Children learn through risky play, but how much danger is just enough but not too much?

Kelsie Prabawa-Sear,  Nature Play WA CEO, explores the benefits of learning through risk. She noted that anyone that reflects on their own childhood remembers that there are bumps and scratches.

Wobbly Moments

“Wobbly moments are just a really natural part of childhood and something that we adults shouldn’t try to erase from childhood.”

Parents want to protect their children from injury, but the consequence of that is that may not develop their own sense of decision making.

“We are not letting our kids enjoy the delights of risk in their childhood. If they don’t have confidence to make decisions and they’re not given opportunities to work things out and try things for themselves, they are missing out on key skills.”

Risk Assessment

Children need to be able to test what their body is capable of doing. It will affect how they handle decision-making into their teen years. If they haven’t had a healthy amount of risk taking, they could start making dangerous decisions.

“They start doing things that are really actually dangerous because they’re looking for risk, but don’t know how to assess it and what they’re capable of and what that might mean.”

Kelsie listed the example of riding a bike.

“You learn that you have to go a bit slower and you can accelerate out of corners. If you’ve never learnt that on your bike and then you get in a car, you don’t realise what a slippery road might be or what speed will do.”

Levels of Risk Appetite

Everyone has a different risk appetite, according to Kelsie.

“That can be based on your own experience, or your own coordination or self-confidence.”

Parents or grandparents can potentially project their own risk appetite onto the child based on their experiences or simply out of fear that the child might be injured.

“Sometimes we get risk adverse, when really the kids are a lot more capable than we realise.”

These instances can happen with older children who are insistent that they can do difficult tasks.

“They really can – so we often see in siblings, the younger sibling might have more advanced skills because of the exposure of their older sibling.”

It is fundamental to childhood and something that parents should learn to embrace.

“We are helping kids understand the difference between risk and challenge and danger, and they’re really different things.”

Risky Vs Unsafe Play

Unsafe play is something that is unsafe, dangerous or structurally wrong – most likely to cause imminent injury.

“If, for example, you go on a rusty slide with jagged bits. You’re going to be injured badly.”

Kids often have it innately in them, to know the difference between risky or unsafe play,” said Kelsie.

“They have different skills and willingness to take risks.”

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

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Choosing to forgive triggers the healing of our heart and emotions.

Relationship expert, Phil Ayres shares about the power of forgiveness in any relationship.

The Freedom of Forgiveness

“Forgiveness has a purpose,” began Phil, “It’s not just forgiving for the sake of forgiving, but forgiveness actually brings freedom when we practice that aspect of our relationship.”

Forgiveness stops hurt and resentment building up and weighing us down.

Phil said that the New Testament holds the central theme of the Christian faith, which separated it from so many other religions of the day- unconditional forgiveness.

“Jesus modeled that when he was on the cross. There’s this amazing verse on the cross where he says, ‘Father, forgive them because they don’t know what they’re doing’. It’s the most epic statement of the New Testament.”

In that moment, God forgave humanity.

“You would imagine that lightning would have flashed, because it was God releasing forgiveness to humanity, to all of us. And the guards did not take one scrap of notice of what he said.”

Unconditional Love

Jesus offered something that wasn’t voluntarily received by anyone who was present, but he willingly gave it as a free gift.

“He wasn’t waiting for anyone’s performance or response before he gave that. And that’s the secret of true forgiveness. True forgiveness is the willingness, I think, not just to forgive for the sake of it, but to trust God that he knows best and that he ultimately is the just judge.”

Phil said it is so important to apply this to the relationships we have, as it will strengthen us.

Love and Unforgiveness

Can we love someone and hold onto unforgiveness?

“Yes and no. You won’t grow in that love,” said Phil.

“In other words, forgiveness has a way of putting us in the ground and holds us it binds us to the hurt of that experience. And so even though you love someone, what that unforgiveness does, if you hold it, it will stunt your capacity to continue to move forward and to grow together.”

Phil points to the notion that people move on.

“They’re actually saying, they couldn’t keep growing with that person in the in the potential of the relationship because that that unforgiveness had stumped them. It had held them and bound them to that experience which stopped and stunted the growth potential of the relationship.”

The Impact of Unforgiveness

The presence of unforgiveness and resentment poisons the desire to communicate and communication is the foundation of true intimacy.

“Unforgiveness actually poisons intimacy,” said Phil.

