KidsLife Magazine Spring 2024 by CityLife Media Cairns

If there is one place that comes to life in spring time better than any place on earth, it’d have to be Far North Queensland! Well maybe I’m a little biased as I’m a 4th generation local, but there are honestly not too many places in this world that compare to our little piece of paradise at this time of year. Everything is lush and green, flowers are blooming, wildlife are active, and the weather is simply spot on!

We had the pleasure of capturing our cover image at the picturesque Botanic Gardens this edition and it was a place that certainly put spring time on display in all its glory. In this edition of KidsLife Magazine we are excited to share with you so many wonderful moments captured at our recent KidsLife Expo hosted at Seville Mercy Centre

and all the fun activities local families got up to. Not even the rain could keep the 1,500+ attendees away from flooding through the gates! The team is already well advanced in planning for our next one in 2025! We can’t wait to go even bigger and better again!

In our spring edition we hear from our expert contributors, Dr Justin Coulson on How To Parent A Stubborn Child and Maggie Dent on Why Our Teens Need To Learn About Failure, and Alison Fitzsimmons who talks about Nurturing Early Learning And Interconnection.

It’s a jam-packed edition and we hope you enjoy it as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it for you.

COVER IMAGE:

Cover Models – (L-R) Sienna Young, Summer Young and Aimee Fink Cover Photography – Ellie Fink, CityLife Media

Lip

OCT 18

RISE FLY FISHING FILM TOUR

CPAC Studio 6:30pm www.cairns.qld.gov.au/CPAC

OCT 20

THE CAIRNS TAIWANESE FESTIVAL

Fogarty Park

11am-8pm www.cairns.qld.gov.au/experience-cairns

OCT 21

PEVAN AND SARAH IN CONCERT

CPAC Theatre

10:30am www.cairns.qld.gov.au/CPAC

OCT 24

RADICAL REELS TOUR

CPAC Theatre

7pm www.cairns.qld.gov.au/ticketlink

NOV 01

AFL WORKSHOP - NORTH CAIRNS JUNIOR TIGERS

Watsons Oval 2-32 Behan St www.cairns.qld.gov.au/ experience-cairns

NOV 01

SPOOKY BBQ AT MOKU BEACH CLUB

Moku Beach Club

5:30pm-8pm www.eventbrite.com.au

NOV 03

PALM COVE MARKETS

Williams Esplanade 8:00am-2pm www.palmcovemarkets.com

NOV 10

LAUNCH PAD

CPAC Studio 4pm-6pm www.cairns.qld.gov.au/CPAC

NOV 16

DELIVERING PAREN+MEDIC Play Matters Cairns Hub 1pm-3pm events.humanitix.com

NOV 16

NQ BURNOUTS: SKIDS FOR SANTA 2024 Cairns Speedway 1pm www.facebook.com/events

DEC 07

JOY TO THE WORLD CHRISTMAS CAROLS & FIREWORKS Cairns Showgrounds 5pm-9pm www.cairns.qld.gov.au/experience-cairns

DEC 24

CHRISTMAS EVE LIGHTS RUN/WALK

Corner Bolton and McManus St Whitfield 7:00pm www.facebook.com/events

DEC 31

CAIRNS TAIPANS VS NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS

Cairns Convention Centre 6:30pm tickets.taipans.com/event

DEC 31

NEW YEAR'S EVE POOLSIDE BBQ MOKU CAIRNS

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort 6pm-8pm www.facebook.com/events

Get Ready To Slip, Slide And Vibe At Reefsedge

Anew waterpark has been making splashes in the local media recently, with Cairns kids on the edge of their seats awaiting its opening in mid 2026.

The Reefsedge Waterpark & Tourist Park is one step closer to opening its doors to the world with the development application gaining unanimous approval at a Cairns Regional Council meeting in September.

The new attraction is set to capture the hearts of kids of all ages, with something for everyone to enjoy. “We are really excited to be at a key milestone point in the project journey with the DA approval now in place. Reefsedge Waterpark & Tourist Park is something the people of Cairns have been wanting and we are now able to deliver it for them.

“Reefsedge will be open to the public by mid 2026. But there’s a lot of work to do between now and then. It’s a massive project to get underway so we

are wasting no time, with civil works to commence on site before Christmas,” said proponent, PPNQ Developments Pty Ltd, Director, Darren Halpin.

