As an educator, I frequently created opportunities for my students to develop fine motor skills within the classroom. Today’s blog was inspired by a friend who recently reached out to ask about what she could do at home to support her son’s fine motor skill development and I decided it was a great blog idea. 

At Mumma Chelles, I’m passionate about helping families, educators, and carers nurture children’s growth with simple, meaningful strategies — including the everyday magic of fine motor play.

Fine motor skills are the small muscle movements in our hands and fingers — the kind we use to hold a pencil, zip up a jacket, or button a shirt. For kindy kids aged 3–5, these skills are a big part of becoming more independent and school/life-ready.

 Last week, I was curled up in a hotel room, watching A Man Called Otto (I love Tom Hanks), feeling a bit out of place and missing my animals and the familiarity of home. Funny how those quiet moments—away from the usual noise—can stir something in you. It had me thinking about community, and how sometimes, without us even realising it, people are quietly showing up for us. That same morning, I’d gone for a walk with my partner through an inner-city park. Among the trees and footpaths were tents—people sleeping rough. I watched as volunteers from Orange Sky and food trucks arrived, ensuring those experiencing homelessness had access to a warm drink, a good meal and clean clothes. It was organised care in action, and it made me reflect on how, for many, community support can be the only thread holding life together when family isn’t present or has fallen away. A Man Called Otto is a powerful story about informal community care—kind neighbours, work colleagues, and people who quietly care. It reminded me that sometimes, family isn’t just about blood—it’s about the people who step in when we need them most. We often move through life believing we must do everything on our own, but in truth, community is always there—if we are willing to open the door.

Parenting is one of the hardest and most rewarding jobs in the world, and let’s be honest—none of us get it right 100% of the time. New parents today are bombarded with different parenting styles—it's almost like choosing your footy team and signing up! It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out the 'right' way to parent when there are so many differing opinions, expectations, and labels. Gentle parenting, permissive parenting, authoritarian parenting—the labels are endless. But the reality is, at the heart of all successful parenting is one key factor: parents who lead their children with love, confidence, and consistency. We all want the best for our children, but sometimes, in our efforts to protect and nurture them, we can unintentionally make things harder for them in the long run. In modern parenting, there’s been a shift towards placing children at the center of family life, ensuring they are always comfortable and happy. While this comes from a place of love, research suggests that over-prioritising children’s needs above all else can lead to reduced resilience and increased entitlement in young people.

This International Women’s Day, I find myself reflecting on the incredible women I have the privilege of working alongside in the aged care sector. By day, I manage in-home care for older Australians, ensuring they receive the dignity, support, and compassion they deserve. By night (and weekends!), I pour my heart into Mumma Chelles, my passion project dedicated to supporting parents, educators, and carers in raising and empowering the next generation.

Both of these roles have something in common—they are built on the dedication, resilience, and care of extraordinary women.

Anxiety is a normal part of growing up, but when worries start to interfere with daily life, it can be overwhelming for both children and parents. According to the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, up to one in 10 children experience anxiety that affects their daily lives. Understanding childhood anxiety can help you recognise the signs, identify triggers, and support your child through their big emotions.

I have a confession: mess stresses me out. I know the toys on the floor, the dishes in the sink, and the endless piles of laundry are all signs of a home filled with love, learning, and laughter—but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel overwhelmed by it sometimes. If you do too, you’re not alone.

As parents, we often feel the pressure to keep everything tidy, organised, and picture-perfect—but real life with kids is anything but neat. The good news? A perfectly clean home isn’t the goal of parenting. It’s okay to find balance between embracing the mess and keeping things manageable for your own peace of mind.

Mum guilt—it’s that little voice in your head that whispers, Am I doing enough? Am I making the right choices? It sneaks in when you're rushing to work, when the kids ask for "just one more story," or when you finally take five minutes for yourself. It’s relentless, exhausting, and often completely unnecessary.

But here’s the truth: you are doing better than you think.

Sometimes life gets busy, and we forget to pause. That’s exactly why today’s post is all about appreciating the small moments and practising gratitude—a simple yet powerful habit that can transform your mindset and improve overall well-being.

Why Small Moments Matter

In the rush of everyday life—juggling work, family, and endless to-do lists—it’s easy to overlook the small moments that bring us joy. We focus so much on getting through the day that we sometimes forget to pause and appreciate what’s right in front of us.