“When unforgiveness comes in, the desire for intimacy is completely assassinated. It shuts down your emotional heart and it causes grief, it causes pain, it ends up creating separation and it literally poisons. It’s like a systemic poisoning of your entire soul that reduces your capacity to feel loved and to give love. It’s a crazy, insidious type of thing that affects us.”

Hurt People

“You can’t not feel hurt. Hurt feelings happen and there’s a whole range of things that happen with hurt feelings. But hurt feelings don’t have to become a destruction of the soul,” said Phil.

He argued that hurt feelings done have to become a deterioration of the heart.

“Hurt feelings have got to be addressed quickly. You’ve got to make a choice. And the reason God gave us the power to forgive is because what it does that minimizes the residue.”

When Phil is teaching couples about conflict, their intention is to get conflict out of the relationship.

“But the problem is because of their differences, conflicts will continue to happen. What they need to learn to do is manage that. And when hurt has happened, to forgive quickly.”

He pointed to the scripture in Colossians 3:13: ‘Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.’

“Don’t wait until you feel like you’ve forgiven, because that’s a deception… letting your emotions lead your will.”

Phil said that choosing to forgive triggers the healing of our heart and emotions.

“Whereas if you let your feelings lead you, will never change. It’ll just be a roller coaster on a continuum. We’ve got to learn to live out of the choices we and things we believe, not the feelings and things we experience. Otherwise, we’ll be always at the mercy of things that happen to us.”

Forgiveness

“When forgiveness is enacted, it keeps us free of the poison. It keeps us free to communicate and therefore continue to build intimacy with that special person. It’s crazy the way that resentment grows, not just in one relationship, but it filters into everything you do.”

A Question to Ask

Phil wraps with this encouragement and a key takeaway:

“Forgiveness helps my ongoing hunger to know my spouse at an ever-deeper level. It stops that stunting of growth. But the question I’d ask everyone today is this: Am I practicing real forgiveness with the one I love? What can I do today to let go of hurts that hold me back from our growth in the relationship we have?”

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

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When parents hear the word testing, it often brings anxiety. Will my child fall behind? Are they being judged? Does this affect their future?

According to Craig Hunter, Principal of Kalamunda Christian School, testing isn’t about pressure or performance – it’s about understanding how children learn and how schools and families can support them together.

Craig explains why early childhood assessments are designed to help children thrive, not label or limit them.

Testing Is About Understanding, Not Judging

Many people associate testing with high-pressure exams, but early years assessments work very differently. Instead of measuring success or failure, they act as a diagnostic tool.

“Testing is really diagnosis,” Craig explains. “It helps us understand where a child is at so we know how to support and help them learn.”

Just as a doctor asks questions to understand a patient’s health, teachers use assessments to identify learning stages, strengths, and areas where extra help may be needed. The goal is progress, not perfection.

What Happens in Early Years Testing?

Early testing focuses on foundational skills such as literacy and numeracy. Teachers may assess:

• Sound and letter recognition
• Early reading skills
• Basic spelling patterns
• Number knowledge and counting

These assessments are usually completed one-on-one with a teacher or education assistant and take only a few minutes per child. Because they follow consistent standards, educators can track growth over time and tailor learning support.

Importantly, educators emphasise “stage, not age.” Children develop at different speeds, especially in their early years, and testing helps teachers meet students where they are developmentally.

Does Testing Create Pressure?

Some parents worry testing might stress children or define their future. Craig says Australian schools generally focus on partnership rather than competition. Parents naturally fear their child might be behind, but testing helps schools provide support early rather than waiting until challenges grow bigger.

“It’s a partnership,” Craig says. “Everything we’re doing is to help your child.”

Identifying Learning Needs Early

Assessments can sometimes highlight indicators of learning differences, such as speech delays, learning difficulties, or neurodivergent traits. However, schools use testing as a screening tool, not a diagnosis.

When concerns arise, educators work alongside families to seek additional support and, where needed, access resources that help children succeed in the classroom. The purpose is never to “fix” children but to better support how they learn.

The Role of Labels – Helping, Not Limiting

One concern parents often raise is whether testing creates negative labels. Craig acknowledges this risk but says understanding how a child learns can actually be empowering.

When children understand their strengths and challenges – known as metacognition, or knowing how you learn – they can develop strategies that help them succeed. Labels should never become limitations. Instead, they provide insight that allows teachers and parents to build confidence and growth.

