Recent events have really focussed my mind on the fact that everyone lies and on a given day, studies show that you may be lied to anywhere from 10 to 200 times. Lying and deception is a deeply engrained evolutionary fact and we can all recount examples of those in public life telling us something, that we didn’t quite buy into.

The festive period can be full on. So many expectations, emotions and things to think about. For many, it might bring a welcome return to seeing friends and family, celebrating with loved ones and possible indulgence in many different forms. How can we help our children to navigate the big emotions and big feelings this time of year brings?

Although there are many exciting aspects to winter, the months can be cold, dark and long. Many adults notice the impact on their mood and may recognise aspects of ‘SAD’ (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which can be described as a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. Depression in children can be related to many different factors, and although SAD is more common amongst adults, it is possible for children to also be affected. How can we take action to protect our children from experiencing any of these SAD symptoms and help them beat the winter blues?

As we approach the festive season, it’s also time for the school performance. There is nothing sweeter than watching your child perform on stage, even if they are third Snowman from the right. For some children, they relish the opportunity to sing their hearts out in front of as many people as possible. For others however, it can be a source of worry. We spoke to actress and mother Bridget Hodson on her 5 tips to help your child feel happy, confident, and prepared for their shining moment on stage.

Confidence is the ultimate life skill. It enables us to believe in ourselves, push boundaries, take risks, assert our needs, and enforce respect for our boundaries. Ultimately, it empowers us to reach our full potential without being wracked with self-doubt and insecurity.

It’s that time again! Winter is fast approaching and this not only means the fun of Halloween, Fireworks, and Christmas but also the dreaded clock change! This is something that so many parents worry about, particularly when they have spent so long getting their little people into wonderful sleep routines, only for it to be all thrown up into the air by the clocks going backward.

It can be such a common scene; parent arrives at the school gate with a child clinging to their legs like it’s a life raft on a sinking ship. Parent prises the child off them, hands the screaming child over to the teachers and walks away, desperately trying to hold back their own tears until they reach the car. Or maybe your child isn’t as publicly demonstrative. Maybe they struggle to sleep at night or wake through the night asking you to stay close. Perhaps they cry to you about being at school, or maybe just protest as they are bundled into the car in the morning.

Does your child struggle to stand up for what they want, think and feel? It is hard to see our children bend themselves to fit the group or remain quiet in response to an overly assertive friend. We all know the value of learning to assert ourselves, and the younger these skills can be embedded the better. Yet it can come easier to some children (and adults!) than others; if your child is quiet, empathetic, sensitive… how do you give them ways to find their voice and become assertive, whilst remaining authentic to their personality?

There is no perfect way to raise a family. Parenting is a journey with no instructions, filled with both happiness and challenges. However, there are many steps you can take to enhance your family dynamic, create a supportive and happy household, and overcome challenges together.

Mindfulness is a bit of a buzzword at the moment. While you may be tempted to believe it is synonymous with the Gen Z population, Role Models are keen to explain that not only is mindfulness around to stay but that it can affect positive change in a big way.

The past 18 months have been an unsettled time for us all. With the return back to school or college, you may notice your teen or ‘tween’ struggling with elements of social overwhelm. It can be hard to know how best to support them; managing those turbulent emotions can be a real challenge. How can we help them to feel happy, confident, and secure?

Debating for kids may not spring to mind as a skill that is of utmost importance when thinking about the areas in which you would like your child to progress. There are limited jobs that specifically require you to debate. However, if your child can convince you to push back bedtime, to purchase an Xbox, or to allow snacks before dinner, don’t despair; they are already on their way to developing vital skills that will stand them in good stead in any future career!