Maybe it’s the sound of your child’s laughter, a cuddle from a pet who just knows when you need it, or even that first sip of coffee in the morning when the house is still quiet. These tiny, seemingly insignificant moments are the ones that help us recharge, feel connected, and remind us of what truly matters.

It's the start of February, school is back and the holiday season is over.  Mumma Chelles has stepped into a fresh new year and we're excited about what's ahead for our little business and our valued community. We understand the importance of staying organised in both learning and daily life, which is why we are developing a range of free downloadable resources to support you in learning, work and play. From printable planners and behaviour tracking sheets to teaching guides and activity templates, our goal is to provide tools that make life easier for parents, educators, and carers. These resources will be accessible through our website, ensuring you have practical, high-quality support at your fingertips. Stay tuned as we roll out these resources throughout the year—because when we are organised and empowered, we create space for more connection, creativity, and growth!

You may have noticed our Logo change? Change is a natural part of growth, and at Mumma Chelles, we’re always evolving to better reflect our values, mission, and the wonderful community we serve. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our refreshed logo—a visual representation of everything Mumma Chelles stands for.

“I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains, of ragged mountain ranges, of droughts and flooding rains.” These timeless words from Dorothea Mackellar’s poem capture the breathtaking beauty and contrasting landscapes of Australia. They remind me of the deep connection many of us feel to this land, a connection that comes with both pride and responsibility.

Australia Day brings with it a mix of emotions and perspectives. For me, it’s a day to appreciate the beauty and abundance of this land and the relative safety and opportunities it offers. But I also understand that for many First Nations Peoples, it is a day of reflection and mourning, marking the beginning of a history of colonisation and dispossession.

As I navigate this complex day, I feel it is important to hold space for different experiences and recognise that the history of this country is both extraordinary and challenging. This day provides an opportunity for me to appreciate the blessings we share while remaining mindful of the journey towards healing and reconciliation.

As the year draws to a close, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your support, kindness, and connection throughout 2024. Whether you’ve browsed, shopped, or shared kind words with us, you’ve been an integral part of the Mumma Chelles community.

Stories have a magical way of connecting us to the world and to one another. For children, storytelling is more than just entertainment—it’s a tool for emotional growth, cognitive development, and social understanding. Books offer children a safe space to explore emotions, learn empathy, and understand diverse perspectives. Let’s explore why stories matter and how they help shape emotional growth in children, along with a list of book recommendations tailored to different age groups.

"The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases." – Carl Jung

Christmas often involves navigating the traditions and expectations of others while honouring what’s best for your family. For parents and carers of young children, the season can bring excitement and challenges as we balance family commitments, social gatherings, and children’s emotions. By combining mindfulness with co-regulation strategies, we can support both ourselves and our children through the joys and demands of the festive season.

This blog post lands on the first of December and my official Christmas tree and house decorating day!! I do love Christmas, and I especially love cooking for our family and friends at this time of year. I have been thinking a great deal about how tough this time of year can be on the hip pocket at the best of times, and this year there are many families really struggling to pay bills and keep their heads above water.

Christmas does NOT have to be about getting stuff, in fact, we can make Christmas about time spent together having experiences and building memories. For those blog readers in the northern hemisphere hoping for a white Christmas, it is summer here in Australia. The summer holidays offer lots of opportunities to get out into the great outdoors together.

This year instead of stuffing stockings with items that might soon be forgotten, consider filling them with love gifts that encourage connection and creativity. Here’s ten inexpensive ideas for heartfelt stocking stuffers that your kids will appreciate and cherish.

With Donald Trump’s re-election, the global political landscape faces renewed questions about the potential impact on rights and governance. I have needed time to grieve and reflect on America’s decision to elect a convicted criminal to lead their country. I feel heart sick that the American people must be doing it so tough financially, that they are willing to overlook Trump’s criminality, his blatant boasting of sexually assaulting women, and his open disrespect for people with disability.

Of particular concern to me are his emerging cabinet choices. 'He Who Should Not Be Named',  is instilling key individuals known for having contentious views on women's rights, children's welfare, and policies affecting individuals with diverse needs. Such appointments reignite fears about eroding essential services and protections, highlighting the urgency of monitoring not just what politicians promise, but what they are enabled to do through their administrative cohorts. These factors underscore the necessity for other nations, including Australia, to maintain wary eyes on their policy-making processes.

After 29 years of parenting and navigating the sometimes, complex world of education, my youngest child is graduating from high school and embarking on a new journey of becoming a fully-fledged grown up who will be able to vote in the next election. It marks the end of a journey filled with ups and downs, lessons learned, and countless memories created.

