Markets (Friday to Sunday) for fresh fruit tastings or check out the Palm Cove Markets (on select Sundays) to see handmade crafts, cool souvenirs, and delicious snacks. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to look around!
The Cairns Esplanade has an amazing playground with climbing ropes, slides, swings, and even a flying fox! It’s a great place to run around, play, and make new friends.
Are you looking for awesome things to do in our beautiful region this school holidays?
Well, you’re in luck! There are so many fun places to explore, cool things to see, and exciting activities to try.
Grab your family or friends and check these out!
March is a great time to explore beaches like Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, and Ellis Beach. You can build sandcastles, collect shells, or have a picnic. Just remember to swim only in the stinger nets to stay safe from jellyfish!
Want a little adventure? The Red Arrow walking track is a fun bushwalk near the Cairns Botanic Gardens. It’s not too long, but you get to see cool views of the city from the top! Wear comfy shoes and take some water with you.
Waterfalls are even more magical in March because of the rainy season! Some easy- to-reach ones include Crystal Cascades and Josephine Falls. If you are keen for a roadtrip, the Atherton Tablelands is home to lots of iconic and world renowned waterfalls including Millaa Millaa Falls! You can take a short walk through the rainforest and find beautiful waterfalls to admire (and maybe even splash in if it’s safe!).
Kuranda is a beautiful rainforest village just a short trip u the winding Kuranda Range. You can explore the Kuranda Markets, visit the free nature walks, and see amazing views from the Barron Falls lookout. If you look closely, you may be able to spot a cassowary in the rainforest!
Cairns has beautiful sunsets, and one of the best places to see them is at the Cairns Wharf. Walk along the water’s edge and watch the sky turn pink, orange, and purple – it’s like a painting in the sky!
If you love animals, head to Cattana Wetlands to look for birds, turtles, and maybe even a crocodile (from a safe distance, of course!). There are wooden boardwalks where you can walk and enjoy the peaceful nature all around you.
If you love bouncing, sliding, and obstacle courses, Inflatable Kingdom & Cairns Indoor Sports is the place for you! This indoor inflatable playground is packed with fun activities for kids of all ages.
Want to see the rainforest from above? Take a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and glide over the treetops, stopping at lookout points with breathtaking views. You might even spot some wildlife along the way!
Your Favourite!
Love animals and delicious treats? Gallo’s Dairyland is a fun stop where you can see farm animals, watch cheese being made, and taste some of the yummiest chocolates and dairy products.
One of the most amazing adventures in Cairns is visiting the Great Barrier Reef! Whether you go snorkelling, take a glass-bottom boat, or visit an island like Green Island or Fitzroy Island, you’ll see colourful fish, corals, and maybe even a turtle!
For a relaxing day out, take the kids to Event Cinemas at Smithfield, Earlville, or Cairns Central. With the latest blockbuster films, comfy seating, and tasty snacks, a trip to the movies is always a great holiday treat. Look out for special family- We have Disney’s Snow White – release date March 20, A Minecraft Movie – release date 3 April, Dogman – release date 3 April and The Day the Arth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie – release date 27 March. friendly screenings and discount sessions!
BY DR JUSTIN COULSON
As Yogi Berra famously quipped, “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” But that’s not going to stop me from sharing what I see on the horizon for parents and families in 2025. After decades of working with families and staying at the forefront of parenting research and trends, here are my top 8 predictions for the year ahead.
(Note: These are predictions, not preferences. I am not saying they’re either good or bad. They’re simply what I predict is going to happen.)
1. The Rise of Lighthouse Parenting
We’re finally moving beyond the tired helicopter vs freerange parenting debate. In its place, a more nuanced approach is emerging: lighthouse parenting. Like a lighthouse, these parents stand firm and steady, offering guidance while allowing their children to navigate their own waters.
Think about it: if helicopter parents hover and free-range parents disappear, lighthouse parents illuminate. They understand that their role isn’t to control every aspect of their child’s life but to provide steady, reliable guidance. This approach bridges cultural extremes, offering something that resonates deeply with modern parents who want to raise capable, independent kids while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
We saw this beautifully demonstrated in Parental Guidance Season 2 with Sammy and Jason’s approach to parenting their daughter, Pepper. Their example showed us what’s possible when we move away from overparenting and towards this more balanced approach.