The $210 Million project which forms part of The Palms Collection masterplan, which is already under construction, will create a much needed shot in the arm to the Far North Queensland economy post COVID, and will create hundreds of local jobs during construction and upon completion.

KEY STATS:

• $210 Million Waterpark & Tourist Park project

• Attracting an estimated 379,000 people per annum to the city of Cairns

• 250+ Full Time & Part Time local jobs during construction

• 400+ Full Time & Part Time local jobs once operational

• 27 Water Slides

• 374 Villas

• 53 Caravan and Camping sites

“We made a commitment to the community that we’d create something really special...”

“My team and I have had this vision for a long time and we made a commitment to the community that we’d create something really special at the old Paradise Palms site after the closure of the golf course. We are now delivering on that promise and bringing a project that will be great for people of all ages and something the people of FNQ can be really proud of.

“We’ve had a few delays in the lead up to get the town planning aspects right and to fit the needs of what the community needed, the estimated arrival times of equipment also played a key factor in all that as the slides are not manufactured in Australia. But all that is behind us now, we are delighted to be on track and we can’t wait to get the ball rolling next month,” said Mr Halpin.

DANCING, ART & CRAFT, SINGING, STORYTIME, ACTIVE PLAY, STEAM

Spring in Far North Queensland is a magical time, with warmer weather, blooming flowers, and an abundance of outdoor activities for families and children.

Whether your kids love adventure, animals, or exploring nature, our tropical paradise has something for everyone.

One of the most iconic attractions of Cairns is the Great Barrier Reef, which is an absolute must-visit, whether that be for the first time or 20 th time. Spring is the perfect time to take advantage of the perfect “not too hot, not too cold” weather out on the reef.

The big kids and little kids can experience snorkelling in shallow waters to see the colourful coral and fascinating marine life up close.

Many reef tours cater specifically to families, offering safe, supervised experiences perfect for children.

Far North Queensland is home to ancient rainforests, part of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics.

Springtime is ideal for short hikes with kids through these lush green forests, where they can spot wildlife like birds, butterflies, and even tree kangaroos.

Explore the Daintree Discovery Centre, which offers elevated walkways and interactive displays. Your kids will love learning about the fascinating flora and fauna.

Take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the scenic train to Kuranda, where children can visit attractions like the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or Kuranda Koala Gardens.

For a thrilling and educational day out, take the kids to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, located between Cairns and Port Douglas.

It’s an excellent spot to learn about native wildlife, especially the saltwater crocodiles.

If your kids are into adventure and a little history, take them to Paronella Park, a unique Spanish castle built in the rainforest near Mena Creek.

This magical castle is surrounded by gardens, waterfalls, and walking paths, making it a fun and fascinating stop for families.

The gardens at Paronella Park come alive in spring, making it a picturesque spot to explore.

For a memorable experience, book a night tour to see the park lit up with sparkling lights under the stars.

Springtime in Cairns is a time full of community events, markets, and festivals.

Be sure to check out the local markets, such as Rusty’s Markets in Cairns, where kids can taste fresh tropical fruits, enjoy live entertainment, and pick up local handmade crafts.

Mossman Gorge is a fantastic place for kids to explore.

With crystal-clear freshwater swimming holes and familyfriendly walking tracks through the rainforest, it’s a perfect spot for a spring adventure.

The Gorge also offers guided tours led by local Kuku Yalanji people, providing educational experiences where kids can learn about traditional land use and bush tucker.

Far North Queensland offers a treasure trove of activities for kids during the spring season.

From the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef to the magic of the rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife encounters, there’s something for every family to enjoy!

Sienna Young, Summer Young and Aimee Fink are ready to Spring into fun!

Located just 10 minutes from the heart of Cairns, Our Lady Help of Christians School, nestled at the foothills of Earlville, is a welcoming Catholic primary school offering a worldclass education. Our school provides a safe and inclusive environment where children and families feel truly at home.

We are proud of our strong and vibrant community, with our parent body playing a key role in driving engagement. Our Parents and Friends (P&F) group is thriving, consistently achieving record attendance at meetings. Their dedication enriches our school life through various special events that bring everyone together throughout the year.