As the school year here in Australia is moving towards the finish line, I want to spend some time focusing on the importance of acknowledging the effort your child has put in to learning over the school year, rather than what ‘score’ they receive on their end of year tests and report card.

It can be tempting for parents, teachers, and society to focus primarily on outcomes and achievements. Whether it's grades in school, performance in sports, or success in various extracurricular activities, the emphasis often lies heavily on results. However, more and more research is unveiling the critical importance of focusing on effort and the journey rather than the outcome. Acknowledging a child's effort can significantly contribute to their long-term wellbeing and sense of self.

Welcome to Sunday. I hope you have a cuppa in hand and are suitably relaxed as you start this read. Back to our regular content today, and starting with exploring intergenerational households. 

Current cost of living pressures and a lack of affordable housing is seeing many families exploring new household dynamics, often revisiting the traditional intergenerational living arrangements that were once the norm. A revival of the multi-generational household has researchers identifying a wealth of mutual benefits, especially between grandchildren and grandparents, benefits that have been long forgotten in our Western culture.

It’s week four and my last blog (until next year) dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month isn’t just about a series of facts or fundraisers; it’s about real people, their experiences, resilience, and continuing to build communities of support for women and men experiencing breast cancer and for those who love and support them.

Week three of Breast Cancer Awareness month, and this week I will expand on how important journaling was for me during the cancer journey. Journaling may not be for everyone, and I didn’t know it was for me until I tried it. When I decided to try it, I was 7 months into the journey and 4 surgeries in, post radiation therapy and many complications with my lungs. There was no light at the end of the tunnel. I was on a lot of medication. Some of that medication had a side effect of increasing anxiety and causing insomnia. Throw in continued pain, and it was a recipe for a brain that could not switch off.

As I shared last week, this month my blog posts will be focussing  on supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month and hopefully continuing to raise awareness on preventative strategies to support women to be survivors of breast cancer through early detection. This week I am focussing on navigating the cancer journey with a family and sharing some strategies that helped me over several years.

For anyone reading this who is in the throes of a cancer journey, I send you all my love and care. Facing a cancer diagnosis is never easy, and when you have a family to consider, the journey can feel overwhelming. As a parent, my first instinct was to want to protect and care for my family. I really stumbled my way through and landed on a few things that helped me, and my family survive. Here are my top 8 tips.

October is a significant month for me. One of my favourite seasons, Spring, has arrived bringing flowers and new growth; and it’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As it happens, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October four years ago this month. This month is a poignant reminder of my journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. I remember the day I received my diagnosis vividly. It felt as if time had momentarily frozen. I was 50 years old, with a busy life filled with work, family, and friends. My initial reaction was one of disbelief. I didn’t have a lump, and I didn’t feel sick. I do remember that I had been complaining about how tired I was for many months before but put that down to just having a busy life.

I was recently asked by a parent about toilet training and how do we know when the right time to start toilet training would be? I have shared my response (more formally) in this week's blog.

Toilet training is a significant milestone in your toddler’s life. While this process can seem daunting, it can also be a wonderful opportunity for growth and bonding. Understanding the signs of readiness, employing effective strategies, and managing common issues can make the experience more positive for both you and your child.

I know I just posted a blog recently on Digital Soothing, but this is a red-hot topic this week with the Australian Prime Minister announcing his support behind the introduction of a groundbreaking law aimed at safeguarding children from the harmful practices of tech giants. The opposition is also in support of a federal legislation to safeguard our children. There is still work to be done to progress this and to ensure some level of effectiveness. Keep an eye on this space and push for your local representatives to be on board and well versed in what the research says about children and the use of smart devices.

The ground swell of parents wanting something to be done is building, and I personally do not care what side of the political fence makes this happen, I just want it to be front and centre.

Recent reports and studies in Australia, identify cyberbullying remaining a significant concern among children and adolescents. The eSafety Commissioner reports:

R U OK? Day, falls on the second Thursday in September and is an Australian suicide prevention charity and serves as an encouragement to notice the signs of mental health struggles in friends, family and those we work with.

They say, "You can't pour from an empty cup," and nothing speaks truer when it comes to self-care. I know this to be true for me and I also know that I have a cyclic relationship with self-care. I know self-care is important, however, I can forget this until I become unwell or overtired.

