Week 2, Term 1 2026 Newsletter
Observation
February 26th 2026
Thanks for another lovely meeting. It was wonderful to welcome new families and it's always good to have Dads join us. It was a joy to facilitate the group with Kamilla who I have known for many years now but whom I have never had the pleasure of working with before so that was a treat.
Kamilla will be such a good fit for the facilitators role and I know you will all really enjoy her offerings. As a team we will be working together behind the scenes to ensure we can deliver a service that builds belonging and empowers you as parents with the knowledge shared each week. We are always open to feedback on experience and what you think does and doesn't work plus things you might like us to consider offering. Also we would be interested in your thoughts around some group guidelines like the ones below.
Group Guidelines:
Confidentiality: Please remember that this is a safe space, and what is shared within our group remains confidential. We do not discuss group conversations with anyone outside of the group.
Mindfulness and Respect: As we are a large group—eleven, or twelve including myself which is above the usual limit of eight—it can sometimes get noisy. This can be especially challenging for the little ones. Please be mindful of one another and show respect by listening attentively whenever someone is speaking.
Trust: Maintain a safe, non-judgmental space. Everyone has the right to their own opinion.
THIS WEEK: Observe Judgement Arising
We all make judgements, it's normal but are we truly aware of it ? Why do we need to comment on what someone looks like or on behaviour? What judgements do we make of our children, ourselves or our partners
We are our child's greatest role model so the judgements we make are the ones passed on to them perpetuating any of our weaknesses or biases. So this week's practice is to observe what arises in us when we make a judgement and instead try to see a situation with fresh eyes.
Judgement comes in a few forms;
Negative; seeing the worse in a situation rather than looking at it from a different perspective. "He always leaves the dishes on top of the dishwasher" Rather than carry that frustration with you why not talk to the person. "I'm noticing you always put the dishes on top of the dishwasher and not inside, could I ask you to start putting them inside so I can use the space on the top please?".
Positive; As parents we are quick to comment with "good girl/boy" but that's our judgement and it isn't letting us see where they actually are in the moment. When words fail you but you want to share the joy just say what you see; "look at you putting on your shoes by yourself".
Labels and Roles; who has been labelled the "big sister", "shy" or "always plays the fool". These labels and roles stick even when they are not who we are or want to be. Once you understand the implications and stop using them around your children you will need to be their advocate when others label them - "you can tell Granny that you aren't shy, just quiet and very clever at knowing when you are ready to join the others".
Absolutes; Try to stay away from "always" and "never". They never sleep vs Sleep is challenging for them at this stage. They are always miserable vs they have had a run of tough days.
This is a great article explaining why praise is counter intuitive; https://www.alfiekohn.org/article/five-reasons-stop-saying-good-job/
Recipe: Seed treats
Courtesy of The Baby Food Bible at https://www.babyfoodbible.com/recipes
Ingredients;
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds: 1/2 cup sunflower seed: 1/4 cup hemp seeds: 1/4 desiccated coconut: 2 tbsp coconut oil: 2 tbsp maple syrup: Dark chocolate; Salt
These are a great source of omega 3, zinc, magnesium, fiber and protein.
Method:
Blend the seeds until fine.
Add remaining ingredients without chocolate.
Press the dough into molds or the base of a cake tray as thick or thin as you like.
Melt the chocolate and drizzle or coat the top depending on your preference.
Set in the fridge for a minimum of an hour then store in the freezer.
RESOURCES:
I mentioned Dan Siegel in the session and the fact that he had some very accessible parenting books. He is a clinical professor of psychiatry and works with children, adolescents and adults. He has a talent of making the academic more accessible to the layman and explaining the importance of understanding childhood development. On his website he has all sorts of amazing offerings but below is a link for his parent books.
Parenting from the Inside Out is the book I would love everyone to read before they have a child but it is equally interesting later on in your journey.
The Whole Brain Child is a great one to start with to understand how the child's brain works.
The Power of Showing Up helps you understand the impact your parenting can have on your child.
https://drdansiegel.com/book_category/parenting-educators/
I mentioned the value of the Poisons Hotline and that if you ever have a concern you can call them even as you are going to the hospital or waiting on the ambulance as it's exactly who the medical team will contact. 13 11 26
https://www.poisonsinfo.nsw.gov.au/
The other great number to have on speed dial is 1800 022 222
This is the Healthline Direct in NSW and is a 24/7 non-emergency service where you will speak directly to a nurse who will advise and arrange care for you.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/callhealthdirect
Lastly, to find the Directory and Newsletter archives go to our website, go to Locations and choose Lake Macquarie then scroll down past the booking portal and you will see a button for Lake Macquarie Newletters and one for Lake Macquarie Local Support Directory.
https://nurturingbeginningsmontessori.org/
We had a couple of conversations that, quite naturally moved to the needs and challenges of having older children and I really want to share a book with you that I think is so valuable as you head towards adolescence or even before. It's called Hold On To Your Kids and is written by Dr Gordon Neufeld who is a developmental psychologist. The other books on this link are also of interest but one at a time!
