The rhetoric around a ‘post COVID-19 world’ often suggests that mental health will be at the fore. Yet, perinatal mental health issues in Australia sadly remain shrouded in stigma and are often su..
Here in Australia, we’re lucky to have access to an amazing education system, and in the Illawarra, our schools have a great reputation. But sometimes children need different options in order..
Christmas is just around the corner and as we prepare for the silly season, it is important to be organised and prepare your children for the holiday period. Holidays can be a difficult ti..
Somehow, in what has been both the longest and the shortest year of our lives, it is finally December, which means the harsh days of unrelenting Summer sunshine are upon us. You know, the ones whe..
It's that special time of year when our gorgeous Illawarra / Wollongong region comes into it's own. The beautifully warm embrace of summer is upon us and Parents Guide Illawarra can't wait to shar..
Ah Illawarra skateparks - we are blessed with these FREE parks that can challenge and inspire our kids and teens - let them be free from screens, whilst developing and enhancing balance and motor ..
One particularly humid morning during the recent start to the school holidays, my permanently early riser of a son (almost 6 years of age), begged me at 7am in the morning to take him to the beach..
Planning for the future can be difficult, especially when children are involved. Our goal at Access Law Group is to advise and provide you with tools to help you plan ahead during difficul..
I have a confession to make. I kind of liked lock-down. I liked having extra time with my family (but not home schooling obviously). I liked not having to set an alarm. I almo..
It's no secret how spoilt rotten we are in the Illawarra when it comes to our stunning surroundings and location - it's little wonder therefore, why more and more families are now calling this reg..
Isolation associated with the COVID-19 crisis has led to a 50% increase in new mothers seeking help from the Illawarra Early Parenting Centre. The Illawarra Early Parenting Centre’s popular ..
GOOD NEWS for Illawarra families! A local leader that is dedicated to our children's early education AND our growing community, is going one step further in ensuring the future of our children is ..
When parents decide to separate, emotions and tensions can run high. Once you combine the stress and heartache of the situation, navigating a whole new world of parenting and the challenge of divi..
While the start of May sees the start of relaxation of our lockdown, life as we knew it pre-corona is still some time away. We can start visiting people in small numbers and a staggered re-introdu..
Please note: Check with NSW National Parks (https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/) first before visiting these bushwalks, as some of these may still be closed at this time due to Covid-19. A..
As I’m writing this, Australians are being encouraged to stay at home, and to avoid unnecessary interactions with other people as much as possible. While schools and childcare facilities remain op..
The evidence is irrefutable - our children's attendance at a quality pre-school, really does help them emotionally develop and academically flourish. But how as loving parents, do we choose th..
WINGS OVER ILLAWARRA CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19 After consultation with NSW Health, the organisers of Wings Over Illawarra 2020, Mark and Kerry Bright, have made the heart-breaking dec..
Chatting to Obstetricians. It's pretty fascinating, especially as I've had my two (large headed and 4.5kilo - wince!) babies since, and can reflect back on 'how would it have been with this dedica..
Outdoor party planned and weather looks BAD!? Whether it’s a torrential down pour or temperatures above 30, sometimes you need an alternative to the park. So we are super excited to bring to..
Christmas is fast approaching! The team at Thrive Skin Clinic (https://www.thriveskinclinic.com.au/) have prepared some advice for you on what treatment options and home care products you..
Great news for Illawarra ladies, parents and parents to be! The beauty of our region is attracting some serious talent in the medical world... Here at Parents Guide Illawarra, we are passiona..
It's a little quirky, fully immersive, fabulously educational and strangely addictive... For ages 3 through to tweens, teens to grandparents there is something a little mind blowing for every..
Great news from Parents Guide Illawarra... There is a new Kids' Uni long day care centre in Town! Parents of Illawarra pre-schoolers will be celebrating this gorgeous, unique centre with a..
Modern-day parenting, ah we LOVE IT! Mix up this crazy-making combo of: -Supremely high cost of living, financial pressures and both parents often working; -The breakdown of the ‘vill..
Here at Parents Guide Illawarra, we love to celebrate our diverse community. We wish for the health and happiness of every single community member. So, we got just a little bit excited (well v..