How Parents Can Support Learning at Home

Parents play a powerful role in reinforcing learning beyond the classroom. Craig highlights several simple strategies:

• Read together regularly. Reading builds language, imagination, and connection while strengthening literacy skills.
• Make maths playful. Try skip counting, counting backwards, or simple number games during everyday routines.
• Encourage curiosity. Asking questions and exploring ideas together helps children become lifelong learners.

Most importantly, focus on strengths. Encouragement and affirmation help children develop confidence and resilience.

Learning Is a Team Effort

Early years testing works best when schools and families partner together. Rather than viewing assessments as something to fear, parents can see them as tools that help unlock a child’s potential.

Every child develops differently. With understanding, support, and encouragement, testing becomes less about results and more about helping children flourish – academically, emotionally, and personally.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

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Love expert Pastor Phil Ayres explains the impact our words, tone of voice and body language have on the way we speak and show love to others.

Everyone Needs Kindness

Pastor Phil says everybody needs a little kindness.

“I know some people say they’re not a words person, but everyone needs to hear kindness in the words that we speak.”

“In other words, the words that I use in my relationships, I will bear the cost or the benefit in those relationships, depending on how I speak and the way that I use my words,” said Phil.

The Rudder of a Ship

Our culture has become casual, according to Pastor Phil. He observed that people don’t like too much formality or rigid control.

“In reality, the tongue, the words of your mouth, are like the rudder of a ship and they will steer the direction of your life.”

We can underestimate the impact of a rudder compared to the size of a ship.

“If we underestimate the power of our words, we can underestimate the impact that they can have.”

Elements of Influence

Pastor Phil said there are three elements to consider in any type of communication. And each of those has different elements of influence.

1. Content

2. Tone of Voice

3. Body Language

“The content we speak, has about 7% of influence on a conversation. The tone of your voice has 38% of the influence on the conversation and then the body language is 55%.”

Content & Tone of Voice

The content is the smallest component of what influences the outcome, but still essential.

“Our words are important, but our tone is massive.”

When I use a tone that’s sharp, sarcastic, or I raise my volume, that’s interpreted as a threat. Whereas when I’m calm and when I’m respectful in that tone, it actually helps that other person that I’m engaging with feel safe and continue engagement.”

Phil spoke of his personal experience with tone of voice.

“I know that my wife and I, when we are engaging each other and it’s heated, the tone of voice is everything to actually whether that gets too heated or whether we calm down and we process.”

He said that it can become a trigger in how people react towards each other.

Body Language

Body language, such as rolling your eyes, turning your back or becoming indifferent in the way you project towards that person, can be really detrimental to any effective communication.

Emotional Flooding

When a person is overwhelmed in the moment, it is common to be flooded with anger or frustration.

“The biblical framework to be able to overcome the challenge of dealing with that is to slow down. That’s fundamentally, if you’re going to really get a control of any anger or emotional triggers, the key biblical framework is to slow down,” said Phil.

‘My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.’ James 1:19

“Let your ears do the work and let your mouth stay quiet,” said Phil. He said the definition of slow in this case means to pause and make wait.

“So, if we’re going to address the issues that we’re dealing with and manage the tone of our voice and then the responses we give, if we want our relationship to be safe and not to allow emotional flooding.”

Certain people may have experienced negative forms of communication in their childhood. Phil implores those in a relationship to be responsible for managing emotions and allowing slow responses as a form of self-control.

“You are still responsible for managing yourself and allowing that to calm down and then breathe and you can take breaths, you can pause, you can walk away for a moment, you can ask for time out, all sorts of things.

Bite Your Tongue

“You can bite your tongue, which is what my mum said to me, if you want to say something negative, bite your tongue.”

Phil has been known to actually hold his tongue and it can defuse the heat of the moment.

“Because it’s really hard to say something serious when you’ve got to hold your tongue. Then try to speak… it’s the weirdest, strangest thing, and everyone starts laughing.

Fix The Relationship Before You Solve the Problem

Phil explained the importance of asking forgiveness from the person you are speaking to, rather than fixating on solving the problem.

“Always come back and pause on the conversation what you’re trying to get through and ask forgiveness of the person you’ve hurt and allow them the emotional time.”

Once peace has been restored, couples can resume the conversation and start working towards a solution.

“The moment it turns from the issue to the person and you’re targeting their character or some sort of question of who they are, you’ve actually moved completely away from the conversation. So you’ve already lost your way.”

He encouraged people to heal that situation and try not to further the conversation.

