The blog

Help for parents before high school starts.

Short reads about Year 7 and the year before it — what changes, why it changes, and what you can do about it. Written for the parent, not about the child.

4–6 minutes each For parents of Year 5–7 Things you can try tonight
You know something is wrong. They won't tell you what.

You know something is wrong. They won't tell you what.

You know something is wrong. They won't tell you what.Raising Thinkers
Published on: 12/10/2026

You can tell something happened. Every question bounces back as fine. What to do when your child goes quiet about something real — and when to step in.

communicationyear 7opening uptween emotions
What your child means when they say they hate school

What your child means when they say they hate school

What your child means when they say they hate schoolRaising Thinkers
Published on: 21/09/2026

'I hate school' lands like a warning bell. Most of the time it points at one specific thing, not the whole place. How to find out what that thing is.

Why your child won't talk about school — and what to ask instead

Why your child won't talk about school — and what to ask instead

Why your child won't talk about school — and what to ask insteadRaising Thinkers
Published on: 24/08/2026

Your Year 7 says fine and leaves the room. Why the door closes gradually, the four kinds of conversation, and the questions that get a real answer.

Free guide for parents of Year 5, 6 and 7

Not sure where to start? Start here.

9 things to sort out before high school, built from what Australian parents told us worries them most. Each one comes with what to say, and one thing to try tonight.

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Ready for more? See The B.R.I.D.G.E. Program, short video lessons for you and small tools for your child.

The free guide, 9 things to sort out before high school, on a phone
Raising Thinkers
Empowering the next generation

High school is a lot for a 12-year-old. We help Australian parents get their child ready — before it gets too much and they stop talking.

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