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We're an American family living in Australia, where everything seems a little bit turned-upside-down.


Friday, May 31, 2013

Discovering Parent Magic






I am the mom of three amazing children, each with a very distinct personality, and I wouldn't have it any other way.   However, at times all the different personalities in our home seem to CLASH!

















Without getting too specific, we have the emotional one, the perfectionist, the boss, the one that holds everything in until explosion, and the pleaser.


I was happy to check out a workshop with Discover Parent Magic to see how our different personalities effect the harmony in our household, and what to do about it.  What I discovered about each member of my family was invaluable.


Discover Parent Magic

Discover Parent Magic offers workshops that equip parents with "Powerful Parenting Strategies" to: 
  • Determine the behavioural and personality style of your child
  • Understand what makes your child tick so you can effectively parent each child to maximise their true potential
  • Discover your child's primary style of communication, are they are thinker, a feeler or something else?
  • Learn practical insights to apply immediately for a more harmonious household
The location in Swanborne was easy to find, and parking was not a problem.

Upon entering the workshop, I didn't quite know what to expect.  What I found was a cozy group of parents all wanting the same thing... information on how to be the best parent possible! 


A cup of tea and a biscuit in hand, and I was ready...

The presenters were Discover Parent Magic founders, Deb and Kate, who each had an impressive list of credentials behind their names.  You can read more about them here.


Each attendee received a booklet of information to go along with the presentation.  I used mine to furiously scribble notes, as almost everything that was said, I wanted to remember.  

Deb and Kate took turns presenting information on the DISC Model of Human Behavior.  They shared personal stories along with the information, which really helped bring to life the general characteristics of the four personality types.



At the end of the workshop, there was  time to sit and visit with the presenters, and other workshop attendees. It was nice to be able to exchange experiences with other parents that may be going through some of the same parenting struggles.  

I left the workshop with a very clear picture of the personality types of my three children. Just as I predicted, they each have a different type, which means I must tweak my parenting style to meet the needs of each child.  What I learned, is that each personality is motivated by different things.  My "one size fits all" parenting approach was not going to cut it.  

Surprisingly, one of the most useful things I learned at Discover Parent Magic was not only the personality type of my children, but also the personality type of my husband, and myself.  I really never thought about how my personality fit into the picture before.  I just thought I was the boss of my kids, and that was that.  But now I realize that families are much happier when we all understand each other, and that includes me.



When I woke the next morning, enlightened, it was interesting to see my little "personalities" demonstrating their characteristics.  I was much more conscientious about how I interacted with  each child as an individual.  It will be an ongoing process, but just knowing what makes each one tick will certainly make my job easier, and more fun!

The next workshop is Saturday, 22 June at 1:30-4:30 pm in Swanbourne


Tickets are only $60 and can be purchased here:





Sunday, May 26, 2013

Ready? Steady. Go!


Hagen had a fantastic time at Ready Steady Go Kids!
He's still talking about it.
I have to say, I was just as thrilled with the class as he was.

For the first time ever, he was not clinging to my leg and forcing me to participate with him.
From beginning to end, the session was well organized, fun for the kids, full of positive reinforcement, and they learned actual sport skills!

Ready Steady Go Kids is a physio-designed program that teaches pre-schoolers fundamentals for 10 different sports including: soccer, tennis, cricket and t-ball.

The day of our first class, the kids learned about Basketball.

The session was full of excitement and fun with a creative way of learning sport skills.  The kids hopped like kangaroos, soared like airplanes, threw basketballs with their chicken wings, and raced around in their hula hoop "cars".

Things started off with a welcome song, warm-up, and stretching.
















Next, the kids learned the fundamentals of basketball including dribbling, throwing, shooting baskets, and even how to "slam dunk!"



It was a super positive environment, and each child received individual attention.




Half way through the session, the basketball skills they learned were carried over to an obstacle course.  The kids had a ball, running around, taking their turn at each station.
















The session ended with cool down, closing song, and group "cheer".  There were plenty of smiles to go around.  The kids left feeling energized, self assured, and with an extra dose of self esteem.


As we were leaving, Hagen said, "that was so fun Mommy, thank you for bringing me to basketball class."  We can't wait until next week, Hagen is going to learn to play golf!