Taking the time to nurture our mental, emotional, and physical well-being ensures we are well-equipped to support others. Parents and caregivers juggling the many demands of daily life, can be high risk for struggling with being, OK.  Here are some suggestions on incorporating self-care into your routine to help you refill your cup:

I think most of us have been or are guilty of turning to digital devices for comfort. Whether it's scrolling through social media, binge-watching TV shows, or endlessly browsing the internet, we often rely on screens to escape from stress, boredom, or negative emotions. While these digital distractions can offer temporary relief, they also come with their own set of issues. Over-reliance on technology can lead to reduced quality of sleep, increased anxiety, and even a diminished ability to form genuine, in-person connections. As we are seeing and reading more and more, the research is identifying serious concerns for children exposed to excessive screen time. Concerns include negative impacts on cognitive development, social skills, emotional regulation and mental health for teens and young adults. 

Screens and devices are part of our lives and for those of us who are not committed to embracing a 100% screen and device embargo (fully impressed with those families who have embraced this as a choice for their family); we do need to have serious conversations on how to navigate the use of devices to ensure that as adults we are not:

Whether it's a biological father, a stepfather, a grandfather, or any father figure, this special day is dedicated to acknowledging the love, sacrifices, and guidance these men have given us in our lives. For those blog followers who do not reside in Australia, Father’s Day falls on the first Sunday of September here. The beginning of Spring.  

In the last five years, there has been an increasing narrative that demands fathers to achieve an idealised version of parenting that encompasses aspects traditionally associated with motherhood. Authors like Warren Farrell, in his book "The Boy Crisis," and Michael C. Reichert, in "How to Raise a Boy," highlight how societal expectations pressure fathers to conform to caregiving and emotional labour norms historically dominated by mothers, potentially overshadowing the unique, valuable qualities intrinsic to the father-child relationship. Farrell discusses how this trend can undermine fathers' distinct roles by suggesting that their contributions must mimic maternal approaches to be deemed valid.

Beyond the simple joy they provide, puzzles have their own special powers. They come in various forms—jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, 3D puzzles, riddles, and more. Although they might seem like just a source of entertainment, the benefits of puzzles stretch far beyond fun and games for all age groups.

One of the most immediate benefits of puzzles is their enhancement of cognitive abilities for all age groups. Regularly engaging in puzzles helps keep the mind sharp and can improve cognitive functioning, including memory, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.

As children grow and explore the world around them, it is crucial to encourage their physical development alongside their cognitive and social skills. Gross motor skills play a vital role in a child's overall development, and one effective way to enhance these skills is using ride-on toys. These toys not only provide hours of fun but also help children build strength, coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of gross motor development in children and how ride-on toys can support this process.

Before delving into ride-on toys, let's understand the importance of gross motor skills. These skills involve the use of large muscle groups, enabling children to perform tasks like running, jumping, climbing, and balancing. Developing these skills is central for a child's physical well-being and sets the foundation for future activities like sports, dance, and even everyday tasks like dressing and writing.

Ride-on toys, such as tricycles, wobble boards, balance bikes, wheely bugs and scooters, are perfect tools to promote gross motor development in children. Here's why:

To my darling daughter, Sara, 

As you approach the final stretch of your schooling, I know the weight you're carrying feels especially heavy right now. Coping with the sadness of losing our dear Moffy, while trying to keep up with a relentless schedule of study and work is overwhelming, and my heart aches knowing that I can’t do this for you. But I want to remind you that it's okay to feel as you do. Grieving is a personal journey, one that deserves space and compassion, even as the rest of the world continues to spin.

Understanding and shifting the current expectations around the portrayal of people with disabilities continues to be crucial for fostering a more inclusive and respectful society. The late Stella Young, an influential disability activist, offered invaluable insights into this topic, particularly through her discussions on "inspirational porn."

If you're a parent or caregiver, you might have observed your child repeating words or phrases over and over again. This behaviour, while often perplexing, has captured the interest of researchers and speech therapists alike. Why do children repeat words, and what does it mean for their development?

What Is Echolalia?

In the realm of parenting and education, fostering resilience in children and teenagers has become a vital goal. In a world rife with uncertainty and rapid change, helping our children and teenagers develop the psychological grit to face life's inevitable challenges is more important than ever. My blog today may challenge some people, as we seem to be living in a timeframe where we as parents are surrounded by suggestions that we are required to constantly entertain our children and jump in to rescue them the minute something becomes hard. If you are a believer in the, ‘don’t say no to your child’, this blog is not for you…. scroll on so as not to be offended.