“The worst thing is when you’re angry and you’ve hurt each other and you’ve lost your way and then you’re still trying to sort out the problem. Pause. Everyone pause and give yourself a break.”

Reflection

For anyone struggling in this area, Pastor Phil encouraged asking the questions:

• Is this building my relationship or tearing it down?
• Is it helping me build the relationship or working in the opposite direction?

“We need to consider that, and if we want great relationships… Let our words bring life.”

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

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Common wisdom has always been that fresh air and sunshine are good for us. But what impact does spending time outside really have?

Nature Play WA CEO, Kelsie Prabawa-Sear notes that we all feel better when we are outside, whether you’re a child or an adult.

“When we go outside, we get sunshine, we get fresh air. We have nice smells and we know that we feel better, but we don’t necessarily know why.”

There is fascinating science behind why outdoor time is refreshing.

“We see a drop in our stress hormone in cortisol. Then we also see an increase in our endorphins, which are associated with happiness and pleasure. There is also oxytocin that also helps alleviate stress and anxiety. So nature just helps our body adjust to feel better just by going outside,” said Kelsie.

Getting Kids Outside

Kelsie said the best thing to do is get ourselves outside, and the kids will follow.

“If there’s nothing inside that they’re glued to, like a screen, if we go outside, they will come. Then generally we get the benefits as well.”

She said that once kids are engaged in outdoor play, they can sustain themselves for a decent amount of time.

“Once you start to recognise how much better you feel, you are more motivated to do it. Everyone feels better and generally you can squeeze it in some part of the day.”

The 2026 Indoor Crisis

It has always been important for people to go outside, but there wasn’t as much focus on it in the past. Many people accepted it as part of their day.

“For a lot of us when we were growing up, kids were outside, so no one needed to talk about it or tell us to go outside.”

The University of Kent came out with research that shows when kids have time outside, they get positive associations of smells and the feel of nature. When these children become adults who are struggling with mental health, the return to nature brings back those positive associations.

“They get better results than people that never had that time in nature,” said Kelsie.

“Not only is it good for the kids when they’re little, it’s also helping to safeguard them when they’re older so that they can sort of draw on those positive associations and help them feel better.”

Kelsie said this is due to the overwhelm of events happening in the present day that can sometimes keep us from healthy habits that are better for our overall health.

Outdoor Time

“Research shows that ten minutes of walking outside will positively impact your wellbeing and how you feel,” said Kelsie.

“Then for kids, if it’s not just walking, but running and jumping and cartwheeling and swinging, that just makes everyone feel even better again.”

She said there are added benefits of resilience that they can learn.

“There’s lots of ways that it kind of builds up on the time to just make us a little bit more emotionally regulated in the moment and then longer term helps us with our resilience.”

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

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Sometimes, everything goes smoothly in life. But can there be beauty in the waiting, when God asks us to stop, wait and pause?

The Green Light Experience

Green light experiences are those moments when things are moving ahead, doors are opening, plans are coming together, the kids are happy and healthy.

“But what do you do when life hits a red light?” asked Pastor Brad, also known as The Shearing Pastor.

“Those times in life when a job opportunity stalls. If something goes wrong, a relationship you thought was going to work out just stops. Something you’d hoped for. And it feels like you’re sitting at a red light. I’ve noticed that we rarely ever question green lights, but we always sit at the red light, asking, ‘Why?’

Why We Wait

As a shearer and a pastor, Brad considered to his sheep.

“There’s a thing in the shearing and sheep industry called low stress stock handling. It is about getting sheep from one destination to another.”

In the old days, shepherds would scream at the sheep and use scare tactics, chasing them to the point where the sheep were terrified.

“With low stress stock handling, the farmer simply positions himself and moves the sheep from one destination to another by his presence, rather than fear.”

Low Stress Stock Handling

According to Brad, this process takes longer because the sheep have to stop and wait- just like people at a red light- but the results are better.

“When the sheep get to their destination they are calmer, more relaxed, and it’s easier for both them and the shearers.”

They Who Wait

Overall, Brad’s encouragement is to stop asking, “Why?” the next time you find yourself at the red light. Consider the fact that perhaps it isn’t rejection. It could be protection.

“Who knows what is around the corner?” asked Pastor Brad. He referred to the scripture in Isaiah 40:31: “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

“Maybe the red light isn’t for just stopping, maybe it is for strengthening you as you wait. Over the years, I’ve learned that the waiting times are never wasted when we trust in God.”

