Fantastic Families

VA**NG

According to a 2022 study, 32% of New South Wales teenagers aged between 14 and 17 years have tried va**ng at least once. A 2017 national study found 13% of 12 to 17-year-olds had tried it.

Unfortunately, our survey research also shows va**ng is common among teenagers. But it also tell us young people understand it is unsafe and unhealthy. This suggests there are genuine opportunities for schools – and parents – to intervene and help young people avoid the serious harms associated with va**ng.

Everyone is NOT doing it: how schools and parents should talk about va**ng We work as part of a team researching drug education. Schools tell us there are rising expulsions due to va**ng. We have also heard of students being home schooled so they can continue to v**e.

This is so important! 🧡

MATHS ANXIETY

From March 15, more than one million young Australians will sit the NAPLAN numeracy test. For most students, this will just be a routine part of the school day (albeit less fun than running around at recess or lunch).

But for others, the prospect of doing a maths test will be downright terrifying. These students may be suffering from maths anxiety.

'Maths anxiety' is a real thing. Here are 3 ways to help your child cope Maths anxiety is the feeling of tension and worry that interferes with a person’s ability to solve mathematical problems. It can be seen in children as young as five.

NAPLAN

How to avoid annoying your kids and getting 'stressed by proxy' during exam season With NAPLAN moving to March and Year 11 and 12 students already in the throes of multiple assessments, exams are looming for many households with school-aged children.

GRATITUDE

Gratitude can be expressed in a variety of ways, and a little bit really does go a long way. It not only helps others to feel appreciated, it has benefits for your own overall sense of wellbeing too.

Did you know you can lower stress levels, improve sleep and boost your immune system just by being grateful?

8 gratitude prompts to explore with your kids — Fantastic Families Gratitude can be expressed in a variety of ways, and a little bit really does go a long way. It not only helps others to feel appreciated, it has benefits for your own overall sense of wellbeing too. Did you know you can lower stress levels, improve sleep and boost your immune system just by being g

SCHOOL DAYS

The majority of classes in Australian primary school are made up of children from the same grade. The philosophy behind this is students of similar ages are grouped together to align with similar stages of learning development.

But composite classes – also called “multi-age” or “split year” – are also common. For example, in New South Wales last year, one quarter of classes in state schools had composite groupings. These combine different grades into one class, usually two consecutive grades, say a Year 1 and a Year 2.

Parents can be worried when they hear their child is in a composite class. What does the research say? And what do teachers think about them?

My child is in a composite class this year. Is this a good thing? Parents can be worried when they hear their child is in a composite class. Research says the teacher and school community are more important than how a class is composed.

STEP PARENTING

Becoming a stepdad can seem like a daunting role to take on. You are already a dad to your own kids, and now you taking on the role of being a stepfather to your partners children and forming a new connection can seem almost like an impossible task.

We are here to tell you that it’s one of the most rewarding experiences, and once you form a connection, you’ll wonder why you ever had concerns to begin with!

Dad-proof tips: Fostering the connection with your stepchild — Fantastic Families Becoming a stepdad can seem like a daunting role to take on. You are already a dad to your own kids, and now you taking on the role of being a stepfather to your partners children and forming a new connection can seem almost like an impossible task.

EMOTIONS

How to get your kids to talk about their feelings When we teach kids that all emotions are healthy, they learn to trust themselves and view emotions as brief experiences that pass.

PARENTING WHEN SEPARATED

First things first; it has been long-known and well-publicised that coming from a broken home can have a significantly negative effect on any children involved.

What needs to be much better promoted is the equally compelling research that suggests that living in a broken home tends to be considerably more damaging for everybody living under that roof. Living in two relatively happy homes offers the opportunity to raise happy, well-adjusted children.

Living in one unhappy home never does.

Parenting when separated — Fantastic Families Parenting when separatedFirst things first; it has been long-known and well-publicised that coming from a broken home can have a significantly negative effect on any children involved. What needs to be much better promoted is the equally compelling research that suggests that living in a broken home...

Should you pay your kids for doing chores? Should kids be paid for chores? How much pocket money should they get? Here's how to start talking to your kids about money.

Whether it's a new teacher or class- here's what to do when your child is not loving it Research shows a child’s sense of belonging at school affects their wellbeing. So it's important not to dismisss your child’s concerns.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR KIDS

Is 13 too young to have a TikTok or Instagram account? The US surgeon general says 13 is ‘too early’ to be on social media. But an expert on parenting and digital media cautions against a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.