Thereā€™s something about that perfect ratio of smooth with a few soothing bumps and long enough to last at least one sleep cycle that will have you driving back to the same place every time youā€™re desperate for a bit of exerciseā€¦..or desperate to get bubs to sleep.

Weā€™ve had A LOT of babies over the years here at KiA so weā€™ve put together some of our favourite spots for a pram walk.

Witton Bluff Base Trail

If flat, not too long and incredible views are on your pram walk must have’s check out the brand new Witton Base Bluff trail at Port Noarlunga. Stage one is open now and is a super gentle 30 or so minute there and back walk you can enjoy with the whole family, including the dog! 

More info here

Breakout Creek

This once channelised stretch of river has been reimagined into a thriving natural habitat, with 245,000 new native plants and trees, new wetlands and habitat pools to support fish and birdlife, and over 6 km of trails for walking, running and cycling.

There are also new picnic shelters, viewing platforms and striking Kaurna artworks that celebrate and reconnect with the areaā€™s cultural heritage.

Loop around West Lakes

The loop around picturesque West Lakes is 5.8km long. Dogs are allowed, cyclists are not. Head here for an easy flat pram walk that’s a nice distance. It takes around an hour and a half to walk, faster to jog and longer with small people when they don’t want to stay in the pram (don’t we all love that age). You’ll be walking on the waters edge so please remember your pram brakes and safety straps. Why its great..

1. Start /finish at Inlet Reserve for easy parking, toilets and a playground. There are several playgrounds around the lake.
2. Being a loop walk, you don’t have to double back.
3. There are a couple of great cafes on the loop.
4. It’s flat and smooth the entire way. The northern end has some stairs, but look for the ramp near the bridge, adjacent.
5. Wheelchair accessible.

(image credit: Walking SA)

Semaphore to North Haven Beachwalk

Park your car at the South Semaphore carpark, right near Fort Glanville and walk north for pretty much as long as you like.
The path is long, flat and thereā€™s just enough bump in the path for that little bit of pram rumble that puts bub straight so sleep.

Why itā€™s great..

1. The path is long, straight and flat. Itā€™s long enough for you to get bubs to sleep and keep walking until they wake up. 
2. It’s part of the Coast Park Path which begins at North Haven and ends at Sellicks Beach, this section is 7.2 km long and also boasts some awesome board walks between North Haven and Largs jetty.
3. It’s off road the whole way, itā€™s a shared walking/bike path, so you donā€™t have to worry about cars. Itā€™s also perfect if you have older kids on scooters or bikes who can happily roll along beside you. Itā€™s also dog friendly.
4. There are toilet stops along the way as well as coffee spots and shops if you need them
5. There are at least 4 playgrounds along the way, as well as plenty of shady grassy parks if you need to stop for a while. You can also grab a post walk coffee while the kids have a post walk play.
6. The views are great. Youā€™ll have the fresh ocean breeze in your lungs the whole way and this stretch of beach really is pretty.

Mt Lofty Botanic Garden

Park your car at the South Semaphore carpark, right near Fort Glanville and walk north for pretty much as long as you like.
The path is long, flat and thereā€™s just enough bump in the path for that little bit of pram rumble that puts bub straight so sleep.

Why itā€™s great..

1. Plenty of trail options to suit all fitness levels, our fave is the lake loop, a short 30min flat walk around the stunning lake.
2. The scenery is just beautiful. Quiet and tranquil, with plenty of wildlife to see.
3. Start at the top or bottom car parks and take your time to explore the 97 hectare park. Our tip is the bottom carpark and see where the day takes you!

Rymill Park

Rymill Park is definitely one of the KiA team favourites pram walks. Located in the East End of the CBD it’s a great place for a walk in the 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ CBD.

Why it’s great..

1. Most of the trail is sealed but the areas that aren’t are still very much pram friendly.
2. The scenery in the park is stunning, with tree lined paths and a big lake in the middle.
3. There are toilets, a cafe and plenty of grassed areas for the kids to run around on or for a family picnic.
4. Rymil Park hosts one of the most accessible playgrounds in 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½, the Quentin Kenihan Accessible playground. You can read more on the playground facilities here.