At Our Lady Help of Christians, we prioritise student wellbeing as a cornerstone of our approach to education. A key part of this focus is Lucy, our

Our Lady Help of Christians School: Nurturing Values, Community, and Excellence in Education

permanent school therapy dog. Lucy plays a vital role in helping students regulate their emotions, providing comfort and support when needed. She also assists with student learning, particularly with reading, where her calming presence helps students develop confidence and enjoyment in their literacy skills.

We are also fortunate to have an incredible team of staff committed to the success and wellbeing of our students. With access to excellent resources, our students have the best opportunities to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our school life is centered around four key values: Respect, Mercy, Love, and Community. These values shape our daily interactions and are embedded in all that we do, helping guide and nurture our students as they grow. Our emphasis on inclusion and diversity further ensures

that every child feels valued and supported within our community.

We are proud of the supportive, inclusive atmosphere we have cultivated, and we remain committed to providing an environment where every child can learn and grow in faith, knowledge, and friendship. As the school Principal, I feel privileged to be a part of such a great community; I love my gate duties in the mornings, greeting our students and families. If you are interested in a school tour, please book via the Trybooking linkhttps://www.trybooking.com/CPAWF or contact Madonna at reception and request a tour with me, Brendon Napier.

KidsLife Expo

What can we say Cairns… despite the weather trying to rain on our parade for our 1st CityLife Magazine KidsLife EXPO in 16 years. The sun came out right on 9am and our prayers were answered and 1,500 of you all flowed through the gates on the 3rd August to join in the fun.

To say we are grateful is an understatement. We are incredibly proud of our team, the entertainers, valued sponsors, stall holders and food vendors. What an amazing day of fun, education and inspiration for all ages we created together. And we did it all while raising a bucket load for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.

Needless to say we are already planning for an even bigger and better event next year! Stay tuned for details to be released in early 2025.

KidsLife Expo

Photos by Citylife Media

TheStats

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.

KidsLife Expo

Photos by Citylife Media

Top 10 End Of Year Gifts For Teachers

As the school year comes to an end, many parents find themselves pondering the perfect way to express gratitude to their child’s teacher.

Teachers dedicate countless hours to educating and nurturing our children, and a thoughtful gift can go a long way in showing appreciation.

Here are the top 10 gifts for your child’s teacher, guaranteed to make a lasting impression.

1. Personalised Stationery

In the digital age, there’s something uniquely charming about personalised stationery. Customised notepads, pens, or sticky notes not only add a personal touch but also serve as practical tools for daily use.

2. Gift Cards

When in doubt, a gift card is a safe bet. Whether it’s for a local café, bookstore,

or office supply store, gift cards offer teachers the flexibility to choose something they truly need or enjoy.

3. Houseplants

A small, low-maintenance plant like a succulent or a snake plant can brighten up any classroom or home. These green companions are easy to care for and bring a touch of nature indoors.

4. Handwritten Notes

Sometimes, the most meaningful gifts are the simplest. A heartfelt note from your child expressing gratitude can be a cherished keepsake that teachers hold dear.

5. Reusable Coffee Cup

For the coffee-loving teacher, a highquality reusable coffee cup is both ecofriendly and practical. It’s a gift that they can use daily, reminding them of your appreciation with every sip.

6. Classroom Supplies

Teachers often dip into their own pockets to stock their classrooms. Items like markers, sticky notes, or even a

pack of tissues can be incredibly helpful and much appreciated.

7. Books

A good book is always a welcome gift. Consider a bestseller or a book related to their interests. Alternatively, a gift card to a bookstore allows them to pick out something they’ll love.

8. Homemade Treats

If you enjoy baking, homemade cookies or a cake can be a delightful gift. Just be sure to check for any dietary restrictions to ensure your treats are enjoyed by all.

9. Relaxation Kits

Teaching can be stressful, so a small relaxation kit with items like scented candles, bath salts, or a cosy blanket can help your teacher unwind after a long day.

10. Flowers

Nothing beats a bouquet of beautiful flowers! Use this as a way to also support a local florist and brighten up your child’s teacher’s home with unique in season blooms.

Keep the kids busy with this fun outdoor scavenger hunt! All you need to set up this backyard scavenger hunt for kids is to use the scavenger hunt worksheet (enclosed), grab some markers and a clipboard and head outdoors.

