A-Z of Positive Mental Health
As part of our Mental Health Strategy, we promote practices that will assist in the development and maintenance of positive mental health. Read and download our A – Z here.
Knowing Girls
Every Child Needs A Champion
Every child needs a teacher who truly connects with them and cares for them. Watch this inspiring clip from Rita Pierson.
Top 5 Reads of 2019
Thanks for sharing time with us this year. Here are the five most popular Knowing Girls blog posts of 2019. Merry Christmas!
What are your family’s Christmas rituals?
Christmas rituals are important. They tether us to something greater than ourselves. They help instill in us a sense of connection and belonging.
7 Reasons You And Your Kids Should Keep A Journal
Journalling is considered an old fashioned practice. Yet, it is the sort of creative and reflective endeavour that can make all the difference to our kids.
Identifying Mental Health Problems In Teenagers
Mental health difficulties among teenagers are on the rise. This interview discusses how to recognise these difficulties in our young people.
How To Help Your Child Make New Friends
Transitions are often daunting for kids. The thing they worry about most is making friends. How can you help in a way that is effective and empowering?
Creating A Culture Of Meaning
Kody is a 16-year-old student I tutor in English. She is incredibly talented in the study of Physics and Chemistry. …
Surviving Exams: 13 Practical Tips For Parents
If you have a child who is in Year 12 and fast approaching their final exams, you might be feeling a bit stressed. How do you support them? Here are 13 things you can do to help.
What If My Child Becomes The Bully?
Usually, we worry about our children being bullied, but what if our child is the bully? What causes kids to bully and what can we do about it?
5 things to discuss with your teen before they leave home for a sleepover, party or gathering
Paul Dillon believes there are five things every parent should discuss with their teen before they leave home for a sleepover, party or gathering.
Wise Advice from Dads of Girls
Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the wisdom of dads. Here are 10 pieces of valuable advice for dads of girls, from dads of girls.
Let’s stop saying, “Let it go”
The inconvenient truth about painful emotions and traumatic experiences is that you can’t let them go. And if you try, you will fail. So what should we be saying instead?
Why Do Kids Swear And How Do You Respond?
The average person’s use of swear words peaks in the teenage years and declines from then on. What is so attractive to kids about swearing and how should we respond?
The Enormous Power of Celebration
Active-constructive responding is a set of behaviours that promote intimacy and trust. Responding to a child’s good news in this way builds the relationship
Top Tips For Dads With Daughters – Video
The father-daughter bond can be magical, it can also be fragile. This is especially the case during the teen years. This clip offers 10 tips for building the bond
Don’t Forget To Connect With Your Teen
What kids need most from us is meaningful connection. Research shows it has a profound impact on their physical and mental health. How do we build that connection?
10 Signs Of An Effective Teacher
Different teachers have different strengths. Before deciding how ‘good’ a teacher is, perhaps look at how ‘effective’ they are.
The Upside of Social Media
Social media receives a lot of criticism. It is often a forum for bullying, fake news and is a poor influence on our mental health and self-esteem. Are there any positives for our children in using these platforms?
Not All Opinions Are Equal
We are all very good at judging other people’s ideas and opinions, but how good are we at examining our own? And are we teaching children to be self-reflective, logical, and critical?
What Does Feminism Mean To Your Daughter?
Feminism has become a dirty word, but that doesn’t mean our millennial girls aren’t feminists. What do they believe and where to from here?
What Are Successful Students Doing Well?
Why do some very bright children fail to be successful students? A good brain alone is not enough to achieve academic success. Here are 10 characteristics of successful students
Impact of Sleep Deprivation On Our Kids
Sleep deprivation in students is having a significant impact on their academic performance and mental health. What can we do about?
“You mustn’t tell anyone what I’m about to tell you”
What should you do when your child divulges to you that one of their friends is using drugs or alcohol? Paul Dillon provides invaluable advice.
8 Insights Into Teen Girls’ Phone Use
The way our tweens and teens are using their phones is evolving. What has changed and what might surprise you?
Help Teenagers Find Their Tribe
What are the right questions to ask kids in guiding them towards finding a group of friends who will make them feel relaxed and their best selves?
Talking About Kids’ Friendships
Santa Maria College’s Research Officer, Linda Stade and Pyschologist, Jane Carmignani took part in a discussion about kids’ friendships on ABC radio this week. Listen here.
The Value Of The Home Library
Research shows surrounding adolescents with books can add the equivalent of years to their literacy, numeracy and ICT skills.
Transition Smoothly To High School
The transition from primary to high school can be daunting for children. What can we do to make sure they are prepared and the transition is easy?
How Computer Science Can Encourage Girls to Persevere
Confidence and competence are not the same thing. How do we teach our girls to trust their abilities and persevere in the male-dominated technology sector.