Port Noarlunga South to Moana – Coast Park Trail

This walk has some of the most gorgeous views and lets be honest when you are out there pounding the pavement with a pram a nice view is definitely welcomed. Running along side the coastline this walk is about 4 kilometres one way. This walk is part of a bigger trail that is a collaboration between 6 different councils, so you can chose to extend this walk out if you are wanting a longer walk. For more info on the whole trail click here.

Why it’s great..

1. Pram friendly paths with a stunning coastal view.
2. The path is fairly flat, certainly towards the Port Noarlunga South end. The Moana end does have a short steeper section but its definitely doable with a pram.
3. Plenty of toilets, playgrounds and picnic stops along the way, theres also a coffee shop or two along the esplanade if you are in need of a coffee fix.
4. The walk has the ability to be as long or as short as you like, as you can continue further along the Coast Park Path.

Laratinga Wetlands

Laratinga is an absolute fave of our 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ Hills dwelling KiA team members….located up the freeway at Mt Barker!

Why it’s great..

1. About half of the track is sealed, but the unsealed part is also very much pram friendly and flat. There are some boardwalks over the water which are pram friendly but not overly wide.
2. The serenity! Stunning scenery and the sounds of nature and plenty of bird watching.
3. Plenty of parking available so you don’t have to walk to get to the start of your walk.
4. There’s a choice of tracks. You can walk for as long or as short as you like, with several ‘loop’ choices to pick from.
5. For more about this magical spot in the 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ Hills, click here.

Myponga Reservoir

If you are looking for a great pram walk that is away from the hustle and bustle this walk might just be it. Myponga Reservoir is only about an hour away from 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ so still close enough that it can be done in a day trip. 

Why it’s great..

1. The trail is 5.2 kilometres but that includes the walks to the four lookouts. You can shorten the walk to 4.4 kilometres by not walking to the lookouts.
2. The gorgeous views of the reservoir, the natural vegetation and wildlife and the views from the lookouts.
3. There is a number of picnic tables along the way, so perfect for a day out with the family.
4. The path is very pram friendly and away from cars. It’s also a shared path so bikes and scooters are allowed which is perfect if you have older kids.

McLaren Vale to McLaren Flat Trail

The 3.6km Flat to Vale Trail (running between Blewitt Springs, McLaren Flat and McLaren Vale Sports Ground) is a fabulous sealed 2.5m path situated between stunning vineyards and Pedlar Creek. 
The $1.5m project opened in late 2022 and is a fantastic collaboration between local and federal governments, finally providing a safe off-road link for pedestrians and cyclists between the two historic towns.

Why it’s great..

1. Nice and flat, perfect for prams, runners and cyclists
2. It connects to the Coast to Vines Trail, including the Shiraz Trail in McLaren Vale, fabulous for exploring our world famous wine region.
3. It connects perfectly to all the cafes, bakeries and world-class wineries
4. Did we mention the wineries? Because come on its McLaren Vale!

Steub Trail Mt Lofty

The Steub Trail is the pram friendly (tried and tested) part of the Mt Lofty trail. It’s a 3.8km trail that gently winds its way up from Cleland Wildlife Park to Mt Lofty summit.

Why it’s great..

1. The amazing views! This trail is all about the views of our amazing city, you get the views of the Mt Lofty walk but in a pram friendly version…. winning!
2. The path isn’t sealed but is most definitely pram friendly. The inclines are windy and gentle so you’ll still get abit of a workout but it’s suitable for all fitness levels.
3. There are no toilet stops during the walk, but once you reach the top of the summit there are toilets and a cafe with plenty of seating.

For more info about the trail click here

River Torrens Linear Trail

The River Torrens Linear Trail is a massive 30km long spanning from the bottom of the 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ Hills at Athelstone down to West Beach going through the middle of the 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ CBD.

Why it’s great..

1. It’s a fairly straight flat walk with a number of bridges so there are minimal road crossings.
2. It’s a reallllly long trail so you can determine how long you want to walk for. If you are game you can do the whole trail, if not you can join the trail at any part. The trail also runs down both sides of the river so you can easily make the trail a circuit by walking down one side and walking back up the other.
3. With such a long trail you can be sure there’s a ton of toilet stops and coffee shops along the way. One of our favourite parts of this trail is the 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ CBD to Walkerville stint, it’s a nice flat part of the walk and there are some great coffee shops and playgrounds in Walkerville. There is also a number of picnic spots and duck feeding spots along the trail.
4. The views on this walk are awesome, the trail is lined with Gum trees and runs directly along side the Torrens river, finishing with gorgeous beach views down at West Beach.