(I’d prefer to see need-supportive parenting on the rise, as I described in my book. This is a positive approximation, though, and improves on previous popular styles of parenting.)
2. The AI Parenting Revolution
Imagine having instant access to every parenting book ever written, every expert’s wisdom, and every experienced parent’s insights — all perfectly curated for your specific situation. That’s where we’re headed in 2025. AI is evolving from a simple helper to a comprehensive parenting partner, and this year we’ll see it explode.
The AI revolution isn’t just about parenting advice — it’s transforming everything from meal planning to homework help.
What’s particularly fascinating is how AI is learning to adapt to different parenting styles and cultural contexts. It’s not replacing parental intuition; it’s enhancing it.
(Side note: An AI search using ChatGPT, Anthropic, Gemini, or similar tools requires at least 10 times the power of a Google search. Watch for major infrastructure impacts and tech giants increasingly backing nuclear energy. The Albanese government won’t change their tune, but Meta, Alphabet, and the USA certainly will.)
3. The AI Education Revolution Explodes
Traditional schools are becoming like landline phones in a smartphone world — functional but outdated. The cracks in our school system are widening, revealing that we’ve built a school system rather than an education system. This is not the teacher’s fault. Instead, it’s about the education industrial complex.
The real transformation isn’t about AI replacing teachers. It’s about the clash between industrial-era education and the personalised learning revolution that AI enables. Success in this new era will belong to schools, teachers, and students who become AI-literate and use it to enhance thinking and idea development, rather than treating it as a fancy search engine.
4. The Homeschooling Surge
The pandemic was just the preview — 2025 is when homeschooling goes mainstream. Parents are pulling their children from traditional schools in unprecedented numbers, driven by concerns about:
– Bullying and school violence
– School refusal and anxiety
– Concerns about education department policies
– Declining academic standards
– Inappropriate behaviour and aggression
I’ve experienced this firsthand — I pulled two of my own children from school (now in Year 5 and Year 10), and we haven’t looked back.
With today’s technology, every parent with a laptop has access to a potential private school right in their home. This isn’t just about escaping problems; it’s about embracing new possibilities for personalised learning.
5. Intergenerational Living and Staycations
The cost-of-living crisis is reshaping family life. Grocery prices continue to soar, energy bills are breaking records, and Australian households are carrying historic levels of mortgage debt. In response, we’re seeing the return of multi-generational living — a trend that, despite its challenges, often strengthens family bonds and support networks.
We’re also seeing changes in how families vacation. In 2025 expect to see staycations and camping becoming the new norm, with backyards replacing Bali and Byron Bay as holiday destinations. Why? It’s just too expensive to go away.
6. The YouTube Generation
Today’s children aren’t dreaming of Hollywood. They don’t want to be actors or rock stars. Instead, they’re aiming for YouTube stardom. This isn’t just a passing trend; it’s reshaping career aspirations. Research shows that one-third of children ages to eight to 12 in major markets say “YouTuber” is their dream job, and 81 per cent of Gen Alpha are on YouTube, compared to 62% watching traditional streaming services.
YouTube’s dominance over both Netflix and TikTok will only grow in 2025. Currently, YouTube enjoys twice the monthly user base of TikTok, and it is the number one streaming platform in the world, with a higher market share than Netflix!
(And speaking of TikTok — despite concerns, it’s not going anywhere. ByteDance will likely restructure to address US government concerns around Chinese spying, but the platform’s economic value ensures its survival.)
7. The Digital Detox Movement
Just as we now look back in disbelief at cigarettes in hospitals, future generations will be shocked by how freely we put phones in children’s hands. The removal of phones from state school
classrooms throughout 2024 was just the beginning. Some studies suggest that schools implementing phone bans are seeing at least a 6 per cent improvement in test scores. And no one is complaining. Not even the students.
In 2025, Australia will lead a global revolution by restricting social media access for under-16s. With the average teen receiving 237 daily phone notifications, this isn’t just about reducing distractions — it’s about protecting mental health, learning, social development, and sleep.
8. The Year of the Boy
From Bendigo to Bunbury, our young men are retreating from education, work, and relationships at alarming rates. While we’ve focused on breaking glass ceilings (rightly so), we’ve overlooked the quicksand pulling our boys under.