This week one of my Aunties passed away, and as we come to terms with the loss of a kind and gentle soul, my thoughts have turned to grief and thinking about the many phases and experiences of grief.

Grief is part of life, and it arrives in many forms. I have experienced the loss of an unborn baby, grieved the loss of my, Dad, the premature death of a friend, the loss of my breasts to cancer, breakdown and loss of relationships, the grief of watching each of my children move into adulthood and leave the nest, and many other experiences of grief.

Mumma Chelles continues to stock some of the best books and resources to help you on your journey of nurturing and educating children. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, Mumma Chelles aims to provide books containing valuable insights, practical advice, and innovative strategies. These are my top picks for stocking up the parenting and educator library.

As parents, we constantly strive to give our children the best start in life. One of the fundamental ways we can support their growth and development is through healthy eating and nutrition. However, with busy schedules and varying taste preferences, it can be challenging to ensure our kids are getting all the nutrients they need.

We also can’t turn around without being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of advice telling us how to eat as adults. Every post or podcast also includes some kind of Dr (of what we cannot always be sure) who supports this way of eating. The spectrum extends from vegan to carnivore with many other options in between. It’s confusing. No wonder many parents are struggling to discern what is going to be healthy for our children.

I have had four children all of whom had different tastes and preferences. One was so easy to feed I think he would have eaten roadkill if I put it in front of him, one gagged at the thought of a vegetable hitting her lips for about 8 years, one could never be filled up, and one had serious food intolerances that meant many foods that were fine for others were off limits for her for years.

Separation anxiety is a common hurdle in early childhood, one that can be deeply emotional for both parents and children. When the time comes to part, even if only temporarily, the feelings that arise can be intense for both of you. However, with a mindful approach, compassion, and practical strategies, you can ease the transition and foster resilience.

Separation anxiety typically appears between 6 months to 3 years old and peaks around 18 months. It's a sign of a strong attachment and bond. Remember, it's entirely natural for both of you to feel the weight of these moments. Here are my five top tips for navigating this phase.

As a community-minded business owner, I am always looking to provide products to my customers but also to support sustainability and eco-friendly practices. That's why I am so excited to announce Mumma Chelles will now be offering preloved books in our online store! Coming next week.......

As I sit here to write this week’s blog, my mind is distracted, and my heart is breaking into a million pieces. 2024 began with wars burning in Gazza, Ukraine and the Sudan. Currently there are 45 armed conflicts taking place through the Middle East and North Africa. This doesn’t include the ongoing drug wars in Mexico. The images and reports of men, women, and children being bombed, raped, tortured and slaughtered as a byproduct of war are etched into my mind. I cannot fathom the pain and suffering being experienced by people living in these places. I don’t generally write on political agendas; however, this website is dedicated to the love and care of children and those most vulnerable in our communities, and I just can’t skip over the most recent atrocity in Rafah.

Anyone who knows me, is aware that I love to garden. Gardening brings me a great deal of joy and helps me to feel calm and centred. Of late, I have been thinking about my childhood and remembering eating fresh produce from my Pop’s backyard. It wasn’t elaborate or fancy, but I have very fond memories of being in that backyard with the old-fashioned prop line (a single clothesline running through the backyard with wooden poles to hold it up and adjust the height) and a few garden beds scattered anywhere they would fit. As kids we would sit under the mulberry tree absolutely stained and purple from eating the fruit straight from the tree. It was the same in mango season and we would sit up in that tree and eat until we couldn’t eat anymore. I also remember tomato plants, pumpkin vines, passionfruit vines and other vegetables being grown, and fresh eggs from the chicken coup to supplement the weekly groceries. I love those memories and what I really love about that time, was that it was just part of everyday life to grow food and flowers in most backyards.

When my children were young and asking for pocket money, I created a list of jobs they could do with an equivalent dollar value beside the job and stuck it on the fridge. However, I also had a list of, Love Jobs, that they were required to complete before they could start earning the big bucks…. back then I could get skirting boards dusted for the whole house for a mere 50 cents. Those were the days!

What is a Love Job, I hear you ask?

As Mother’s Day approaches this weekend, I have been thinking a great deal about my mothering journey. I have now been parenting for 28 years. My children’s ages range from 28yrs to nearly 18yrs. This means I have parented during the time of dial up internet (Club Penguin was cool) and no smart phones, and then parented the last 2 children through the scary space of navigating the use of smart phones and internet access everywhere.