Roy Amer Reserve

Explore this 1.0-km loop trail near 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½, South Australia. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 12 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, hiking, and running, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Why it’s great..

1. It’s a fairly straight flat walk with a sealed path
2. A fairly short looop, you can make it as long or short as you need by adding laps.
3. The views. Are. Stunning!

Glenelg – Kingston Park

Another awesome coastline walk in 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ this 9 km path follows the coastline from Glenelg North to Kingston Park.

Why it’s great.. 

1. This is a smooth, flat, really wide path, so there’s no need to stress about blocking the whole path with your pram.
2. The views. Not only are there awesome coastline views there are also some really cool art scupltures along the way.
3. TONS of places to stop for a break inlcuding the Somerton Surf Club for a coffee or one of the many places on Jetty Road Brighton.
4.  The versatilty of this walk is great, it’s a decent length (9km) but you can also chose to start or finish at Brighton which will shorten the walk.
5. Why not plan a stay-cation at the Brighton Beachfront Holiday Park and really enjoy this fab walk!

Noarlunga Downs Wetlands Loop Trail

Looking for a beautiful walk with beautiful views of wetlands and possibly some train sightings? The Noarlunga Downs Wetlands Loop Trail is perfect!

Why it’s great.. 

1. There are 3 walks of varying lengths, so you can choose how far you want to go (I did 6.5km by doing the Wetlands Loop as well as the Wetland Trial).
2. The views. Greenery, wetlands, boardwalks, birds. It’s beautiful!
3. A lot of the walk is under trees giving you lots of shade along the way. You can choose different routes for the Wetlands Loop Trail, so you can choose if you want to stay shaded or get some vitamin D.
4. There are toilets at the carpark where the loop walks start (Perry’s Bend on River Road) as well as an undercover eating area so you can start or finish your walk with much needed snacks.

Find our more about the trail

Glenelg – Kingston Park

Another awesome coastline walk in 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ this 9 km path follows the coastline from Glenelg North to Kingston Park.

Why it’s great.. 

1. This is a smooth, flat, really wide path, so there’s no need to stress about blocking the whole path with your pram.
2. The views. Not only are there awesome coastline views there are also some really cool art scupltures along the way.
3. TONS of places to stop for a break inlcuding the Somerton Surf Club for a coffee or one of the many places on Jetty Road Brighton.
4.  The versatilty of this walk is great, it’s a decent length (9km) but you can also chose to start or finish at Brighton which will shorten the walk.
5. Why not plan a stay-cation at the Brighton Beachfront Holiday Park and really enjoy this fab walk!

Victoria Park

Located on the east side of the city, Victoria Park is one of the largest parks part of the 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ Parklands.

Why it’s great..

1. There are so many options here for walking trails,  including the 1.9km fitness loop which has 5 exercise equipment stations along it.
2.  The paths here are flat and wide, making it perfect for prams.
3. The path takes you far away from the busy main roads.
4. Pop in for a post-walk coffee and lunch at one of our fave family friendly eats spots at The Commissary! You will find them right across the road on Fullarton Road.
5. Park the pram and enjoy the seemingly unending beautiful grassed areas. Chuck a blanket under the pram and enjoy your coffee with all the scenery of our fantastic east end.
6. Pretend your pram is a V8 Supercar and fly around the old Superloop track….not a particularly practical tip but sure is a fun one!

Carrickalinga Esplanade

 Another one of our favourite walking trails that has amazing beach views but away from the crowds. Just to note near the end of the path it does get a bit narrow so you may decide to turn back at this point.

Why it’s great..

1. It’s about a 2.5 walk each way (making it a 5km return) but you can join the trail anywhere, making the walk shorter if you prefer.
2. Carrickalinga is one of the most beautiful beaches in SA. We love its clear waters and white sand.
3. This is a shared path so bikes and dogs are also welcome.
4. The path is sturdy and flat but unsealed so gives the right amount of bump to help put the little ones to sleep.

Onkaparinga River National Park

 The Onkaparinga River National Park is located 45 minutes South of 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½. The Park has a bunch of different walks but one of our favourites for prams is the Punchbowl Lookout walk.

Why it’s great..