The statistics are confronting: workforce participation among young men is declining, mental health challenges are soaring, and educational engagement is at historic lows. When your teenage son spends eight hours gaming in his room, abstract debates about masculinity fade into the background—parents need practical solutions.
The popularity of figures like Joe Rogan, Theo Von, and Jordan Peterson signals a desperate search for answers to what I compassionately call “the boy problem.” The solution isn’t turning back the clock — it’s helping our boys find purpose and connection in a rapidly changing world. (Stay tuned for my upcoming book on this vital topic!) This year will be the year masculinity starts to be celebrated again (and not at the price of hard-won gains for girls and women).
A Final Prediction
Here’s one more prediction I know will come true: If you find ways — every single day — to genuinely connect with your kids, to see them, hear them, and value them, your relationships will flourish, your love will deepen, and your family will be happier.
What are your thoughts on these predictions? I’d love to hear your perspective in the comments below.
In short …
BY MAGGIE DENT
• Statistically, the risk of being in an accident is very high for beginner drivers, especially when they have friends in the car and at night.
• There are some biological factors behind this that parents and teens need to be aware of these to put some safeguards in place.
• We need to have many conversations with our teens about how cars can be lethal weapons – cars and phones/drugs/alcohol/ friends/speeding and distraction don’t mix well.
• This article offers tips for helping your teens become more competent, safer drivers.
The death of any child is horrendous for parents. Multiple deaths, especially of family members or friends, is unimaginable.
As a high school teacher and former counsellor, and sadly as a funeral celebrant I have had several close experiences of the tragedy of young lives lost in car accidents. My own sons have lost good friends in car crashes. Given that I was teaching over 45 years ago, we need to recognise that teens and cars has been a huge area of concern for a very long time.
In 2024 in Australia there have been several tragic car crashes that have ended the lives of multiple teens. Some of the victims have been as young as 12 and 13. Often, the teens killed are members of the same family or close friends so the impact is wide. Not one of these teen drivers would have ever wanted to hurt or cause the death of someone else but sadly it happens.
There has been much conversation on West Australian radio this past week about changing the rules for probationary licence holders – or P platers. I was intrigued to understand that in every state there are different rules for beginning drivers. Western Australia did not have any rules around teenagers driving with other under 21-year-olds in their car. Thanks to the efforts of Samantha Saffioti in honour of her son Tom, the WA state government has introduced new rules called Tom’s Law that bans red P plate holders from carrying more than one passenger in their first six months of driving.
“Statistics and recent tragedies on our roads show that novice drivers are at high risk of crashes and of being distracted,” Premier Roger Cooke told ABC News.
It is definitely a move in the right direction and is possibly long overdue.
I heard one listener call in to talkback radio to express concern that their teenage son, who was a rule follower, could possibly be unfairly compromised by the new rule.
Given what we know about the neuroscience of the teenage brain, especially for boys, even rule followers can make poor choices when in a car with friends.
The impulse-inhibiting neurochemical, GABA (Gamma aminobutyric acid) is turned off during the teen years which increases risk taking and poor choices.
Simply having friends close by either inside a car or out can increase the chances of poor choices being made.
No matter how well a young lad has been raised, no matter how many conversations parents have around making good choices, the adolescent window (12-25) – thanks to the remodelling of the teenage brain – means they lack the cognitive capacity to always make good decisions. Heck, there are adults who make poor decisions while driving cars and their prefrontal lobe should be complete.
I had a chat with Nadia Mitsopoulos on ABC Radio in Perth about some other concerns that many parents may not be aware of around driving. You can hear that conversation here.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS I THINK IT MIGHT HELP TO KNOW:
Boys are biologically wired to automatically try to impress a potential mate.
That means if there are girls in the car (or anyone they might like), this can be an added concern even if they are not in a relationship with that person. Evolutionary biology has a lot to answer for on that front, as part of the key development during adolescence is finding a mate to breed with!
Night time is a particularly challenging time for teens. Given that their executive brain is immature and developing, research shows that at night the capacity to access the prefrontal lobe is greatly diminished –whether they are in their bedroom or in a car. Night-time driving is so much more dangerous than daytime driving for teenagers with or without companions. The worst behaviour that happens in the digital landscape, tends to happen at night for the same reason.
Your horror stories about driving are unlikely to make a difference. Many well-intentioned adults believe that hearing the true stories about the dangers of driving as teenagers from those who have lost loved ones will reduce the number of future lives lost. Sadly, that is unlikely to make a significant difference. Why?