As more and more evidence based research is revealing, children's attendance at a quality pre-school, really does help them emotionally and academically flourish at school too. So, this October, w..
The case for Middle School! Primary school direct into High School mean our kids move from from being the biggest fish in the secure confines of a primary school pond, into being a small fish ..
IT'S PARTY TIME!! What busy parent doesn't love the time consuming challenge of arranging and hosting a beautiful kids birthday party!? If outsourcing the paaaartay fun to a venue who pr..
Thinking about investing in property with your super? Here is some sage advice shared from a Self Managed Super Fund Specialist from Wollongong… Here at Parents Guide Illawarra, one of..
Sunday, October long weekend. A typical family day of pottering and gardening for one family in Wollongong. Little did they know the actions of their seven year old boy that day, would save th..
As parents ourselves, we only ever want to keep our children safe, secure and happy. The vulnerability and innocence of a baby or child is one we feel compelled to protect and nurture. Yet, a..
It's getting towards witching hour, the house is ruined, tempers are fraying and even worse, the fridge looks more bare than a newborn's bottom. Fear not! Here at Parents Guide Illawarra, we h..
No-one tells us parents that upon birthing our glorious bundle of joy, that we must immediately start a savings account for their teeth dramas in later life. But for parents facing costly bra..
No doubt about it, baby capsules are amazing. BUT they are expensive. Read on and we can show you how to get the best baby capsule with a fab safety rating but without the mega price tag att..
Finding the time for a breast check and pap test is hard. Maybe it’s the thought of sitting in an overcrowded waiting room, surrounded by sick kids that puts me off. Maybe it’s that I also hav..
AHHH! How do we know what school will be right for our child? It is a question many Illawarra parents face, and ultimately, if you're in a position to choose a school for your child's uni..
Whether you’re a family who experiences ASD first hand or have experience through the wider community, you’ll know the unique challenges it can present. It is estimated that one child is diagnosed..
Ok, let's shake off the stigma of talking women's menstruation and periods IN PUBLIC! Our cycle of bleeding is the joy and wonders of being a woman. But for many it can be achingly painful an..
Ohh interest rates have been cut! But what does this mean for Illawarra home owners? So, we asked the financial and mortgage broking experts at The Wealth Connection in Austinmer to let us k..
Of course the Illawarra is like a big kid's playground with all our ocean, green spaces and escarpment to roam in. BUT, as the weather cools and it comes to dedicated kid's entertainment - here is..
Spend any time in the Illawarra and you will see that we LOVE our canine pals! Whether they are small, white fluffy ones, big, fat slobbery ones... Here at Parents Guide Illawarra, we see ..
Congratulations you have a new job! Or bought a new house! Or your family has grown by one or two! Only problem is you will have to relocate and with that comes the need for your children to move ..
Firstly, parents, we salute you. We salute for you hanging in there whilst navigating the minefields of the toughest job on the planet - yup, parenting. We acknowledge that every parent ..
Since 1981, one not for profit organisation based in the Illawarra, has actively campaigned for the rights of our local families and children. The evidence is all pointing to how critical qua..
You’re pregnant! Hooray! Seeing those two pink lines pop up is possibly the ONLY time you’ll be ecstatic to essentially be holding your own pee. All jokes aside however, finding out you’re expecti..
Karen Stone, artist and art teacher has built her own beautiful Studio in Woonona where her art classes are becoming increasingly popular with the local Illawarra community. We think It's the..
Just when you thought getting your head around maths homework was tough, in comes the brand new digital technologies curriculum to leave parents scratching their heads. Coding what? Minecraft..
I think most of us would agree - we live in and bring up our kids in an aesthetically obsessed society, where what we look like is a highly valued commodity. Social media only intensifies..
I was fortunate to grow up in the beautiful town of Kiama, not that I appreciated it at the time. I couldn’t wait to leave, spread my wings and hit the big smoke. After time travelling overseas an..
Opinion Piece... Like many, I moved down from Sydney a while back with my family to escape the city for a more affordable, relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle that the gorgeous Illawarra allows -..