1. This walk isn’t ridiculously long, 2km with a return time of 1 hour, but it is suited to all abilities including prams and wheelchairs.
2. There is seating along the way and toilets nearby the start of the trail.
3. When you get to the end of the walk you are rewarded with the most amazing views looking out into the Onkaparing Gorge. We LOVE a pram walk that has some awesome views.
4. This walk can be extended out to 6kms if you begin from the Sundews carpark (where the toilets are located) instead of between gates 8 and 9 where this walk begins.

Woorabinda Bushland Reserve

Located up at Stirling, this 5.4km loop had an upgrade to its boardwalk in 2024, with it now super pram friendly and easy to get around. The boardwalk even has an overtaking lane and is equipped with ridged edges to stop prams going off the edges. How good is that!

Why it’s great…

1. Nice and flat with stunning natural scenery
2. Great coffee at Essence Cafe nearby
3. 2024 built boardwalk makes it accessible for not only prams, but mobility devices too

Our programs are free and available to all mothers and their children, regardless of their life circumstances or social factors because we know that postnatal depression does not discriminate.  

We offer a combination of programs designed to enhance the wellbeing of mothers and positively influence early childhood development.

We provide toys and age-appropriate equipment to cater to the needs of the children and support their development. In addition, we offer a play area specifically designed for more active toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Based on lived experiences, conversations with mothers, and review of the research, we have recognised four motherhood stages in the early years (0-5 years).

We provide four programs to meet the needs identified in each stage.

Please note: the suggested age group is provided for information only, and we encourage mothers to join us no matter the age of the child if they feel the need for support or connection.

Mummy Steps: Pregnancy & New Baby Fog

This stage is dedicated to expecting and new mothers who desire to feel prepared and supported as they embark on their journey into motherhood. We understand that the transition into motherhood can be overwhelming. The Mummy Steps program is designed to provide the necessary guidance and support that new mothers need.  Suggested age group: Third Trimester of pregnancy up to 3-4 months post birth

Baby Steps: Survival Mode

This stage is dedicated to mothers who are looking for guidance and support to best protect the health and wellbeing of their babies. The Baby Steps programs offer practical advice and resources to help mothers navigate this stage with confidence. We provide access to a team of baby experts who can answer questions and provide guidance on a range of topics related to baby health and development. Suggested age group: 0-15 months

Circle of Security: Emotional Roller Coaster

This stage is dedicated to mothers who are navigating the ups and downs of parenting and are keen to learn how to manage their children’s big emotions while also maintaining their own wellbeing and confidence. We understand that it can be challenging for mothers, as they navigate their own emotions, to support their children’s emotional development. The Circle of Security Parenting Program offers practical tools to better understand the needs behind the behaviours. Suggested age group: 4 months – 5 years

Singing Hearts and Move & Connect: Balancing Act

This stage is dedicated to mothers who are striving to find balance between their mothering duties and their personal goals and aspirations. In this stage, mothers are often overwhelmed by the day-to-day responsibilities of motherhood and struggle to find moments of joy and fulfillment in their lives. The Singing Hearts and Move & Connect programs offer mothers the opportunity to find calm, to be present and to create joy with their children. Suggested age group: 0-5 years

Learn more about our programs here /

For more information about Villagehood Australia and how to get involved with the charity, please visit the website here  (about page and get involved page)

You can also follow Villagehood Australia on socials ā€“ every like, share and comment can help grow the charity.

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According to psychologist and former teacher, Michael Hawton, we need to start early in the trajectory of children development of anxious habits, before these habits become engrained.   

While a small proportion of anxiety is the result of temperament or genetic factors, most child anxiety is made worse or better as a result of the interactions the child has with significant adults across time. These interactions are the formative conversations and reactions between key adults and children, where anxiety gets worse or is resolved.

The simple message is that if you change the interactions, you can reduce the anxiety. 

Hawton says that the research in this area is showing that children mostly learn anxious behaviour (avoiding and not having-a-go) and anxious talking (using words and phrases that donā€™t fit with whatā€™s ā€˜objectivelyā€™ occurring) like naming something as ā€˜traumatisingā€™ when itā€™s just challenging.

It’s not all down to parents that children can be prone to pick up anxious habits. ā€œChildren are sometimes learning anxiety from the way that schools and even some mental health professionals may be accommodating childrenā€™s anxietyā€, Hawton says.

Many people lack confidence to challenge children about their anxiety and so they tend to back off or they inadvertently solve problems (on the childā€™s behalf) or because they donā€™t want the drama.