Teens are wired differently and they often view things through a very different lens.
They tend to exaggerate the positives out of a possible experience and diminish or completely ignore any negative consequences.
Many of them, especially boys, believe they are bullet-proof and that it will never happen to them. A tragic story may move them in the moment, however in the car it no longer has any impact.
Your teens may need support to make a Plan B. Many of these tragic accidents that see the loss of multiple beautiful lives involve the influence of alcohol and drugs. Given that teens are more prone to making poorer choices than mature adults (due to them having less myelin in their brain), there needs to be a stronger message for all teens to avoid getting into cars with anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
Encourage them to walk together, or to seek some other safer way of getting home – ride shares have been a help for many families of teens. I think it’s incredibly important for parents of older teens, who are going to parties and socialising, to tell them to call (no matter what time) if they need a ride home. This has to be without any judgements, without any lectures and simply with the intention to get all our teens home safe.
Probationary drivers are best not to drive high-powered cars. Some of the most serious accidents involve speed in high-powered cars. As parents work with their teens to build their driving skill levels, this is a message we need to reaffirm.
Phones and cars are a dangerous mix
Another concern that has come up in my work with exploring how to keep our teens safer as they learn to drive competently is the usage of phones in cars. This is obviously an issue across society these days… not just for teens who are driving. I worked with one family who sadly had called their teen to check where they were, and the distraction of that call was a contributing factor to an accident that followed.
There are huge fines in some states for mobile phone use in cars. Generally, phones are not allowed to be used in cars where they might distract the driver. Where I live, the law currently says they can be used as a driver’s aid only but in that case, they need to be in a fixed holder in the vehicle.
All phones in cars need to be hidden if not in a holder. Teens are distracted by other people’s phones as well. Encourage them to maybe put their phone in the boot or otherwise out of reach, so impulses cannot kick in!
A cautionary tale from my own adolescence
As I was listening to these conversations in the media this week, I remembered my own experience as a beginning driver. As farm kids, we often had to shift vehicles and learn to drive much earlier than other kids. When I got my licence, the assessor told my dad I was one of the most competent young drivers he had ever tested.
The year before I got my license, I was messing around with a couple of farm boys racing around paddocks with old, unlicensed cars. It was risky, it was fun and we were not going that fast. During one of the races, the car I was driving clipped the edge of a rock in the paddock, and the vehicle flipped over. It landed against some she-oak trees and I was thrown out onto the ground. Fortunately, I was able to get up quite quickly, because the car was rolling back towards me. Unfortunately, I was not able to get completely out of the way and the car chassis landed on my right lower leg. The boys who were with me lifted the car up enough for me to get my leg out. Within minutes my foot had swollen up so much it had split my basketball shoes and I was in a significant amount of pain. The boys helped me back to the main house on the farm, and I had to call my dad to come and collect me and he took me to the emergency department.
I had not fractured any bones but I had torn ligaments very seriously and I was in a plaster cast for six weeks, and unable to play my beloved basketball for 18 months. I had a long time to think about the poor choice I had made.
So, you would think I would become a very sensible driver as a consequence of my accident, right?
The following year, as we were nearing end of year 12 exams, I was driving one of my friends back to her place after studying all day. The bitumen road I was on had a really long straight stretch and, out of nowhere, I decided to see how fast my dad’s car would go! I remember it vibrating before I slowed down. Even though I was an academically capable school leader and normally very responsible girl, with no other teens in the car to influence me, and no phone
to distract me I still made an impulsive poor choice that could have cost me my life that day.
I had not learnt the lesson from my previous accident to see that cars are really lethal weapons for young people who are cognitively immature.
In many ways, preparing our teens to be safe, competent drivers is a little like preparing them to be respectful, sexual partners as they mature through the teen years. You don’t just have one conversation. You need to have many conversations.
A key thing that really helps build awareness is for parents to draw their kids’ attention to any form of incompetent or dangerous driving. When people change lanes without indicating, drive erratically because they’re on their phons, where you notice them running red lights, exceeding the speed limit, or when you see other misdemeanours that could end badly, please draw your teen’s attention to it. Over time it helps the brain become better at predicting potential danger while on the road.
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP TEENS BECOME COMPETENT, SAFE DRIVERS.
