The Primary Years is Gail J Smith's collection of thoughts, experience and insights as a counsellor
The Primary Years - Author, Gail J Smith
Having facilitated parenting courses over the years in my capacity as a Counsellor and School Principal, I began to recognise that school and home are intrinsically connected in providing the best emotional outcomes for children. In today's world, families need to be given optimum opportunities to grow. The school is a rich environment which can nurture ch
ildren, giving them foundational tools through emotional and social support. It has always been a great interest of mine which grew into a passion to work closely with families through my role as school principal for over thirty years. I have been in awe of the fact that a school is such a stable, consistent part of a child and family's journey. Over the years, I have had the privilege of travelling with more than 2000 families through the education of the children and general support of their families, a journey in some cases of over fifteen years. This is a long time in which to see a family grow with all its joys and varied experiences. Some time ago I wanted to deepen my understanding of family and to this end I studied counselling, which gave me insight into how the human condition works. It fuelled my desire to work more closely with children through the counselling process. I discovered that the better my relationship with children and families, the better skilled I was as a school principal in providing well being for all. I hope that my thoughts through this blog will be useful to busy families who are happy to experiment with different ways to communicate with their children. It's all about giving the child a sense of self worth, building on success and at all times giving them a sense of pride in their own capabilities. Academic Qualifications:
Growth Coaching International 2017
Master of Counselling, ACU 2008
Parenting Effectiveness Training Coach 2004
Master of Education Leadership, ACU 2001
Graduate Diploma in Urban Sociology, Swinburne 1982
Bachelor Education State College of Vic 1980
11/03/2026
If your child's behaviour has been pushing your buttons lately, this one's worth a read. Sometimes what looks like defiance, meltdowns, or acting out is actually a message, and when we learn to hear it, everything shifts. đź’ˇ
A small change in approach today can build something much bigger tomorrow.
Sometimes what looks like defiance, meltdowns, or acting out is actually a message, and when we learn to hear it, everything shifts. A small change in approach today can build something much bigger tomorrow. The Primary Years. Gail Smith.
03/03/2026
Every parent knows the urge to step in the moment things get hard. But children don't grow because we made it easier, instead, they grow because we stayed close enough to matter, and trusted them enough to let them try.
Every parent knows the urge to step in the moment things get hard. But children don't grow because we made it easier, instead, they grow because we stayed close enough to matter, and trusted them enough to let them try. The Primary Years. Gail Smith.
24/02/2026
Quiet children are often praised for being "no trouble." But quiet doesn't mean unaffected. It doesn't mean they're not struggling. And it definitely doesn't mean they don't need us.
If you have a child who keeps it all inside during the day and falls apart the moment they walk through the door, this blog is for you. Read on to explore more.
Quiet children are often praised for being "no trouble." But quiet doesn't mean unaffected. It doesn't mean they're not struggling. And it definitely doesn't mean they don't need us. If you have a child who keeps it all inside during the day and falls apart the moment they walk through th
17/02/2026
That tantrum in the grocery store. The refusal to get dressed. The sudden shutdown at bedtime. We've been taught to see these as problems to fix, but what if they're messages we haven't learned to read? Gail Smith explains why "difficult" behaviour often comes from children who don't have the words yet. And how shifting from managing to understanding changes everything.
Before you label it defiance, ask yourself: what are they trying to tell me? That tantrum in the grocery store. The refusal to get dressed. The sudden shutdown at bedtime. We've been taught to see these as problems to fix, but what if they're messages we haven't learned to read? Gail Smith explains
12/02/2026
We tie their shoes so they're not late. We pack their bag so nothing's forgotten. We jump in before they can fail.
We think we're helping but what if we're actually getting in the way?
As the school year unfolds, the greatest gift we can give our children isn't a perfectly smooth day. It's the chance to figure things out on their own.
We tie their shoes so they're not late. We pack their bag so nothing's forgotten. We jump in before they can fail. We think we're helping — but what if we're actually getting in the way? As the school year unfolds, the greatest gift we can give our children isn't a perfectly smooth day. It's the c
10/02/2026
That immediate after-school window is one of the most important and trickiest times to connect with your child. Here are gentle, practical ways to transform the after-school rush into a space of safety and reconnection.