But thereā€™s a middle path between backing off and helping children to develop their capacity to manage life stressors and challenges. ā€œWe want our children to face lifeā€™s stressors and challenges so that they get better skills at managing their anxiety. Once children know what they are capable of, they can transfer that learning to future events and challengesā€, Hawton says.

ā€œWhen it comes to treatment, we know what works,ā€ he adds. ā€œA cognitive behavioural therapy approach is the only evidence-based approach that we have.ā€ Parents can play their part in helping their child to become more resilient (which Hawton says is the flip side of anxiety).

Significant adults can help children to deal with mental health struggles. The Anxiety Coach gives parents a method for being their childā€™s trainer to overcome their anxiety. The book helps parents to learn ā€˜seemingly modestā€™ skills which will make important differences to how children develop mental strength. Hawton says there are very few books on the shelves which translate in cognitive behavioural skills into a user-friendly form so that key adults to confidently respond to a child who may be displaying anxiety.  

Here are Michael Hawtonā€™s three tips as your children return to school:

1. When your child shows they are anxious, donā€™t immediately jump in to fix it for them. Control your own compulsion to take away their struggle from them. Acknowledge how they are feeling and then talk to with them about how they can problem-solve their way through the worrying experience they are facing.  
2. Work out what to do by way of scaffolding their thinking-through the issue at hand.  Ask curious questions like, ā€œIf by some miracle you did a great job of giving your talk to the class, what are the steps youā€™d have to take to make that happen?ā€  
3.  Teach them simple self-calming and grounding techniques to help them to ā€˜return-to-calmā€™.  In the book, there are three simple calming techniques that can be taught to children.

Michael Hawtonā€™s new book, The Anxiety Coach, is available online at (use code adelaidekids for 20% off) or at your local book store.

It’s not always easy though. Even though kids shows are generally short, it can be a big ask for our little people to keep still and stay engaged the whole time. Below are a bunch of tips that we have put together based on our many trips to the theatre in 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ with our kids in tow. Hopefully they will help you and your kids enjoy a fun, theatre experience the next time there is a special show on in 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½.

1. START THEM EARLY
   The best way to create good theatre go-ers & foster a love of the arts is to start taking them to the theatre from a young age! Luckily for us, there are heaps of theatre shows that are suitable from birth, including a bunch of 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ Fringe shows and productions from theatre companies such as Patch Theatre and Windmill Theatre. Most of the time really young kids are free if they are on your lap.
2. RESPECT THEATRE RULES & ETIQUETTE
   Kids learn from us adults right? So do the right thing while you are at the theatre with your kids and follow the rules. If an announcement has been made asking for no photography or videoing during the show, pop your phone away and enjoy what’s happening “in real life”. If you are going to a show with another friend, during the show isn’t the time to catch up with each other – save that for over a coffee before or afterwards. If your kids see you following theatre etiquette, chances are they will too!
3. TAKE SNACKS (MAYBE)
   Having some snacks on hand can be great during a performance if the kids are getting a little restless. However this tip comes with some tips of its own – find out beforehand if the theatre allows food inside (if not, it might be better to pack a quiet fidget toy instead). If you can take food in, great! Just make sure it’s not something that’s going to get too messy (clean up after the show if you do have a popcorn spill – it happens) and make sure the packaging isn’t too noisy if it’s a show where there are likely to be quiet or serious parts.
4. BUY A PROGRAM
   Most shows these days have a program you can purchase which gives you background info on the show, bios of the cast and crew and photos of the performance. We highly recommend getting to the show with enough time to buy a program and look over it with your child. Talk about the costumes and the set. It will get them excited about what they are about to see and they are more likely to stay engaged looking out for the things they spotted in the program before the show. Plus they make a great souvenir.
5. TALK TO THEM ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT
   In the days leading up to the show and on the trip into the theatre, spend some time talking to to them about what might happen while they are there. Explain that it’s important that they go to the toilet before the show so they don’t have to leave partway through and miss some. Let them know that at the start of the show the lights might go down, making it dark in the audience. If your child is sensitive to noise, make sure they are aware that there might be loud music or dialogue. The theatre is a magical experience but it can also be a weird place for our little ones!
6. STAND UP & DANCE? OR SIT DOWN & WATCH NICELY?
   The first few shows we took our daughter to were plays or “sit down and watch nicely” shows. When she went to her first Peter Coombe concert she was horrified that kids were standing up to sing and dance! We had to explain to her that at some shows you need to sit quietly and watch the actors on stage so you don’t miss parts of the story, but at other shows, it’s perfectly acceptable (and often encouraged!) to get up and dance and sing along! Have a chat to your kids about the difference depending on what type of show you are taking them to.
7. CLAP FOR THE CREW
   Have you ever wondered why when the cast come out at the end to take their bows (that’s called the Curtain Call btw) they will gesture down in front of them or to the back of the theatre? That’s their way of thanking the orchestra, sound, lighting and backstage crew! It takes a HUGE team of people to put on even a small show, so be sure to explain all of the different roles of the theatre to your child and give a big clap for everyone behind the scenes!
8. TAKE A BOOSTER
   There’s nothing worse than getting your child settled in their seat only for a tall adult to come and sit in front of them. In most theatres, even if this does happen they should still be able to see, but consider bringing a cushion for them to sit on. Some theatres have boosters on hand but these are often given out on a first come, first served basis.
9. GET CLOSE TO THE FRONT (IF YOU CAN)
   At some kids shows you pay one ticket price and people can sit wherever they want (most 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ Fringe shows are like this). However sometimes you need to pre-select your tickets and pay accordingly based on where you are sitting. If pricing allows, we always suggest to sit as close to the front as possible. It’s more likely that your child will be more engaged if they can see the actors faces and make out the small details of the set and costumes. Don’t worry if you can’t afford front row tickets though, most shows are designed so that you can get the most out of it no matter where you are sitting.
10. ENJOY!
    Most importantly, enjoy your child’s first theatre experiences! Don’t stress if they get a bit grizzly halfway through or if the kid behind you is kicking your chair – they are all learning and the more you take them, the easier it will get. Enjoy the looks of awe on their face the first time they see a stunning costume or a magic trick or some aerial acrobatics.

