It’s that time of year when we sit down and check out our family budget so I thought I would share some of our tips with you!

Jump on Service NSW and see what vouchers you are eligible for. I have a 3 and a 6 year old so we get Active Kids and Creative kids at $100 each for her classes and First Lap swimming for my son. We also got 3 x $50 back to school vouchers which will pay for her new sport shoes! Plus you might be eligible for cheaper rego based on how many tolls you take etc.

Set up a spread

Thank you for the recent announcements to increase paid parental leave from 18 weeks to 26 weeks. This is a huge step in supporting women and families and future generations of Australia’s children by getting them off to the best start in life. Whilst 26 weeks is a huge step in the right direction, we do, however, have many concerns around the “use it or lose it” policy discussion that is around at this time. Whilst we understand the government’s desire to achieve economic equality for women, discussions we have had with families overwhelmingly show a desire to be paid for the time taken out of the workforce, not simply to get back to work and have the father or partner replace them at home. When we look at parental leave from health and developmental outcomes for women and children, the 26 weeks has been proven to be what is the minimal optimum outcome.

Did you know you can start tummy time with your newborn from birth. And it doesn’t mean that you have to just plop them on the ground which they hate! Its cold, away from your touch and scary!

Incorporate it in small easy to manage steps including:

Holding them on their tummy across your arms

Holding them high up on your shoulder