That immediate after-school window is one of the most important and trickiest times to connect with your child. Here are gentle, practical ways to transform the after-school rush into a space of safety and reconnection. The Primary Years. Gail Smith.
03/02/2026
Facing school anxiety is about gentle steps, not hard pushes. For every worried child (and parent), here are six peaceful, practical strategies to build real confidence and find their brave for the first day.
Facing school anxiety is about gentle steps, not hard pushes. For every worried child (and parent), here are six peaceful, practical strategies to build real confidence and find their brave for the first day. The Primary Years. Gail Smith.
29/01/2026
Here's 10 tips on how to listen and encourage your child through all the different processes of the school year.
Here's 10 tips on how to listen and encourage your child through the various processes of the school year.
28/01/2026
Starting a new school year can be a big adjustment, especially for kids feeling a little nervous. As a parent, you can help ease their worries and boost their confidence with simple strategies. A smooth start sets the tone for a great year ahead! Gail Smith shows you how you can support your child through this transition.
Starting a new school year can be a big adjustment, especially for kids feeling a little nervous. As a parent, you can help ease their worries and boost their confidence with simple strategies. A smooth start sets the tone for a great year ahead! Gail Smith shows you how you can support your child t
27/01/2026
How a child starts this new chapter can set the tone for the weeks and months ahead, turning apprehension into anticipation and uncertainty into confidence. In this blog, Gail Smith shares thoughtful strategies to help your family cultivate the art of a good beginning, ensuring a smoother, happier transition into the new school year.
The age-old adage, “Well begun is half done,” holds a special wisdom as the school holidays draw to a close. How a child starts this new chapter can set the tone for the weeks and months ahead, turning apprehension into anticipation and uncertainty into confidence. Gail Smith shares thoughtful s...
23/01/2026
The new school term is here. Are you and your child ready to embrace the change? Moving from holiday mode to school routines is more than just packing bags—it's about nurturing growth in every way: social, emotional, intellectual, and physical. Gail Smith offers a handful of key thoughts and supportive tips to help your family transition smoothly from holiday ease to term-time rhythm.
The new school term is here. Are you and your child ready to embrace the change? Moving from holiday mode to school routines is more than just packing bags, it's about nurturing growth in every way: social, emotional, intellectual, and physical. The Primary Years. Gail Smith.
21/01/2026
With school reopening soon, take a moment to chat with your child about their holiday highlights and what they'll miss. This helps them transition from break to school. Ask them what they're excited about, whether it’s seeing friends or new activities. These simple conversations can set a positive tone for the new school year.
With school reopening soon, take a moment to chat with your child about their holiday highlights and what they'll miss. This helps them transition from break to school. Ask them what they're excited about, whether it’s seeing friends or new activities. These simple conversations can set a positive...
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Primary Years posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Having facilitated parenting courses over the years in my capacity as a Councellor and School Principal, I began to recognise that school and home are intrinsically connected in providing the best emotional outcomes for children. In today's world, families need to be given optimum opportunities to grow. The school is a rich environment which can nurture children, giving them foundational tools through emotional and social support.
It has always been a great interest of mine which grew into a passion to work closely with families through my role as school principal for over twenty nine years. I have been in awe of the fact that a school is such a stable, consistent part of a child and family's journey.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of travelling with more than 2000 families through the education of the children and general support of their families, a journey in some cases of over fifteen years. This is a long time in which to see a family grow with all its joys and varied experiences.
Some time ago I wanted to deepen my understanding of family and to this end I studied counselling, which gave me insight into how the human condition works. It fuelled my desire to work more closely with children through the counselling process. I discovered that the better my relationship with children and families, the better skilled I was as a school principal in providing well being for all.
I hope that my thoughts through this blog will be useful to busy families who are happy to experiment with different ways to communicate with their children.
It's all about giving the child a sense of self worth, building on success and at all times giving them a sense of pride in their own capabilities.
Academic Qualifications:
Growth Coaching International 2017
Master of Counselling, ACU 2008
Parenting Effectiveness Training Coach 2004
Master of Education Leadership, ACU 2001
Graduate Diploma in Urban Sociology, Swinburne 1982
Bachelor Education State College of Vic 1980
Listing takedown request
Tell us why this listing should be removed. Our team will review your request.