Look for butterflies, leaves, worms, grass, and more with Messy Little Monster’s Backyard Scavenger Hunt. The bonus section on this hunt encourages kids to use their sense of smell, touch, and sight to explore the outdoors.

BACKYARD SCAVENGER HUNT SUPPLIES:

• Printable scavenger hunt

• Clipboard

• Markers

PRINTABLE OUTDOOR SCAVENGER HUNT DIRECTIONS:

STEP 1: Prepare scavenger hunt

To prepare the scavenger hunt for your kids print out a copy of the scavenger hunt, one per child and then secure the hunt to a clipboard (or find another hard surface for your child to lean on). Go through the scavenger hunt list together to make sure your child knows what they are looking for and grab some pencils or markers.

STEP 2: Get Hunting!

Now it’s time to head outdoors and go hunting for all of the items on the outdoor scavenger hunt printable list. Colour in the images of each item as you see them.

The downloadable and printable version is available at www.messylittlemonster.com

How to Parent a Stubborn Child

BY DR JUSTIN COULSON

It’s rare to find a parent who hasn’t experienced the joys and challenges of raising a stubborn child. The irony is, though, that many parents are just as inflexible as their kids, particularly when it comes to challenging behaviour from their children. We don’t like it, and we want it to stop. Now!

Often, when a child is upset, sad, or challenged, their thinking can become inflexible, rigid, or avoidant. As that occurs, you’ll find that they’re not open to hearing what you have to say. Their mindset is fixed, and they cannot be swayed. We say that they’re being “stubborn.”

It sounds like this is where you are currently with your child—they have their fingers in their ears, yelling “lalalala” while you try to logically point out where they’ve gone wrong. Your child won’t hear it. They’re convinced that they’re right. They might have been upset, but they are making it clear that they don’t want your help.

This is infuriating for us as parents because we have answers! We can help! We can fix this!

The 3 E’s of Effective Discipline

You may be familiar with my 3 E’s of Effective Discipline (explore, explain, and empower), a process I developed to help parents move towards a need-supportive approach to raising children. It embraces the basic psychological needs of every human: relatedness, competence, and autonomy.

When we explore, we take time to connect— to hear, see, and value our child. Once we understand where our child is struggling, we

move on to explain, giving a clear rationale for what we’re asking. Then, we empower them by inviting their ideas on how to move forward, offering gentle collaboration and guidance.

There will be times (as Desperate Parent is experiencing) when it feels like the 3 E’s are just not working! Why? Because this discipline process doesn’t operate on quick ‘fixes’ like the old-school styles.

Help! I’m Stuck at “Explore”!

The pressure points of the 3 E’s (Explain, Explore, Empower) become particularly pronounced when dealing with a stubborn child.

Firstly, explaining becomes a challenge because a stubborn child often shuts down communication, making it difficult for them to hear your reasoning. They are likely to be defensive, interpreting your explanations as criticism rather than guidance.

Secondly, exploring options with them can feel like an uphill battle. They resist considering alternatives, firmly convinced that their perspective is the only valid one. This inflexibility can make collaborative problem-solving (the “explore”) seem impossible.

Finally, empowering a stubborn child requires patience and perseverance, as they may view your attempts to give them autonomy as another form of control. The key is to maintain a calm and empathetic stance, creating a safe space where they feel heard and understood. This approach can gradually break down their defensiveness, allowing the principles of Explain, Explore, and Empower to take root.

Tips For Parents In These Challenging Moments

Know that time is your friend. Sometimes it will take weeks or more to get a resolution. Emotions can remain high for a long time. Our kids need time to digest new ideas and work out what they value (this is particularly true for neurodiverse kids).

“fast is slow, and slow is fast“

Be okay with your child’s discomfort. Accept that, for some children, uncomfortable conversations will always be uncomfortable. There may never be the “right” time.

Avoid information overload. Be clear in your own mind about what you need to communicate, make a gentle suggestion, and then back away. Arguing the pros and cons back and forth doesn’t help.

Be patient. Sometimes the conversation will need to be broken up into a series of smaller conversations.

A Note of Encouragement

Know that you’re probably having a bigger impact than you realise.

