It was over 18 years ago since I had my first child, so it was such a joy to chat to Mandy who has recently become a mum for the first time. …
My habits and changes over the last 9 years
Today’s post answers a series of reader’s question. You can read previous answers to readers’ questions here. What change/habit/routine has made the most difference to your life in the last 9 years? How …
7 Australian small businesses to check out
I am constantly inspired by the creativity, resourcefulness and bravery of those who start their own businesses. While having your own business affords you certain benefits, it also comes with risk and …
Does it really get harder? – 2017 edition
Each year I write a post reflecting on the state of family life. The first post in this series was back in 2009 when our youngest son was still a baby. At …
Christmas Themes – Ideas For 2017
This post is part of my Christmas in July 2017 series. You can find more posts by clicking here. Choosing a theme for Christmas each year is something I do to make …
7 birthday gift ideas for teenage boys
As a parent I have found the teenage boy stage the hardest to buy for. The have very distinct preferences, have quite firm opinions on things and share less about what interests them …
10 things my 40 year old self would tell my 30 year old self
Today’s post answers a reader question. You can read previous answers to readers’ questions here. What would 40-something you say to 30-something you? I really love this question. Life is full of …
What my key routines are looking like in 2017
In a post I wrote earlier this year I shared the three key routines I recommend to parents when they ask me about getting started with being more organised around the home. …
2017 best playgrounds in Melbourne for older kids
Back in 2011 I published a guest post on the best playgrounds in Melbourne for older kids. In the five and a half years that have passed, many new playgrounds have been …
7 tips for new school mums
Along with the new school year, comes a batch of new school mums. I think that the first year of school for your first child, is just as big of a learning …
A single goal for 2017
After years of goal setting and trying different styles, I have now used a single goal for the last two years and have loved how it works so much, that I am …
Yearly review 2016 – contentment in the calm
I am going to look back fondly on 2016. It wasn’t a perfect year, I don’t think there will ever be such a thing, but it was a year where I felt …
What have you learnt this year?
A couple of weeks ago in the Planning With Kids’ newsletter I shared three things I have learnt this year. I have listed them below and underneath that I have shared the …
this family life episode 27: on choosing to stay home full time
In this episode I have a lovely conversation with Marta. Marta has been a long time reader of the blog and we have exchanged emails, texts, instagram comments, but this was the …
this family life episode 17: on teenagers – homework, technology and trust
This is another solo podcast from me in response to listeners who wanted to hear more on how I deal with teenagers in my home. We have nearly three teenagers, our daughter …
this family life episode 7 : on single parenting
This episode features Catherine who lives in Melbourne with her two children; a daughter aged 10 and son aged 12. Catherine is a single parent who works full time outside of the …
7 organising ideas for the long weekend
Monday is a public holiday in Victoria, giving us a long weekend! We aren’t going away this weekend, but have a few fun activities lined up and I intend to read a …
Updating your routines for the year
Planning is not static. Very rarely can you create a plan and then just leave it. Family life is dynamic so the plans I create to organise the chaos of family life …