In my career I have been fortunate to have had opportunities to work with and learn from some amazing psychologists and child behavioural experts. So many times, in my parenting journey, I have looked back and wished that I had known then at the start of my journey, what I know now. I would have done some things differently in raising my children. However, I did the best I could with the knowledge I had at the time, and I take comfort in believing that I did some things well in amongst the days that didn’t go so well or didn’t feel so easy. I have loved being a Mum and continue to love being a ‘flawed’ Mum. There is no such thing as a perfect parent.

There have always been elements of pressure on new parents, however, I currently look at younger parents around me, and I am astounded at how much pressure they appear to be under to meet some crazy standard of perfection. Given this is a Mother’s Day post I am going to speak to the Mums. I am not sure who decided, that through the birthing process you instantly gained the wisdom of, Solomon or maybe Yoda, but I would suggest you stay away from people who think like that.

This week, I want to tackle the tricky subject of technology and its use with children.

January last year Johann Hari released his book Stolen Focus, bringing the debate about attention or lack thereof it to the media, and earlier this year, Jonathan Haidt’s book, The Anxious Generation hit the market. For many years now educators have been declaring that the academic standards in classrooms have been dropping. Haidt’s research provides undeniable evidence that this is not only true, but also evident on a global scale. Academically, students’ scores have dropped since 2012.

As parents and educators, it can be tempting to fill our children's schedules with structured activities and extracurriculars to provide them with every opportunity for success and this is over and above the increasing amount of time children are spending in front of screens and devices. Most parents work hard to ensure their children are provided with great opportunities to reach their potential. However, in doing so, we may be overlooking the critical role that free play has in our children's development.

In my last blog we looked at some of the purposes or functions of challenging behaviour. One of the most frustrating and concerning behaviours that parents can sometime experience is a hitting and biting stage. As an experienced educator, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that come with children going through hitting and biting phases. These behaviours are concerning, but it's important to understand that they are quite normal for young children as they navigate their emotions and develop social skills.

As discussed in my last blog, challenging behaviours can be a way for a child to communicate. One common reason for hitting and biting is a lack of language skills and communication abilities. Young children often resort to physical aggression when they are unable to express themselves verbally. Additionally, these behaviours can also stem from frustration, stress, or a need for attention.

So, how can you navigate and manage this challenging stage if you see it occurring with your child? Here are some tips based on current research:

As a special educator I have worked with many children and families over the last 34 years, and as a parent of four children, I understand the challenges that can arise when trying to work out why children may be behaving in a certain way. What is important to remember, ALL behaviour has a purpose, even if it may not be immediately clear to you. By taking a closer look and exploring the underlying reasons behind your child’s actions, you can gain a deeper understanding of your child's needs and emotions.

6 Most Common Purposes of Behaviour

As we approach the Easter holiday, I want to take a moment to extend warm wishes to our Mumma Chelles’ community.

As a specialist in child development and a parent myself, I often get asked the question: "Does food have an impact on my child's behaviour?" The answer is a resounding yes. Over the years, numerous studies have shown that what we eat can directly affect our mood, behaviour, and cognitive functions.

As parents, we constantly strive to provide our children with the best nutrition to support their growth and development. However, have you ever noticed how certain foods can either lead to changes in your child's behaviour or help them stay focused and energized? The relationship between food and behaviour in children is a fascinating and evolving field of study. In this blog post, we will explore the impact of diet on a child's behaviour, backed by current research.

As a parent, helping your child establish a consistent sleep routine is crucial for their overall well-being. Adequate sleep not only ensures they wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day but also plays a crucial role in their physical and mental development. When our children sleep, there is a good chance we are also getting enough sleep to be at our best. 

Today’s blog looks at the importance of wind down routines to help your child ease into a restful night's sleep.

Today, on International Women's Day 2024, I want to take a moment to celebrate and honour the incredible women in our lives who inspire us every day. From the iconic figures who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations to the unsung heroes in our families and workplaces who show us the true meaning of love, care, and dedication.

There are countless women throughout history who have left a profound impact on society. Women like Malala Yousafzai, who risked her life for the right of girls to receive an education, or Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who fought tirelessly for gender equality and justice. These women are beacons of hope and determination, showing us that anything is possible when we stand up for what we believe in.

Celebrate National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) 2024 with Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker!

Calling all bookworms and storytelling enthusiasts! Get ready to mark your calendars because National Storytime 2024 is just around the corner. Organized by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), NSS is an annual event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy for children across Australia. Celebrating 24 years this event continues to encourage children to enjoy books and value literacy. This year’s chosen book is Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker.

