Lachlan Soper

The world can be a magical place for children. While it can seem like some children are born with naturally imaginative minds, creativity is something that can also be taught and nurtured. Parents can create an environment that encourages creative thinking and skills. Creativity can be found in many forms such as drawing and painting, reading and writing, dancing, singing, or simply playing make-believe.
It’s essential for children to learn how to express their creativity. Creative minds are ...

Riding in cleats for the first time can be intimating. Just the thought of having your feet “stuck” to the pedals is a concept that can be difficult for a beginner cyclist to grasp. If you’re just getting started with riding your bike in cleats, here are some tips for you to follow:
Practise Somewhere Isolated and Safe
Before hitting the road or going off road in your cleats, it’s important to get some practice in. Find an isolated area such as a car park or a dead-end street to practice clip...

Children don’t come out of Mummy’s tummy with a step-by-step instruction manual. As parents we all learn on the job, every day. We make mistakes and God-willing we learn, adapt and improve. Every parent is going to have their own way of raising their child. When it comes down to it, there is no ultimate right or wrong way to raise your children. However, thanks to social media and many parents sharing their own experiences and life as a family, there is more often than not someone telling the...

Many parents can get caught up in not wanting to push their children too hard in fear that they will one day resent them. However, it is this way of thinking that can easily could lead to raising a child that gives up easily quitter. An important skill for children to learn early on is perseverance and knowing not to give up when things get tough. Encouraging your child to never give up will help them succeed in life. Follow these tips to teach your child perseverance:
Give Your Child Praise
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Bad habits are hard to break, especially for children. As a parent, eliminating them can be a challenge. Whether it’s leaving their toys on the stairs, sucking on their thumb, biting their nails, or phone addiction, it’s important to put a stop to these patterns. Many parents can feel at a loss when it comes to breaking their child’s bad habits, but these tips can help you through it:
Approach Calmly But Firmly
When you first notice your child’s bad habit, it’s essential to have the right app...

As the authority in their life, children will look to their parents most of the time for guidance and comfort. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with a child depending on you, it’s also important they learn how to be independent. They will carry this independence into adulthood and are much more likely to be successful in life when they learn to depend on themselves early on.
Sparking your child’s independence doesn’t mean having them make their own breakfast at age five (although it is...

One of the biggest realities we face as parents are that our children might not always be the “angels” we see them as. Realistically, there will be times of pouting, crying, kicking, and screaming. When you’re faced with a child’s tantrum, it’s easy to feel at a loss or even let your own emotions get the best of you as their parent.
The best way to handle a tantrum is to stop them before they start. While this could seem like an impossible feat, here are a few strategies to help you through i...

When taking your bike for a spin, different surfaces come with their own set of challenges. From smooth roads to bumpy trails, it’s important to know what it takes to ride each type. Having know-how when it comes to cycling on different types of terrain can make your ride much safer and enjoyable. Here are some different types of terrain you can encounter while cycling and how to ride them!
Paved Roads
When riding on paved roads on your bike, you should expect to have an easier ride. The smoo...

Upping your cycling game can be a thrilling experience. As you take on more trails, terrains, and distances, you improve your skills as an avid cyclist. However, it’s important to recognize when it’s time to face a new cycling challenge and what you could potentially be ready to try. Taking on a challenge you’re not ready for can end in injury and possibly hold you back from advancing further. To know if you’re ready to take on a new cycling challenge, consider these tips:
Mastering the Basic...

Any parent would want their child to be successful in life, but it takes time and effort. Wishing for your child to be successful will only get you so far. It’s essential to nurture and nudge them in the right direction so they may one day grow to be successful adults. Following these key habits helps raise successful children:
Regulating Emotions
To be successful, it’s critical to have an understanding of emotions and how to regulate them. Because regulating emotions is something that must b...

Parents often love praising their children and giving them compliments. But is there an unhelpful way to compliment your children? What we say to our children as parents can have a huge impact on their psychological development from childhood all the way into adulthood. This is why it is essential to try your best to optimise wording and phrases when complimenting for your children.
For instance, calling children “mature for their age” can actually have negative psychological effects on them....

You’ve been riding by yourself for a while, perhaps ridden with a friend or two, but now you’re going on your first bunch ride. So … how to prepare? First of all you want to make sure you have insurance for your riding and a bike in good working order, but that’s for another blog, another time. This is about how you get yourself ready to roll out with the bunch on time in the morning, without forgetting things and feeling like you’re in a chaotic rush – an organised and peaceful first group r...

While it may be hard to believe, rumbling is an essential part of growing up for children. It is a way for kids to reduce stress, have fun, bond with playmates, siblings and parents, and even build self-esteem.
Unfortunately, it can also sometimes be loud and destructive to the environment amount them. Hence the overall negative opinion that many will have in regards to rumbling / mucking around / roughhousing. Parents must understand how kids rumble, as well as how to appropriately handle th...

Being a parent is not the easiest job out there – and it can become infinitely more complex as children turn into teenagers. There are few relationships more complicated than the one that parents and teens share.
It’s vital that parents set boundaries, help form healthy habits and relationships, and most importantly: protect their children during this time. However, there are certain mistakes that should also be avoided during this time.
Taking it Personally
There are days when your teenagers...