It's that time of year... Anyone else feeling just, um, a little 'financially stretched' after the summer holidays!? Soooo, here is our Parents Guide Illawarra fabbo guide of free, cost ef..
How one Illawarra mums is helping thousands of mums in Ethiopia, and get this, it is when she shops online! “If the way I spend my money can have a positive impact on someone’s life, I'll..
If your experience is anything likes ours here at Parents Guide Illawarra, us parents spend a good chunk of 'quality time' at the doctors! Finding the right doctor that you feel comfortab..
Is the Illawarra property market tanking!? Is now a good time to buy and/or sell!? We asked the highly experienced Wendy Ristuccia from Ray White in Thirroul for her top tips for both buyers a..
You are pregnant? CONGRATS! We have some more lovely news for you - share this far and wide with your fellow 'up the duff' community in NSW! Courtesy of the $157M Parenting Package initiat..
2018 is the age of technology and connectivity! Our children are exposed to more technology and information than any generation in history. In today’s world, the average age a child starts being e..
CONGRATULATIONS! You are likely reading this due to pregnancy or you've recently become a parent. It's also likely you've discovered early on that EVERYONE has an opinion on pregnancy, birthi..
Well, congratulations! Your beautiful bundle is here and it's time to celebrate their life in a way that is truly meaningful to you and your loved ones... At Parents Guide, we like to grill t..
Imagine this...…. a local dance teacher with 2 bachelors degrees in Psychology (Hons) and second in Education (Primary) , with an absolute love for dance and a dream for every child to expe..
Hey parents of school aged kids! Have you claimed your $100 Creative Kids rebate yet? We all know kids thrive off play and learning through being creative and just having fun, so yay that the..
Dammit we LOVE the Illawarra!! Possibly the best place in the world to bring up the kids? At Parents Guide Illawarra, are we biased much? Noooo! However there are certain 'unique' aspects to l..
Take a breath, be brave, it's better to be informed, yes!? SNAKES IN THE ILLAWARRA... We have discovered some equally fascinating, startling and re-assuring snake stats, close to (your) home.... ..
We don’t mean to alarm anyone but the BIG holidays are almost upon us. Yep, 6 long weeks of quality time (think a solid 10-12 hours daily) spent with your kids. Now, we understand if that has you ..
Obstetrics and gynaecology Meet Dr David Greening – Illawarra Obstetrician and fertility specialist... For those Illawarra couples and ladies struggling to conceive, we have some very good ne..
"When raising kids: first place the oxygen mask over your own mouth" - Ed Rogers Parenting can be one tough gig. The love and sacrifice that we feel for our babies and children when i..
‘I am Woman Moving! Hear Me Roar!’ Women can achieve anything….right? (Men actually can too, but it’s not about them today.) This blog is dedicated to all the women out there who..
The Parents Guide team are all mums with 8 birth experiences between us. Despite our very different experiences of pregnancy, birth and parenthood, we are united on this: The importance and si..
Whether it's your newborn or your teen... parents know to trust their gut instinct. But while it’s one thing to trust your gut instinct, it’s another to know just where to go for help. ..
It can be an equally emotional and daunting time for both parent and child, preparing for 'big school'. New research is de-bunking some of the myths and misconceptions about what helps our ch..
Parents of children with challenging behaviours know what it’s like to reach the end of their tether. To wonder HOW on earth they’re going to help their child after exhausting all the traditional ..
Early Learning Centre opens in the Illawarra - dedicated to school readiness! Our little ones are amazing, just the way they are! We also know that for our children to thrive in life, they ne..
Affordable child care? It’s the dream! But sadly, sometimes it’s more of a fantasy than a reality… Parents Illawarra wide will be all too-familiar with the juggle that comes with tryin..
What no-one tells you before you have a baby. Dealing with the loneliness and a sense of overwhelm... 4 key things that will help you! The Parents Guide team are all Illawarra mums and in tot..
Meet Dr Kothari... The Obstetrician/Gynaecologist changing the face of gynaecological care for women in the Illawarra... When you ask Dr Dharmesh Kothari (http://www.wollongongobgy.com...