For children with sensory processing challenges, creating a home environment that caters to their unique needs can significantly enhance their daily lives and experiences. A sensory-friendly home helps kids feel safe, calm, and comfortable, reducing anxiety and improving their overall well-being. If you are looking for some tips and tricks to make your home more sensory-friendly, then try these 7 tips.

In today's fast-paced world, information flies at us from all directions, it is becoming increasingly important to find ways to declutter our minds and foster personal growth and support our physical and mental wellbeing.

While there are numerous methods and practices available, one powerful tool that often goes overlooked is journaling. The act of putting pen to paper and expressing our thoughts, emotions, and experiences can be incredibly beneficial for our overall well-being. Here are 6 reasons to start journaling.

After 35 years of working in sectors supporting the care of people; children, teenagers, young adults, and the ageing with and without disabilities and complex needs, I continue to have a passion for supporting people to feel safe, cared for and empowered to reach their full potential.  For many years I dreamed of creating a space that enabled people from all walks of life and of all ages to connect to like-minded souls and to feel supported on their life journeys and purpose. I dreamed of creating my own business, but life’s demands and responsibilities put this dream on hold. A pivotal moment in 2020, with a breast cancer diagnosis, provided the time and reflection needed to reignite my dream.

Last year I posted a blog on the therapeutic benefits of weighted blankets providing a general overview of how their soothing effect makes them particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions such as insomnia, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), restless leg syndrome, sensory processing disorders and patients receiving chemotherapy. In this post I want to share some of the theories, benefits, and current evidence based research behind their use for emotional regulation and sensory support, with a specific focus on individuals with autism.

Happy New Year readers. It’s the first week of a brand-new year and the perfect time to try something new and think about ways to really enjoy the year ahead. If you are looking to make the most of the year ahead, I have a suggestion for you: read more books. Kick-start the year with building a reading habit.

Reading is not only a great way to escape reality but can also have numerous benefits for our minds and overall well-being. Here are 5 reasons to make reading a habit.

In a world that often seems hurried, divided, and consumed by material pursuits, there is a magical time of year that invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with something deeper – the Christmas spirit. For some, it is a time to focus on the birth of Jesus and reflect on this gift from God to humanity, for others, Christmas spirit is something that transcends religion and borders, radiating love, compassion, and joy. Christmas spirit has the power to transform hearts and bring people together.

The most recent studies (2020 – 2023) has identified weighted blankets as an effective and safe intervention to support individuals experiencing a range of medical disorders and sensory needs.

Weighted blankets have gained popularity in recent years due to their therapeutic benefits. The added weight evenly distributed throughout the blanket creates a deep pressure touch stimulation that can have a calming effect on the body. This gentle pressure helps to release neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for regulating mood and promoting relaxation.

From the moment we are born we seek connection with others through touch, eye contact, loving sounds and food to fill our bellies to help us grow.

One of my favourite memories of my children when they were small was bedtime reading. Reading before bed meant sitting on my lap in the rocking chair when they were very small and progressing to laying/sitting on their beds. It meant cuddling and closeness. It meant connection.

 Everyone told Lily Hippo she was too loud.

‘Lily Hippo, keep it down please – I can’t hear myself think!’ said Dad.

‘Lily Hippo. Sing quietly you’ll wake the baby!’ said Mum.

Lily Hippo, you make more noise than a heard of wild elephants! said Lily’s big brother. Lily tried to doing something very quiet……...’LILY HIPPO NOT SO LOUD!’ they all said.

At school Lily’s best friends were Hester and Lou. Sometimes even Hester and Lou were cross with Lily. She was too loud.

This week has been a very hectic week, thus a Sunday blog post instead of my usual Friday post. There were some moments when I felt quite overwhelmed by the tasks, I needed to complete this week, along with responsibilities I have to significant others in my life. I am a keen promoter of having some time for self, I am just not always awesome at it.

This week as I was collapsing into bed each night and wondering why my Wonder Woman powers were fading…. I heard that internal voice …… that voice I sometimes like to ignore…. And the voice was saying, if you were observing this level of exhaustion in one of your family members or your team members at work, what would you say about that? See why I like to ignore that voice sometimes…. No one likes a 'know it all'.

There have been times in my life where I would often have most of my Christmas shopping completed by the end of October…. this is not one of those years. However, I am ramping up to be super organised and sorted by the beginning of December including picking my new diary for next year.