“Always resist thinking that it’s rejection. It may just be protection.”

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

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Dr. Charlotte Rowley from Diabetes WA looks at how elite athletes with Type 1 diabetes – like Alexander Zverev who competed in the Australian Open – prepare for competition at the highest levels. 

There’s a common misconception that Type 1 diabetes has a limiting effect on a person’s life.

“With the right team around you, anything is possible, whether you have diabetes or not. And Alexander Zverev is a wonderful ambassador for that message.”

Blood Sugar

There are many precautions those living with diabetes should take, but it should never become an obstacle, said Dr. Charlotte.

“When we exercise, it means that we’re using up energy and taking more sugar out of the blood. If we are taking insulin, it means that we have a much greater risk of going too low.” 

There are adjustments that need to be made when it comes to insulin and carbohydrate intake. 

“It’s through trial and error that we’re going to figure out what works for each person and sport,” she said.

The Insight on Insulin

Insulin is a medication that is injected. If you have type 1 diabetes, there is a great chance you will need it.

“Insulin helps the body to use the sugar that is in the blood. Instead of just sitting in the blood, the insulin moves it into the muscles that we can then use it for energy. If we’re then exercising, we’re using that a lot more. So that’s why we have to be very cautious,” said Dr. Charlotte.

Fuel in the Car

When you are diabetic, sugar becomes the product that fuels you and can determine what you are able to accomplish in a day.

“Sugar is like the fuel in the car, but if you’ve got some faulty wiring and it needs a bit of extra help, then that’s what goes wrong in diabetes and insulin helps that work better.”

Be in Control

It is important for those who live with it to feel comfortable about their treatments.

“Make sure that you’re comfortable with your healthcare team. So that usually starts with your GP. So if you’re a bit concerned that you might be developing diabetes, for example, then we should be getting regular checkups, at least yearly, to make sure our blood sugar levels are looking okay, looking in the right range.” 

From there, the people you want to discuss it with are those, such as, a dietician, diabetes educator and exercise physiologist, according to Dr. Charlotte. 

“So it’s not just about knowing what to do but also putting that into action which is where people usually struggle and your health team should be able to help you to make that transition from knowledge to doing.”

Myths on Diabetes 

Myth 1: Type 2 diabetes develops because you eat too much and aren’t active

“That’s a huge one that we really need to pull that down because it’s really unhelpful and it means people actually aren’t getting the best care because there’s a lot of assumptions being made about their lifestyle. So actually diabetes can happen to anyone. Yes, Type 2 diabetes usually happens more in adults. 

Myth 2: If it is found later in life, it is only Type 2 diabetes

“Unfortunately, we’re seeing that trend for people actually getting diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes younger and younger. It used to be more of like an older person’s condition. Now it’s getting younger and younger, even into 20s. But conversely, we’re also seeing more and more people getting diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in adulthood, even in their 60s and 70s.” 

Dr. Charlotte continued, “People can assume it’s Type 2, and when they’re not responding to treatment in the way that we expect, we realise it’s Type 1.”

She noted that although your GP is a great source of information and AI can sometimes be helpful, DiabetesWA has a helpline number. You can speak directly to a diabetes educator, such as her who can best help a person dealing with diabetes to understand what is going on and point people in the right direction.

She encouraged those needing assistance to call 1300 001 880.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

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The teen years bring big changes. For girls, those changes often include hormones, periods and powerful emotions.

Read more: Tackling the Tough Teen Girl Hormone Years

While this season can feel overwhelming for teens and parents alike, experts say knowledge, reassurance and gentle support make all the difference. Naturopath Mel, from Natmed talks about teenage hormones, period pain and how families can better support young women through this important stage of life.

Talking About Periods Without Shame

First and foremost, Mel says it’s time to normalise the conversation. “Periods are a normal biological function that happens to around half the population,” she explains. “There’s no shame in talking about them, and knowledge is power.”

Today, girls are starting their periods earlier than previous generations. In some cases, periods can begin as young as nine. However, irregular cycles in the early years are usually normal.

“For example, a girl might have one period and then not have another for many months,” Mel says. “That doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong.”

