By: Lorrene McClymont My husband and I recently became empty-nesters. Our daughter’s wedding was in April. It’s a strange new reality for us, organising a life that was previously built around family and adult children at home, into a completely different scenario.My husband and I both...
By: Collett SmartA shortage of healthy touch can have detrimental effects on our health and wellbeing, even leading to psychologically damaging effects. Of course, we’ve known for many years about the importance of touch for the healthy physical and psychological growth of...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonPicture this scenario: You’re opening up to a friend about the overwhelming challenges you face as you juggle your children and your multitudinous other responsibilities. You outline the weight of the burdens you carry. The kids, the job, the financial stress, the...
By: Collett SmartHas the artist of Hedger Humour been peeping in my windows? We often wonder about the benefits of chores, and whether the sighing, dodging and procrastination are worth the effort (and that’s just the parents I am talking about! 😉)Yet, it appears, chores lead to...
By: Dr Justin Coulson“Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world.” – Susan LiebermanBen and Tracy Groves love Sundays. Every week, Ben gets up early and takes the two...
By: Michelle MitchellThe feeling of packing your bags up and heading home is always bittersweet, especially if it wasn’t in the original plan.Sometimes we head home because we have failed, or the journey has become too tough.Sometimes we head home because we feel disillusioned or...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonOne in five Australians are part of a blended family. Statistically, 30% of the kids in your child’s school class will be part of a blended family. In fact, blended families are one of Australia’s fastest growing family types.A blended family occurs when a couple...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonParenting is an exercise in organisation, communication, and flexibility at the best of times. Co-parenting, particularly in blended families, is even more complicated. And in the midst of a pandemic, it’s exponentially harder.How are we supposed to co-parent with the...
By: Yvette CherryThe wind was a howlin’, blowing a gale. Our Coral Bay holiday was beginning to fail. The sand stung our legs and whipped through the van. We’ll leave a day early, conceded The Man.We agreed to set off next morning, first light. If we drove 14 hours we’d get home...