The Understanding Collective

I go on a lot about the things in schools that need improving.

The curriculum.
Teacher conditions.
Teaching emotional understanding
Etc. Etc.

But I will always come back to the simplest of all values, kindness. And when kindness is put into action, it builds belonging.

And when people belong, they will rush to help, they will follow expectations with pride and they will sing the praises of their community.

So to the people running schools and classrooms with their focus on results, KPIs and ticking boxes, who complain about absent parents, low attendance rates or disinterested staff, maybe it's time to get back to basics and focusing on helping people, not just assessing them.

Be nice to your mum
Mick

💝 ❤️

Free play and stay for 3-5yr olds!

If you have little ones off to Kindy next year, then come down to College Community Child Care Centre from 9:30 this morning!

Deb from parenting_ways will be doing a short presentation today, so today is one NOT to miss!!

Can anyone help Pia out with this one?? Perth Kids Hub

FREE PLAY AND STAY FOR 3-5yr OLDS!!

And today I'll be doing the first of our information sessions, all about getting your little ones ready for big school!

If you have questions or concerns about your kids heading off to big school next year, come on down to collegecommunitychildcare on Somerville Drive between 9:30 and 11am today!

Free stay and play sessions for parents of kids aged 3-5! Come on down to College Community Child Care Centre from 9:30 TOMORROW and the next 6 Mondays for advice, support and connection before your little ones head off to Kindy!!

When our kids come home from school and say 'I had a bad day' we ask them,

Like, the WHOLE day? ALL of it? EVERY second of EVERY minute of EVERY hour??

After they've finished their eye rolling, we talk about the 'bits' that were s**t, the people who were unkind, the work that was too hard. And then we look for bits that were fun, people that were kind, and work that wasn't hard.

I don't do this just because I like being a pedantic s**t, but also to remind our kids and ourselves that there is so many wonderful things, people and experiences to savour in this life.

It's also a great reminder to focus on the present, the positive and the progress.

But life is hard, when you look at EVERYTHING
The world is MASSIVE when you look at the globe
So keep your head above your feet
Do THIS step
Appreciate what you've accomplished
Be grateful that's done till next time
Tick that to do box

Be nice to your mum
Mick

I know of heaps of parents who have been so frustrated with their kids that they have considered strapping a 'for sale' sign on them.

Whether it's because they've lost something, forgotten something, broken something, failed something, not finished something, hurt someone, done nothing or found a whole new level of attitude, we've all been there and have been reminded that raising kids is hard work.

Something that works for me and so many clients who've sought my help is this

'Helping them is my first job'

Helping them get organised, helping them remember what they need to do, how to fix things, how to follow instructions, how to speak politely, how to face their fears and worries, how to be kind, how to be themselves and be ok with it.

So next time one of your little cherubs has a 'for sale' moment, breathe up your nose and out your mouth then repeat after me.

'How can I help them?'

It'll be easier on you, on the people around you, and on them.

If you want me to come to you and give you some really simple, honest and helpful advice, get in touch through here or email me at
[email protected]

💝 ❤️

This one bit of advice has helped me to not only help parents help their kids, but has helped me and my family countless times

If something is interesting AND important I'm going to do it like the human race depends on

If it's interesting but not important, I'll give it a fair crack until something shiny comes into my peripheral

If it's not interesting OR important... yeah good luck.... unless I say this to myself

'Listen mate, it's not interesting but it's important and once it's done it's done then you'll feel good about yourself and you can sit your old ass down!'

Try it with yourself or your kids (leave out the old bit though...😉)

Be nice to your mum
Mick

If you're an ADHD adult
What's that one thing that people say to you that pi**es you off or shows that they don't get ADHD?