Hormones fluctuate significantly during puberty. Emotional changes, mild PMS, and occasional skin breakouts are all common. What matters most is perspective.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While many symptoms are normal, there are times when parents should seek professional help. Mel encourages families to look out for red flags, including:

• Period pain that stops normal activities or requires time off school
• Bleeding that lasts longer than seven days
• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with pain relief
• No period by age 15 or 16
• A strong family history of hormonal or reproductive issues

“If period pain is relentless or debilitating every month, that’s when it’s time to speak to a healthcare professional,” Mel says.

How to Start Healthy Conversations With Teen Girls

For many parents – especially dads – talking about periods can feel awkward. However, Mel says open, gentle conversations are essential. “Choose the right time,” she advises. “If your teen is tired, stressed or in public, it’s probably not the moment.”

Instead, start with simple check-ins like “Are you okay?” or “You seem uncomfortable – can I help?” These small steps help teens feel supported and safe to speak up. Importantly, conversations don’t need to happen all at once. Sometimes it takes several gentle attempts before a teenager opens up.

Natural Ways to Ease Period Pain

Mild cramps, bloating and discomfort are common during periods. Thankfully, there are many natural ways to help reduce period pain and support hormone balance.

Magnesium
Magnesium helps relax muscles, including the uterus. Mel recommends magnesium glycinate, around 300mg per day, to ease cramping.

Omega-3 fatty acids
Found in fish oil, omega-3s reduce inflammation and can help with PMS and menstrual pain.

Calcium
Calcium supports muscle function and may reduce bloating and cramping. It’s best taken separately from magnesium for better absorption.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a role in hormone regulation, mood and muscle health, making it especially helpful during puberty.

Iron
Because periods involve blood loss, many teenage girls need extra iron – particularly those who are vegetarian or vegan. Iron glycinate is a well-tolerated option.

B-group vitamins
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) has been shown in studies to reduce period pain. Mel recommends a B-complex supplement rather than a single B vitamin.

Food Choices Matter Too

Diet plays a significant role in inflammation and hormone health. Highly processed foods and fast food can increase inflammation, which may worsen cramps and skin issues. “Do the best you can,” Mel says. “Even simple swaps help.”

For example, choosing a roast chicken and salad over deep-fried options provides protein and nutrients while still being convenient. Hydration is also important, even though getting teenagers to drink enough water can be a challenge.

Drug-Free Pain Relief Options

In addition to supplements and diet, several physical therapies can help relieve menstrual pain:

• Heat packs or hot water bottles relax the uterine muscles and reduce cramping
• TENS machines use gentle electrical pulses to block pain signals
• Castor oil packs may improve circulation and reduce muscular tension
• Ginger supplements (1,000–2,000mg daily) can reduce pain, nausea and inflammation

“Ginger helps reduce prostaglandins, which are responsible for uterine spasms,” Mel explains. Often, a combination of rest, heat, magnesium and ginger can make a noticeable difference.

Supporting Teen Mental Health

Normalising period conversations also supports mental health. When girls feel comfortable talking about their bodies, they’re less likely to suffer in silence. “Be emotionally intelligent,” Mel says. “Read the room. Keep things private and supportive.”

She also encourages parents to explore modern options like period underwear or menstrual cups, which can make periods feel more manageable for teens.

You’re Not Alone

Puberty and periods are a normal part of growing up, but no family has to navigate them alone. With the right information, gentle conversations and practical support, parents can help their daughters move through the teen season with confidence.

And if symptoms are severe or impacting daily life, seeking professional advice is always the right next step.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

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According to veterinarian Dr Ewen Blaikie, dental disease, weight gain, and skin or ear issues are among the top reasons pets visit the clinic – yet simple lifestyle changes can make a significant difference.

Dr Blaikie explained how early action helps pets live healthier and happier lives.

Prevention Starts with Everyday Habits

A common thread connects many pet health concerns: lifestyle. Just like humans, pets are affected by diet, activity levels, and daily routines. “These are all preventable problems,” Dr Blaikie says. “If we get ahead of them early, we can avoid a lot of treatment later.”

Modern pet lifestyles, including softer foods and reduced chewing, play a major role in health issues that vets now see regularly.

Dental Disease: A Problem That Begins Early

Many owners believe dental disease only affects older dogs, but signs often appear by three years of age.

One major reason is diet. Domestic dogs typically eat highly digestible food that requires little chewing, unlike animals in the wild that naturally clean their teeth by chewing tougher materials.

Without enough chewing action, plaque builds up quickly and eventually turns into tartar, leading to gum disease and discomfort.

