Tips on Raising Girls

Girls can be and do anything, it's true. Girls are amazing. Here's some things we've learnt about raising girls...

1. Never limit the possibilities. Girls can be sporty, scientific, smart, sassy, strong, and silly (and that's just the letter s!). There are no limits on what girls can do. So don't deny them any possibilities!!

2. Celebrate their effort and willingness to try new and different things. Don't focus on the end product so much, let them experience the joy of learning new things, rather than trying to do things perfectly.

3. Spend time together. Quantity time is as important as quality time. Spend time doing things together. Put those devices down. Get off social media. Parents as much as the kids! Play some board games. Go for an adventure. Dance together. Have fun!

4. Notice, praise, and admire their personal qualities, not their looks. Notice when they are being brave, or creative, or kind, or good at problem-solving, or enterprising, or showing initiative, or standing up for what is right. Name the behaviour when you see it!

Living with severe food allergies is challenging at the best of times. Here's some things we found helpful...

1. Be careful, not fearful. Plan, prepare, and get involved. Don't be scared to try new activities, just be careful.

2. Talk. At school. To teachers. To parents. Yes, it's exhausting. Yes, you have to repeat yourself. Yes, some people just won't get it. But talk. And keep talking about the importance of keeping kids safe.

3. Go BIG on your own parties. Food allergic kids might not be invited to other birthday parties, so make their parties AMAZING. And invite everyone. Show how it can be done.

4. Get expert advice. Join or build a network of other families dealing with food allergies. Join or start a support group. Find out about what the experts are saying.

5. Parents, try and surrender responsibility, bit by bit. It can be hard, but our kids need to learn to be as independent as they can be. So, little by little, start to yield control.