It’s the start of a new year, and for so many of us, that means back to early mornings at the pool, afternoon activities next to the rugby field, training weekends on the sidelines, or long hours in the auditorium. Competitions, rankings, and performance scores are rolling in, and as parents, we feel the intensity as much as our kids do. We want them to succeed. We want to see them give it their best, standing on that podium, receiving that recognition. After all, isn’t that what we’ve been told matters? But as I sit with these thoughts, watching our child push himself/herself to be better, I can’t help but ask: What really matters most?

Words are more than just sounds; they are vehicles of intention, capable of influencing how we think, feel, and ultimately, how we live.  "The tongue has the power of life and death." This truth underscores that our words can either build up or tear down. When we speak to our tweens, we have the opportunity to shape their identity, their worldview, and their future....

We believe every start is a chance for our children to grow, reconnect, and shine. The first day of Term 3 is more than just a return to routine; it’s a clean slate and a fresh start. Here’s a couple of thoughts of how we as parents can embrace this term, and help encourage our tweens can make the most of it...

Now that I am a parent of a tween, I realize how many times I need to repeat myself for my tween to do as I ask.  Whether it is pick up your clothes from the floor, tidy your room, or even stuff like, you are amazing and one of a kind!  Everything needs to be repeated in order for them to do it, know it, feel it, believe it.  And if we don't repeat ourselves, they might one day not do it, know it, feel it or believe it!

The beginning of the school year comes with its own set of challenges, especially for tweens. Your child might find themselves in a new schools or class, trying to make new friends, or taking on a new challenge. Whether this comes easy or is difficult for your child, it’s important to remind them to be kind and understanding towards others, as they navigate through these challenges in their own way. We want to encourage your Tween to use this time to spread kindness and remove the circle completely by being inclusive of everyone.