How to Support Better Dental Health

Pet owners can help prevent dental problems by encouraging activities that physically clean teeth, including:

• Providing safe chew toys or ropes
• Offering vet-approved dental chews
• Playing tug games that promote chewing
• Checking teeth regularly at home

While brushing a dog’s teeth is ideal, consistent chewing activities can still significantly reduce plaque build-up. Owners should occasionally lift their dog’s lips to check for signs of dental issues.

Do Natural Dental Products Help?

Some owners explore supplements such as seaweed products or coconut oil for dental health. While these may provide small benefits, they should not replace physical cleaning.

Removing plaque requires mechanical action – chewing, brushing, or other physical contact with the teeth remains the most effective method.

Pet Obesity: A Growing Concern

Weight gain is another widespread issue, with an estimated half of pets visiting veterinary clinics carrying excess weight. Obesity affects more than appearance, it reduces exercise tolerance and increases strain on joints and vital organs.

Why Dogs Gain Weight

Weight gain is not always caused simply by overeating. Factors include:

• Portion sizes and calorie intake
• Lifestyle and exercise levels
• Hormonal changes after sterilisation

Desexing plays an important role in population control but can also slow metabolism, making pets more prone to storing fat.

Feeding for a Healthy Weight

Whether a dog eats once or twice daily matters less than overall food quantity. Owners should focus on:

• Measuring portions carefully
• Avoiding gradual overfeeding
• Considering diets designed for sterilised pets
• Monitoring body condition regularly

Addressing weight early helps protect long-term health and improves quality of life.

Managing Allergies and Ear Issues

Food allergies are also common and often show up through skin irritation or recurring ear infections. Early warning signs include redness, itching, or sensitivity around the ears, and acting quickly when symptoms appear can prevent more serious infections.

Helpful steps include:

• Sticking consistently to approved diets
• Checking ears regularly
• Using vet-recommended cleaning products
• Seeking targeted treatments when needed

Early care is far easier than treating advanced infections.

The Key Takeaway: Act Early

The biggest message for pet owners is simple: prevention works. By paying attention to diet, encouraging chewing, monitoring weight, and responding quickly to health changes, owners can prevent many common problems before they begin.

Small daily habits can lead to healthier pets, fewer vet visits, and more happy years together.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

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While church and youth group helps, the biggest influence on a child’s faith comes from home.

Parents play a vital role in shaping their children’s values and beliefs. While churches and youth groups help, the biggest influence on a child’s faith comes from home. As Pastor Joel Chelliah put it, “The number one influence of a child under 12 is actually the parents.” So, how can parents lead their family in faith?

The First Church: Your Home

Many parents assume taking their kids to church is enough. But a child’s primary experience of faith starts at home. “The first church that we are to lead is our own families,” Pastor Joel explained.

Children mimic what they see. If parents live out their faith daily, kids notice. “You see that pretty quick in your kids when you’re maybe passing on things you don’t want them to pick up,” he joked. Kids are like little mirrors, reflecting what they see in their parents.

Practical Ways to Lead in Faith

Being the spiritual leader in your home doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are two simple ways to incorporate faith into daily life.

1. Make Prayer a Daily Habit

Prayer doesn’t have to be long or formal. It can be as simple as a 30-second prayer in the car before school. Pastor Joel shared, “It’s amazing because I find out what’s going on in the hearts of my kids.” When kids pray, they reveal their worries and hopes, giving parents a chance to support them.

Other moments to pray together include:

• At the dinner table
• Before bedtime
• When facing challenges

This consistency teaches kids that prayer isn’t just for emergencies—it’s a daily part of life. “It’s not a last resort; it’s a first step,” he added.

2. Read the Bible Together

Reading the Bible as a family helps children grow spiritually. Pastor Joel shared their rule during school holidays: “No Bible, no play.” Their children would spend at least ten minutes reading Scripture before playing.

For kids who struggle with reading, audio Bibles are a great alternative. “I can hear them listening to the app,” they said. Even small moments—five minutes here, seven minutes there—help build a strong foundation of faith.

Small Steps Make a Big Impact

Raising children in faith doesn’t require hours of daily devotion. Simple habits, like short prayers and Bible reading, make a lasting difference, and help parents lead their family in faith. Over time, kids learn that faith is a natural part of life, not just something for Sundays. “You just watch your kids grow up in a way that carries the faith we’re supposed to carry,” Pastor Joel noted.

By leading in faith at home, parents equip their children with the spiritual tools they need for life.

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