Raising a strong-willed child can be tough, but it’s important to remember that their stubbornness can also be a sign of their determination and strength. By approaching these challenging moments with patience, empathy, and a focus on connection, you’re helping to nurture these positive traits. Every small step forward, every moment of understanding, brings you closer to building a stronger, more resilient relationship with your child.

Trust the process, remembering that “fast is slow, and slow is fast”. You’re not alone in parenting a stubborn child, and with time and persistence, you will see the growth and positive changes you’re working so hard to achieve.

Back To School Kids Snacks

School holidays have officially ended and the morning rush to get the kids to school and frantically packing those lunchboxes is back! If you’re stuck on what tasty treats to pack into your kids’ lunchboxes, we’ve got a few backto-school kids snack ideas that your kids would love. Check them out below.

Banana Joe Banana Chips

Hickory BBQ – These tasty chips are made from 100% real bananas and are packed full of nutrition, making them a great addition to your kids’ lunchboxes.

Noshu Snackles Unicorn Sprinkles – These snack bars are 96% sugar free, use natural sweeteners, wheat free and only use natural colours and flavours. These vegan friendly treats have a delicious chewy crunch that your kids will love.

Wallaby Mini Pretzels Dark Chocolate & Salted Caramel – A tasty salty and sweet snack. These pretzels contain no artificial colours and are gluten free, GMO free and nut free.

Vego Whole Hazelnut

Chocolate Bar – Nothing beats a tasty chocolate bar as an end of the week treat. Vego is made with Fairtrade and certified organic ingredients. Vegan and gluten free.

Ceres Organics Organic

Lemon Cheesecake Raw Wholefood Bar – A creamy, sweet treat that has no added sugars, preservatives and are vegan friendly.

These tasty snacks make a great addition to a wellbalanced, nutritious lunch. Pack all these goodies in a Cheeki Double Stacker Stainless Steel Lunch Box.

Why Our Teens Need To Learn About Failure

BY MAGGIE DENT

Changes in the way we parent in recent decades have meant we are more protective of our kids but this well-intentioned shift has contributed to a generation of less brave and resilient kids and adolescents.

Every experience is a learning opportunity, especially the failures, disasters and muck-ups. So we must allow our kids and teens the autonomy to experience such moments.

In this blog, Maggie shares her tips for how you can help your teens see failure through a growth mindset, and develop the grit to bounce back from life’s inevitable setbacks.

Every caring parent wants to protect their children from any form of suffering. This is a biological drive that exists to ensure the survival of our children and consequently, the species.

This drive has seen one of the most significant changes in the parenting landscape in the past few decades and, while this shift comes from a space of love, it comes at a price for our kids. I am talking about our avoidance of risk and disappointment. We stopped letting them roam the neighbourhood unsupervised til sunset. We gave everyone a prize in the game of Pass the Parcel instead of having just one winner. We ripped out dangerous playgrounds so our kids could stay safer. The irony is that children are biologically wired to take themselves to the edge of their own fear whenever they play. By removing the capacity to stretch and grow in bravery, and by marinating parents in the fear of risk, we now have generations of kids and teens who are less brave and less resilient.

Not only that, but the self-esteem movement also sent really strong messages about the power of positivity, praise and encouragement. Not that that’s all bad. Many old parenting paradigms were based on fear and punishment and were pretty harsh — they needed to change as the science of child development gave us evidence of better ways to raise little people. Many children have been saturated in positive praise in the belief that it will help them grow up to be healthier and happier. I once heard a mum at a playground praise her son for “good smiling!” It seems that there are

unrealistic pressures on parents to ensure their children are happy all the time.

That is not only unrealistic, it is developmentally abnormal. We all have times when we feel upset, angry, disappointed or frustrated and it’s important to allow all those big feelings to be valid and accepted.

Part of the growth and development of babies and toddlers is growing in their ability to manage big feelings and the unpredictable nature of growing a mature executive brain. So what happens when we don’t get that learning early? Additionally, now that childhoods have less play, especially free autonomous play in the natural world, our kids learn less about the social and emotional skills of being a human. The minor bumps and bruises, and grazed knees that occur when playing vigorously with others are often viewed as a sign of poor parenting rather than effective parenting.

These moments all help build grit and an inner confidence that helps us right through life.