To find a show to take your child to, be sure to check out the What’s On section of our website for all the best events happening in 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½!

Here are some great ideas for creating an inexpensive and fun playroom.

Choose fabrics and rugs that are durable and easy to wash. A playroom looks much cosier and more comfortable with a range of different textures, fabrics, and rugs. Just be aware that they will get dirty easily, so make them easy to quickly throw in the wash.

Use rugs to ā€œdefine spacesā€, this encourages children to keep toys in one area. An example of this would be to have a special ā€œLego areaā€ and the Lego gets played with only on that rug, making it easier for clean-up and avoiding the old stepping on Lego issue that we have all experienced at some point!

Storage! Having clever storage ideas are a must! We like to use low storage shelves with baskets, so that each item is easily accessible and easy to pack up. Children can see what they have to play with at a glance which can prevent them tipping EVERYTHING out on the floor.

Create little ā€œpockets of play,ā€ Children love cosy little spaces to curl up and play in. Create a little book corner, or a soft space for cuddling up with soft toys. We used to drape a sheet over chairs so my daughter could play tea parties in peace away from her noisy car-mad brother.

Think outside the box! Have you ever noticed how children love playing with things that are not traditional toys? Well, visit your local op shop, get down to Kmart, visit your local park for nature items or check garage sales for real items for children to play with! A stainless-steel tea set (or a real one, if your child is gentle with breakables) add a whisk and saucepan to a play kitchen. Full up baskets with pinecones and seed pods and watch their imagination take flight!

Declutter. Regularly go through your childā€™s toys and pass on anything that they do not play with. Or alternatively, store it away and rotate the toys every few months to keep children interested. Having an uncluttered playroom can make the difference between chaos and calm.

It has become so clear to me that people do not understand autism. At all. This is by no means a criticism. Indeed, autism is a very complex beast and each person with autism has an entirely unique set of strengths and challenges. I will be the first to admit that before our son was diagnosed I had no idea what autism actually was, how difficult it made even basic daily tasks and the host of other side-issues that came along for the ride. And because the people around us, loved ones and strangers alike, lack so much understanding, it only adds to the weight on our shoulders. Not only do we have to battle through each day to do even the simplest of things but we also have to defend and explain ourselves and our son over and over again. It is in a word, exhausting.

