kids now.

It will come as no shock to any parent that raising a child takes a mountain of strength.

From the early days of sleepless nights and continuous crying, through to entering teenage years with a whirlwind of emotions reminiscent of the terrible twos, it’s up there with the hardest jobs in the world.

With challenge after challenge and endless surprises some good, some far from good rolling with the punches becomes human instinct.

Breeanna Poar and her partner Kyle Lines didn’t know just how much strength they possessed until their then one-year-old ball of sunshine Alexander was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Turn to page 3 to read about how the young parents have been navigating the health system and their son’s wellbeing with a wisdom and resilience well beyond their years.

Cassandra Godger never once imagined how much the All Abilities Playground in Shepparton would aid in transforming her three-yearold’s life.

See how much Dylan, who lives with spina bifida, has grown in leaps and bounds since using the playground on page 16.

Dylan’s story showed us the importance of harnessing all the region has to offer, no matter the needs of your child. To find sensory friendly activities across the Goulburn Valley check out page 10.

At Kids Now, we know what it’s like to feel out of the loop with the youth of today. Our correspondent has put together a thorough list of Gen Z lingo on page 9 to catch you up to speed and help decipher their language.

Students at Mooroopna Park Primary School also willingly allowed a sneak-peek into what kids are up to nowadays on page 12.

And of course, with parenting comes the bravery to face how your child is really feeling. After years in a pandemic the amount of young people experiencing anxiety has increased. Learn the signs on page 7.

As you will see in the following pages, there is power in showing that things aren’t always okay and some days can leave you feeling helpless.

But resilience spans far and wide across the Goulburn Valley and is often worn with a brave face and a smile.

Caitlyn Grant Editor

Cover: Alexander Poar. See page 3.

Photo: Megan Fisher.

Editorial Coordinator: Caitlyn Grant

Design: McPherson Media Group

Sub-editor: Sandy Lloyd.

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