Managing and learning from failure is a huge life skill, as is recovering from painful experiences. These patterns, whether healthy or unhealthy, will tend to stay with individuals for life — and that goes for unhealthy patterns if we are not given some support to change them during the vital teenage years.

True self-determination and confidence can only occur when an individual uses their own autonomy and life skills to overcome challenge or achieve success because of their choices and behaviours independently of others— sometimes in spite of others!

A common response from a loving parent when our kids or teens muck-up, fail or make a poor choice is to sweep in and fix it or rescue them. The journey over the bridge to adulthood is a significant one through which our emerging adults need to learn how to navigate the ups and downs of life as independently as possible. Resilience is when individuals learn the capacity to manage their life and especially to adapt to challenging situations.

Failure is not all bad.

The best way to become emotionally competent is through experience. We can read great books and have many conversations, but it is really in the experience that we can feel and embody what it’s like to be deeply disappointed or super frustrated when something hasn’t gone how we want it to. Without these experiences in childhood, often our kids can learn the art of avoidance –which is to take the fear of failure deeper into their lives.

Some of the things they can learn to do are:

• Not commit 100 per cent (‘I wasn’t trying’)

• Keep the game going forever

• Destroy the game

• Cheat

• Keep others from winning

• Be nice and try a bit

• Be the judge/critic – argue a lot

• Be perfect and try ridiculously hard

• Become a problem (mental/physical illness, drug and alcohol addiction)

• Refuse to play or have a go at all

• Quit

Teens on the bridge to adulthood want to make more of their own choices, especially risky choices, and they often reject parental guidance, so how do we encourage them to embrace the positives of failure and not to be crushed? How do we teach them to lose well?

Hopefully, by the time your kids are teens you have had

many opportunities in your home to talk about winners and losers, especially in relation to things happening at school or in sport. It’s helpful to affirm the importance of turning up and having a go or the power of participation – especially when you have no chance of winning. If you haven’t been doing this, start now.

The next message that can be helpful is practice matters because it improves performance.

The more we train, the more we rehearse, the more we study, the more we strive, the more we persevere – the better we perform.

You can model this yourself by attempting something new – following a recipe, flipping pancakes or making fresh pasta – and notice that your first efforts can be improved on. You can also do this by growing vegetables, learning a musical instrument, playing Scrabble, Uno, or one of my favourite quick turnaround games, Spot It.

Maybe share stories of famous sports stars who failed and then, after training more, achieved their goal. Michael Jordan is a good example of someone who says the only reason he succeeded in life was because he had failed many times.

Adversity and hard times are not all bad.

Many of the most successful, competent and influential people in the world are that way because of adversity in childhood. Adversity can help us develop a social

conscience and understanding of the need for change to existing cultural attitudes. Sometimes a moment of failure can actually open other unexpected doors.

My oldest brother was kicked out of high school and after going back to the farm, he went to an agricultural college. He discovered he could learn and decided to become a vet. Unfortunately, in WA at the time, there were no veterinary degrees available so it was suggested he study first-year medicine and then transfer to vet science. He found he loved medicine and went on to become an exceptional emergency doctor.

The ability to overcome setbacks, disappointments or failure can be determined by minimising (not completely avoiding) risk, and building protective factors and/or patterns of behaviour that help us move forward. Any teen can make a spur-of-the-moment decision that can be fatal, regardless of their school grades or prior patterns of behaviour or who their family is.

Because of the huge brain changes they are undergoing, we must not assume that any teen is reliably and consistently capable or resilient, nor that they are able to make safe decisions.

Neither vulnerability nor resilience are fixed constructs. We are all at risk of life and my own spontaneous, unplanned adolescent suicide attempt is an excellent example of that.

I have worked with parents who have threatened to ground a teen ‘for the rest of their life’ when they have broken a curfew or deliberately lied. This may not be the best way to help a teen to learn from the experience. They may just become angry and resentful, which tends to make them rebellious.

Remember, every experience is a learning opportunity, especially the failures, disasters and muck-ups.

Instead of punishment and lectures, use that moment as a teachable opportunity. My latest book Help Me Help My Teen is written to show parents exactly how to do that in many challenging moments.