Early on in my autism journey I actually didnā€™t want to tell anyone about George having autism. I thought it was nobodyā€™s business and I didnā€™t want autism to define George and to have all of his delightfully endearing qualities overlooked. But, as his mum, I have since made a very conscious choice to be as open as possible about what is going on in our family. Autism is a major part of our life. George is, and always will be autistic. Everything he does throughout his life will be flavoured by this. I want him to stand tall and be confident and comfortable in his own skin. I want him to feel that there is no part of who he is that should be kept hidden away. And I realised after some time that if this is what I want for him, then it must start with me. I’m not writing about any of this for pity, attention or sympathy. I’m doing it because I want to set the best example I can for my son.

In my first act of openness and honesty, earlier this year I posted a series of autism insights on my Facebook page, to let those around us, who love and care about us, know what was really going on and how autism was affecting our lives. The response was amazing and the love and support we have felt from those who read the posts certainly reassured me that sharing our personal story was the right thing to do. I was approached by Kids in 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ to share these insights with all of you, to help a wider audience gain a better understanding about autism. I am excited and very grateful to have this opportunity but also apprehensive about sharing our familyā€™s journey with total strangers. But, wherever there is an opportunity to help raise awareness about autism I will be there. So here I am.

By sharing the intimate details of our familyā€™s life with you I hope to be able to break down some of the stereotypes and clichĆ©s around autism. I also intend to explain why the challenges in our family are so complex and why autism has been life-changing for us just as it is for so many other families. I canā€™t speak for other families, our story is unique. But the more stories you read and hear, the more you will understand autism and this will go a long way to help make living on the spectrum easier for my son and the many, many people like him.

So please, letā€™s talk more about autism. Talk freely, talk honestly, there is no need to whisper the word or talk around it. Saying the word quietly only makes it harder to hear you, it does not protect us from the autism nor does it remind us that our child has autismā€¦we never forgot. Ask questions if you have them. If you ask questions it shows you care and that in itself is a wonderful gesture. Most importantly, take the time to try to understand the person in your life with autism a little better. Each individual person has their own interests and these are the key to connecting with them.

Iā€™ll finish my introduction with the disclaimer that as you read our story please remember that I am not an autism expert by any stretch. Whatever you read is simply words from the heart of a mother raising a beautiful child with autism, and all the things I have learnt and experienced on that journey. If you choose to read my insights, thank you so much for taking the time out of your own life to learn a little more about ours. Through reading you may learn things that allow you to be more inclusive of people like my little George and if that is the case then, as his mother, there is nothing more I could wish for.

Below are some points that might help you decide whatā€™s right for you. There are certainly practical decisions that need to be made such as convenience, pricing, operating hours and the waiting list. However here are what I like to call some of the heart factors that could really make a difference for you and your child. There are also National quality standards, all centres in Australia are independently assessed and have a rating. Check the rating of the centres that you are exploring and ensure they are at least meeting the national standards or have a clear plan that demonstrates how they are working towards meeting the minimum standards. You can find more information on the national standards here

Most centres will offer you a tour, you can go have a look around and meet the education team to get a feel for the place. I would recommend that you visit at least three different centres. When you enter go with a long list of questions to help you make your decision.

Senses and instinct

When you arrive get a sense of the feeling as soon as you walk in the door, trust your instincts. Look for things such as warm smiling faces and natural, calming environments. Is the centre filled with the aromas of yummy lunch cooking (itā€™s a good tip to go around 11AM when the food is being prepared)? Have they got calming essential oils burning, or is there an odour of dirty nappies floating through air and the sound of babies crying? Your first impressions are usually correct and if you feel comfortable in this space the chances are your child will too.

Staffing

On your list of questions ask if children are connected to a primary caregiver. This is when one specific educator becomes the key person in your childā€™s care. Having a key person or primary educator, helps children feel safe and connected with a person that you and your child learn to trust. Ask to meet the room leader and ask what ratio they use for staff to children. There are minimum Australian standards, some centres may have a higher number of educators which allows them to have a smaller number of children in their care. Itā€™s good to know what qualifications are held by the education team in the room where your child will be starting. Whilst higher levels of education donā€™t always mean higher quality, it is still good to get a sense of the knowledge and skill mix of the team working with your little one.  Ask about the professional development opportunities that the staff receive. It will give you an idea of how up-to-date, the team are with their training and knowledge and how invested the centre is in quality.