•Have many conversations about how cars can be lethal weapons.
•Speed limits matter and modelling respect for speed limits is important.
•Have phone mounts in all cars so there is no need to be distracted at for them, holding them or using them while driving.
•Avoid teens having access to high-powered cars.
•Explore alternative options for teens attending social events rather than getting a lift home with other teens.
•Volunteer to be the parent who collects multiple teens – at any hour of the day or night.
•Affirm the importance of patience when behind the wheel – many poor choices are made from poor regulation due to impatience.
•Ensure your teen does all of their required hours of supervised driving, especially night driving.
•Explain to your teen about why there are additional challenges with night driving versus day driving.
•If you can, get them to do an advanced driving course.
•Remind your teen about the phrase “no matter what”. That’s so they know they can call you when anything bad happens to them or their friends, and you will come, and you have their back, no matter what.
•As often as you can, when your teen leaves the house, ensure those last words are ones you would be happy to have said, if something awful were to happen.
•Ensure your teen understands and respects the rules around being a probationary driver (P1 and P2) .
These steps have the potential to save lives, however we must keep in mind that adolescents on the journey to adulthood are not mature adults and they will still make impulsive poor choices from time to time.
No teen ever wants to hurt someone they care about and yet sometimes a poor choice can do exactly that.
BY ALISON FITZSIMMONS
Founder of
Baby Bear’s Chair www.babybearschair.com.au
At first glance, a chair might seem ordinary, a place to rest, a functional piece of furniture. But when you think about it, a chair is so much more. It’s not just where you sit; it’s where you belong. It holds your place at the table, your spot in the circle, your presence in the moments that shape your family’s story.
Think about family meals; the clatter of plates, the laughter over shared stories, the clinking of glasses filled with milk or juice. Around the table, each chair becomes a sacred space. It’s where milestones are celebrated: birthday cakes, the first tooth lost, or a new job announcement. It’s where traditions are born, Sunday roasts, taco Tuesdays, or the special treat of pancakes on rainy mornings.
A chair at the table reminds us that we belong, that we are part of something bigger. It’s an invitation to come as you are, to share a meal, and to share your heart. In these moments, a chair is not just a chair; it’s a connection.
The story of a chair grows even more profound when you take it outside. Imagine a campfire under a starlit sky, the crackle of wood and the glow of flames. Chairs encircle the fire, creating a space for stories, laughter, and sometimes a shared quiet.
Around the fire, chairs hold more than just bodies; they hold memories. The first ghost story shared by a brave little voice, the comfort of a parent’s arm draped over the back of the chair, or the simple, primal warmth of gathering together.
A chair around the campfire is a place of safety and imagination. It connects us to ancient traditions; moments when stories were how we made sense of the world, passed down wisdom, and made each other feel seen and heard.
A chair can also represent something deeply personal: your place in the family. It’s where you sit to draw, to journal, to dream. It’s the chair you instinctively claim when you come home after a long day, the one that hugs you in its familiar arms.
For a child, a chair might be where they practice tying their shoes, learn to read, or build their first LEGO masterpiece. It’s their spot, their tiny throne, their place of becoming.
For a parent, it might be the chair at the end of the day where you exhale, drink your tea, and reflect on the beautiful chaos of family life. These chairs, filled with so much meaning, remind us of the life we’re building together.
A chair is not just a chair. It’s a marker of belonging, a symbol of connection, and a witness to some of life’s most meaningful moments. Whether it’s around a dining table, a campfire, or nestled in a quiet corner, a chair holds space for us to be together; and to be ourselves.
So the next time you sit down, think about your chair. Is it just a piece of furniture, or is it a place where you laugh, love, and belong? I like to think it’s the latter. Because no matter where life takes us, a chair will always hold our place in the story.
• For the Table: Invest in sturdy, timeless chairs that will weather the years of shared meals and spilled milk.
• For the Campfire: Look for foldable, portable chairs perfect for gathering under the stars.
• For Your Quiet Corner: Find a chair that feels like home, whether it’s a well-loved vintage piece or a cozy armchair.
A chair isn’t just where you sit; it’s where your story unfolds. What story will yours tell?
• 4 sets of 13 illustrated cards
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• Instructions for Snap, Memory & Go Cosmos
• Sequence 13 chosen milestones in the correct order of timeline
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