Tag Archives: family support

What if control over money isn’t really about money? 💔

You might think financial abuse means someone taking their partner’s money.

But sometimes it looks much quieter.

Being told what you can spend.
Having no access to the family bank account.
Being stopped from working.
Having debt put in your name.
Being denied money for groceries, medication or the kids.
Being made to feel that you have no choice but to depend on someone else.

And when you’re a parent, financial control can become even more complicated.

Taking time out of work to care for children can naturally create financial dependence. That isn’t abuse.

The warning sign is when someone deliberately uses that dependence to control your choices, restrict your freedom or make it harder for you to leave.

Economic and financial abuse is now expressly recognised in Australian family law as a form of family violence.

But what does it actually look like behind closed doors?

And how can you tell the difference between a normal financial arrangement and financial control?

💛 We explore the signs, the law, the impact on children and what parents need to know.

🏠 I don’t want to move…”

For adults, moving house might mean a fresh start, a better home or simply doing what needs to be done.

But for a child, it can mean saying goodbye to their bedroom, their friends, their school, their favourite places and the little routines that make life feel safe. 💔

And when families are forced to move more often because of Australia’s housing and rental crisis, what does that mean for our children?

New research reveals that children who move frequently can experience changes in their emotions, sleep, eating, routines, concentration and sense of belonging.

The good news? There are things parents can do to help. ❤️

From how you first tell your child about the move, to using stories, play, photos and familiar connections to help them understand and process the change.

If your family is preparing for a move, don’t just pack the boxes — prepare your child’s heart, too.

👉 Read the article to discover how you can help your child feel safer, supported and connected through a big move.

💛 Separation changes a family, but it doesn’t have to change how deeply a child feels loved.

When a relationship ends, parents are often navigating heartbreak, uncertainty, financial pressures and countless life-changing decisions. But for children, the biggest questions are much simpler: *”Am I still safe? Am I still loved?”*

This heartfelt article explores how keeping children at the centre of every decision can help protect their emotional wellbeing during one of life’s biggest transitions. From maintaining familiar routines and recognising the many faces of grief to shielding children from adult conflict, these compassionate, practical insights can make a lasting difference.

Because while families may look different after separation, children still need the same things they’ve always needed—to feel safe, secure, heard and deeply loved.

Whether you’re navigating separation yourself or supporting someone who is, this is an important read.

❤️ Every child deserves to know: *”This isn’t your fault, and you are loved beyond measure.”*

Read the full article now.

The first five years shape a lifetime. 💛

Did you know that by age five, around 90% of a child’s brain development has already taken place? The relationships, care, and everyday interactions children experience during these early years help build the foundations for learning, confidence, resilience, emotional wellbeing, and future success.

Choosing childcare isn’t just about convenience — it’s about finding caring adults who help children feel safe, seen, heard, and understood.

Discover why childcare quality matters far more than many parents realise, and how the right support can make a lasting difference in a child’s development.

Read the full article now.

💔 What if you couldn’t afford a cot for your baby? A warm jacket for winter? A pram to get to appointments?

For thousands of Victorian families, these aren’t hypothetical worries — they’re daily realities.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, more parents are being forced to make heartbreaking choices between paying bills and providing essential items for their children.

That’s why Our Village’s Double Donation Day is so important.

For a limited time, every dollar donated will be matched, helping twice as many vulnerable babies and children receive the warm clothing, safe sleeping spaces, prams and essentials they need to thrive.

Because every child deserves to feel safe, warm and cared for — regardless of their family’s circumstances.

Read the powerful story behind this life-changing appeal and discover how a single act of kindness can create double the impact. 💛

👇 Click to learn more.

To all the new parents out there… We see you. 💙 Sleepless nights and endless feedings can leave you feeling drained. 😩 But there’s hope! Discover simple, real-life tips to help you tackle sleep deprivation and reclaim your rest. 💤 Because taking care of YOU is just as important as taking care of your baby. 🌟 Click to read more — you deserve a break! 💕 #ParentingJourney #SleepDeprivation #SelfCare

As parents all across Australia prepare for their children for new challenges in 2025, Royal Flying Doctor Service Child, Adolescent and Family Clinical Lead, Lesley Harvey has some advice for when the change causes anxiety or concern. A new year… Continue Reading >