Centre vision and educational philosophy

Itā€™s useful to get a sense of the educational philosophies that the centre believes in. Are their programs relationship based? Is child led learning valued? How are the programs developed? Is there a specific philosophy followed? Centre visions should be clearly articulated and should match your own values where possible. Ask about the routines in the room where your child will be placed. Are children allowed lots of choice with their play? Can you see engaging activities set up? Is lunch time fixed, or flexible? Is there inside and outside play available? Do the children appear to be engaged and connected? How does this all fit with your expectations?

Communication, parental and community involvement

A lot of centres offer methods where you receive photos and videos straight to your phone or email during the day. This is a fantastic opportunity to see what your child is up to in real time.  Does the centre offer parent nights and special events? Do they encourage genuine parental involvement? Some centres have parent committees. I even know of a couple of centres who have a childrenā€™s committee where the voice of the child is truly valued. Ask about the centreā€™s involvement in the community. Are they connected to their community and do they offer real life excursions out into the community for the children?

Cultural inclusion and diversity

Is your culture represented at the centre? Do you feel welcome and a sense of belonging? Can you see books, toys and images that your child can relate to? Does the centre engage in a variety of cultural celebrations? A sense of belonging is an essential component for all of us, especially our little ones. It allows us to feel understood, valued and connected.

Nannies vs Au Pairs

Technically they are not the same. The biggest difference between au pairs and nannies is the amount of childcare experience they have completed. Expect nannies to have completed a formal qualification in childcare vs au pair who may not have childcare formal training (some of course do) and so tend to fill the role more of a ā€œhelperā€ without a defined formal background.
Nannies are more expensive than au pairs and the reason au pairs are cheaper isĀ because they are keen to ā€œlive inā€ which also means room and boardĀ and thereforeĀ their wage is lower vs a live-in nanny or live out nanny who will charge a higher rate.

Found someone you like ā€¦. then what?

I found a perfect match on a great FB site for an au pair. I have learnt that when you see an au pair advertise their profile be quick to respond and be friendly! DO not treat it like a recruitment drive with black and white responses ā€“ you are almost selling yourself to them too! Be genuine, friendly etc.

Via private message we started to exchange some details re the job and some essential ā€œdeal breakers” before we got to the next step. Deal Breakers include visas, length of stay, driving ability etc. Once that was cleared up the norm is to set up a Skype / FaceTime chat.

This is a crucial part of the process and in my opinion, must be done (closest thing to meeting them beforehand). I did three skype calls in one week to three different au pairs and within 10 minutes my gut told me if they were going to be a great fit.

Along with gut feel it is super important to be prepared for this chatĀ so youĀ do not waste their time. Some preparation points:

– List all your questions as a guide to running the chat
– Have prepared a run through of what a day would look like
– Discuss salary upfront with hours
– Run over any deal breakers with you and them ā€“ something asĀ simple asĀ having pets as theyĀ may be allergic could be all it takes to work out if they are not the right fit.
– If all is going swimmingly well (or even if there are a few sticky points)Ā rescheduleĀ a follow upĀ meeting within 24 hours or a little longer if youĀ need some thinking time so you bothĀ can review notes. You may have other au pairs to consider (be honest with them) and they (likely) will have other families they are considering.

Checking references

I felt very fortunate to have found who I thought would be a great fit for our family. Naturally, my gut told me the stand out applicant however it is always best to check the paperwork! Things that are typical to ask for are as follows, and remember as I am doing this process myself, it is up to me to check not an agency so BE THOROUGH!
– Permission to contact current host family or previous host families for phone references
– Paperwork for background checks / driverā€™s license / copy of visas / return flights
– Childcare qualifications if necessary

Get on the same page with a manual / agreement

If references are glowing and then it is time to make a formal offer to your au pair ā€“ you can usually do this via skype / email / FB whatever is the norm however as suggested by my future au pair (which I loved) is a manual of our household. I am going to send her one outlining pretty much everything. This is pretty much a necessity for expectations for both parties and smooth running as they commence with you.

The manual should include:
– Day to day routines (even by hour if little ones are involved)
– Doā€™s and Donā€™ts (think sometimes food, allergies, time out rules)
– Outing suggestions
– Emergency contacts
– Pay Process
– Days off / weekends
If you do not know where to start there are so many examples of manuals on google!

So, this our journey so farā€¦. Stay tuned for the next chapter !