I have always loved Christmas. I love the tradition of putting our tree up on the 1st of December and decorating the house with Christmas wreathes, ornaments and candles, while Christmas carols play in the background. In recent years I have heard of a beautiful Icelandic tradition, Jolabokaflod - best English translation is the Christmas Book Flood.

Good words are worth much, and cost little. (British poet, George Herbert, 1593 – 1633)

Emerging in the late fifteenth century, the adjective ‘corporate’, according to dictionaries, means ‘united in one body’ or in a legal sense, ‘authorised to act as a single entity’. Perhaps more familiar to a modern audience, this word is often associated with large companies. Interestingly, its etymology is Latin, corporare to embody; and corpus, which means body, a dead or living body, or an animal body. Thus, we have corporatisation, a reframing or transformation of something. This could be an organisation or an institution restructured into a corporation, a single body (dead or alive).

Today’s blog post will be short and sweet, and as the title suggests, related to autism.

I recently read, Love and Autism written by Kay Kerr. Kay is an autistic author and journalist from the Sunshine Coast in Qld. Kay provides an intimate look at her own personal journey of being an autistic woman looking to understand love and relationships. Kay’s book is filled with intense honesty and openness, providing the reader a window to love and heartbreak from the perspectives of those who are neurodivergent navigating teen years to young adulthood.

If you are reading this, you may be thinking…..I’m just too busy to read an article on managing my ‘busy’! If that’s you, please keep reading because it’s worth your time. I have recently had to revisit these strategies myself and I know they work. Adopting some of these strategies will give you back time, and maybe save your sanity and your health. I speak from experience of having had management responsibilities at a high level, whilst raising 4 kids, caring for aging parents, undergoing cancer treatment, and let’s not forget the demands of the cat, the dog, the bees, the chickens, and the ducks. Staying on top of a busy workload is possible and these are my top 10 strategies to help me, ‘calm my farm’ when managing a busy workload.

For many, many, years I have taught a model that I call ‘Withing’. I can’t honestly claim it solely as my own creation because I think it was something that I created out of many academic discussions and reading about models of care over decades. I think ‘Withing’ crosses many domains of care.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer and BRCA 2 gene. After 9 surgeries, radiation treatment and many complications, and a constant feeling that my cancer journey was never going to end; 2023 has been a year of new beginnings and the light at the end of the tunnel no longer feels like another train coming to smack me.

Saying ‘No’ can be difficult, especially if we fall into the category of a being a ‘people pleaser’. If you struggle to say no, it may be out of habit to keep the peace and avoid conflict, or an unconscious desire to be liked. We all sit at varying points on the spectrum of being able to say no. Some of us can be far more anxious about displeasing others. You will know where you sit on that spectrum.

“Learning never exhausts the mind.” Leonardo da Vinci

What does it mean to be ‘educated’? Mortimer Adler, Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago and Chairman of the Board of Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, had much to say about the ‘educated person’.

That iconic and powerful line from a Few Good Men, is still regularly seen in memes across social media, and dramatic monologue re-enactments occur across homes and workplaces across Australia……well, ok, maybe just in my home and with my age group. Even though this statement is often used in jest, the truth is, I have often heard managers and leaders talk about how someone on their team, “just can’t take constructive feedback”.

A third of our life (sometimes more) is spent at work. If you’re a leader in your workplace, you’d be acutely aware of the strategic and operational KPI’s, and the expected Outputs your business needs to achieve to be successful. 

Sunday is Father’s Day in Australia and I want to recognise all the Dads out there doing an amazing job at loving their kids.

Professor and writer Charlie Becker, discusses the value of reading one good book a year:

Thirty years ago, the non-narrative, American film, Baraka, appeared in cinemas, mesmerising its audience with a visual panoply of nature and people. Yet embedded into the film sits a juxtaposition of uncomfortable, panning shots: chicks, thousands of them, fluffy and defenceless, are roughly handled, sorted and tossed onto conveyer belts.

He was, slowly, cutting a piece of his pizza. It was clear that while he would be unable to eat it by picking it up with his hands, he would be able to do so by cutting it up into pieces and spearing those pieces with his fork and then taking the food to his mouth.

I regularly listen to a meditation app call Calm. Jay Shetty provides 7 minutes of wisdom to start your day and meditate on. Recently I listened to one that really spoke to me. It outlined a cycle of learning, launching and then loving the outcome. 

Welcome to the Mumma Chelle’s community and our inaugural post. I am so excited to start this journey with you and for the opportunity to share my passion for making a difference in people’s lives.