On my bumpy ride through adolescence, I was a moody teen, and I often struggled and felt like the world was against me. I wished my ride had been smoother and that I had made fewer mistakes. Only as an adult did I realise it was because of my bumpy ride that I am who I am today.

We must always remember our teens are creating a sense of their own identity in this adolescent window, and every success and every failure creates a narrative in that teen’s mind.

Increasing their competence and capacity to cope with hard things helps them.

Seriously we can educate our teens that failure and setbacks are a normal part of life and that, once something is learned from experience, they can move on. Rather than seeing such moments as signs they are incapable, flawed or (worse-still) useless, we as the safe grown-ups in their lives, can help them realise that these are actually significant opportunities for growth. No, really, we can.

What is beyond important for our teens is to have at least one safe parent or lighthouse figure who cares and will always have their back…no matter what.

Nurturing Early Learning and Interconnection: A Journey through Stories, Nature, and Play

BY ALISON FITZSIMMONS Founder of Baby Bears Chair

At Baby Bear’s Chair, we believe that the first 60 months of life lay the foundation for lifelong learning and academic success. Early exposure to storytelling not only builds strong literacy, comprehension, and critical thinking skills but also fosters emotional intelligence and empathy—essential qualities for navigating social relationships and classroom dynamics.

With nearly four decades of experience in early years education, we understand the profound impact these formative years have on a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Inspired by this belief, we recently hosted a series of workshops at the beautiful Artview Gallery, focusing on enriching early literacy through the wonders of nature and storytelling

Our Magical Workshop Series at Artview Gallery

Throughout September, we welcomed parents and their babies and toddlers to explore the magic of early literacy, sensory play, and nature-based learning Each session was filled with handson activities designed to connect children to stories and the natural world—laying the groundwork for their future success at school.

At the core of every session was the focus on the first 60 months—a critical period when children are highly receptive to language, sensory experiences, and their surroundings. Our engaging activities—such as creating book nooks, integrating stories into daily life, and incorporating sensory play with natural elements—provided parents with practical tools to foster a love of learning and connection to nature.

Parents made a heartfelt pledge to “talk more, read aloud more, and scroll less in the company of their children”—this commitment will nurture their children’s language development and emotional well-being

Transitioning to Prep 2025: Upcoming Parent Talks

Continuing our commitment to supporting early childhood education, we are excited to announce our Parent Talks on Transitioning to Prep 2025. The sessions, repeated over the four Saturday mornings in November, will provide valuable insights and tips to help parents confidently navigate their child’s transition to school.

With over two decades of experience teaching Prep students, we understand both the excitement and challenges of this important milestone, and we’re here to guide families every step of the way.

Stay tuned for registration details on our Facebook page!

The Universe Story Card Game: A Launch for Literacy

We are thrilled to introduce our locally created and printed Universe Story Card Game! This interactive storytelling game is designed to enrich early literacy through the wonders of nature. Encouraging children to explore The Universe’s grand narrative, the card game enhances language development and sparks imagination. It’s a wonderful tool for families and educators to nurture curiosity and help children connect with the natural world—all while building essential literacy skills.

Check out our video on our website!

The Universe Story cards have attracted the attention of primary and secondary schools, as well as adult contemplatives

You can register your interest on our website.

Looking Ahead: Summer Season of Earthcare Groups

This summer, we’re excited to continue our mission with the launch of Baby Bear’s Chair Earthcare Nature Play Groups

These groups, designed for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, will focus on nature-based play and Earthcare activities, helping young children build a meaningful connection to the Wet Tropics through playful learning.

We’re also thrilled to announce that we are working on our beautiful nature play book, Our Beach, photographed by local artist Emm from WovenLight. This book is designed for families to fall in love with the beach again. The stunning photographs were taken on location at low tide on Machans Beach, where the Barron River meets the Coral Sea. The book is filled with nature play activities

that use sustainable materials, with a focus on nurturing future stewards and protectors of our precious ocean

Our Earthcare groups offer children the perfect opportunity to explore the outdoors, engage in sensory experiences, and develop a deep respect for the natural world. Join us this summer for enriching, hands-on nature play sessions that foster curiosity, creativity, and care for Earth

More information and bookings will be made available soon on all our socials

Stay tuned and join us on this incredible journey of nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a deep connection to nature and stories, helping to shape the next generation of lifelong learners and Earth stewards.