The unique event that Sydneysiders flock down for – but do YOU know about it? EXPERIENCE SITEWORKS! WHERE NATURE, LEARNING, ARTS, SCIENCE AND CAMPING COLLIDE… The annual Bundan..
At Parents Guide Illawarra, we are here to tell you that organising your child's birthday party - no matter how big or small - can actually be a fun, easy, exciting and budget-friendly exercise fo..
Psssst! Have you heard about The Playhouse (https://www.the-playhouse.com.au/)? No? If you’ve got a creative little soul or quirky character on your hands, then you might want to turn your ears fi..
Wow, parents of Wollongong and surrounding suburbs can celebrate with a great win for their primary school kids... North Wollongong's Innovation Campus is home to a unique facility for our Pr..
Firstly, what is My Health Record? My Health Record is an individual’s safe and secure digital health information, easily accessible by their doctors, specialists and hospitals. My Health..
You’ve probably spotted them around town. Those hip and happening people who make facial hair, flanno and their grandfathers brogues look good. Yep, the Illawarra has become a hipster haven...
The ultimate facial for the busy mama!? No really, it takes 30mins only and after you may be reminded of how you skin used to look before the kids stole your sleep, check this out… As..
The Boob Special. What happens to boobs after babies… Be it breastfeeding or bikini shopping, showering with your little one or bemoaning the forces of gravity, chances are good you’v..
Fab ways to keep your tribe entertained this winter... Every Illawarra parent has been there. It’s 4.30pm on a June afternoon. You’re at the park and you suddenly realise that it’s dark...
Ah parents... Whether you have babies or older kids - your relationship with your partner can fall to the wayside as your delightful bundles of joy demand their needs get met first. Meetin..
How much fun is mum guilt, said no parent ever! Yes, #mumguilt is a real thing. It starts pretty much the moment you pop out your first baby and seemingly NEVER ENDS. In the early days, it w..
Hi there expectant Mums & Dad’s of The Illawarra Are you preparing to welcome a beautiful little bundle into your family? Perhaps your first newborn baby or even your third, if you are co..
Embracing a diagnosis of Autism in a child - 6 lovely and helpful things to know... To acknowledge World Autism (and Acceptance!) Day on 2nd April 2018, we interviewed a local Mum about her e..
Illawarra school giving hope to families of children with learning difficulties. Most parents would agree that supporting and guiding a child through their years at school is not always smoot..
The adjustment to being a parent is well, how can we best put it? Overwhelming: full of intense love, responsibility and joy but yet totally crazy making!? However gracefully (or not!) y..
Well, I blame summer. Oooooh yes, summer - you seductive, balmy wonder of nature you; taunting us relentlessly with your warmth; caressing our backs with rays of golden light; smiling down on us w..
Seeing a child experience the anguish of being overweight in our bodily obsessed society, is hard. It's not just the health risks that come with being overweight. Often children above a healt..
It is the $7,000* question most parents with 9-13 year old children DREAD. Does my child need braces? According to stats from Orthodontics Australia, on average, traditional braces can ..
The M.L.L.M way of life. What mums need to know! When life throws you lemons, please don’t make lemonade. Who could be bothered? Who’s got the spare time? Not us! We have a different ..
Halloween with young kids... The time of year where crafty mums and dads excel (yay you, I WISH I was part of your tribe) and the rest of us are left with that sinking, pressured 'how do we make t..
Let us cut straight to the chase here... Babies and children add significant burden and strain onto a couple's relationship... Here are some large factors that may be eating away at your conte..
'The overscheduled child' 'Kids nowadays have too much screen time and not enough time roaming in nature' 'The Helicopter parent' 'Your child needs more quality time with just you t..
We know it so very well, the emotional wrench when the time comes to leave your child in the care of others... The tugging in your chest as you walk away... Combine that with the challenge of ..
Best-ever tips for communicating with teens By Maggie Dent After teaching, counselling and living with teens for 40 years, I have worked out some of the things that can improve our cap..
School holidays... Take a breath, we have some great ways to manage sibling fighting, the mega demands, and the adjustment to lack of routine - helping you manage the juggle! Parents Guide Il..
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