Parenting

by Tracey Lynch   I feel the need to explain kids' party etiquette tips. It's very simple and very straightforward. Or at least I think so! Here I go.   Attendee Etiquette Tips RSVP. For the love of God and all mankind - RSVP! Anal retentive planning types like me will thank you for it! Show…

by Jessica Matthews, RDM co-founder   Starting daycare or preschool is a big step for children AND parents alike and can be stressful for both parties. I know that was the case in our house..! Here are my tips to help make the transition a little easier: 1. Visit the centre Ask the centre if you…

Whether it be a park, a cafe or a play centre, there's one thing that's absolutely crucial - SPACE! Here's where RDMs think are the best places in the area to have mothers group catch up. [space_20] Parks   Ryde Park Corner Blaxland Road and Argyle Ave, Ryde  The clear favourite in the voting polls, Ryde Park has…

  Emotional intelligence is an individual’s ability to identify and understand emotions in themselves and others; enabling them to respond with empathy. Emotional intelligence also helps us to deal with frustration and support us to think when we experience distress.   When we develop emotional intelligence, it supports us in many ways. For example, experiencing lower…

During this challenging time, The Northern Centre has continued to provide their clients and the community with ongoing support and resources. The Family Team have provided invaluable support for families, in managing the change in family dynamics that many families were experiencing during the pandemic. Below are two extracts from our most recent newsletters, which…

Breakfast seems so simple to adults, but for some reason it's not as easy for kids! Here are some suggestions that will hopefully keep the kids happy, tummies full and everyone out of the house on time! Incredible Hulk Smoothie Blend a banana, milk of choice, a small handful of baby spinach, a good squeeze…

  Sydney Adventist Hospital, fondly known as the San, have joined forces with NSW's largest not-for-profit health insurer HCF to provide a NO-GAP comprehensive maternity package called 'Swaddle'. Swaddle is a new 'bundled' private maternity package that includes all the typical services you would expect to need during pregnancy and delivery with no compromise on private…

  Death is a common theme in the media, however experiencing grief firsthand can be confusing and difficult for kids. How our kids deal with loss also depends on how close they were to the person, how often they spent time with that person and what support they received from that person. As a parent,…

by Rebecca Lee (local mum and original "Go Button" pusher of the Ryde District Mums Facebook group)   Earlier this year we found out that a surprise package will be arriving at our house in January 2020. We’re having a baby - number 3! Our youngest is 3.5 years old and I had already shed…

Is your child having a difficult time falling asleep? The importance of sleep for children cannot be overemphasized. Unfortunately, up to 40% of children in Australia experience some sleep problems. This is a major cause for worry because sleep deprivation in children has been linked to cognitive and behavioural problems such as bullying, anxiety and attention disorders.…

  It is very important that you speak, read and write with your child in your native language. You are your child’s first and most important educator. Your child will benefit most from learning from you in the language you know best.  Here are some ways you can speak, read and write with your child…

by Kate Sawtschuk, RDM editor   You’ve just returned home from having coffee with a friend (or from a movie/walk/swim/ manicure/shopping trip).  You walk through the door with an unusual lightness in your step that comes from having had some much-needed time to yourself.  You feel a rush of love and contentment as your gorgeous…