Genius parenting tips from children’s authors

Communicating with kids can be tough, even for those who are arguably the best at it.

There’s no denying that children’s authors seem to have a knack for getting through to kids – but even the professionals find it challenging at times.

Under the assumption that children’s authors relate to kids in a way that parents sometimes miss, we caught up with the names behind your kids’ favourite books to get their input.

Read on to be inspired by their wisdom. You might just find a new favourite parenting tip on the list!

Tim Harris, author of Ratbags 1: Naughty for Good, coming 28 Feb.

We bought a night light for each of our kids and encourage them to have some quiet reading time before bed. Then we strategically place incredibly scary horror-themed books on their pillows after dinner. Actually, that last bit is not true, but the first bit is!

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Shirley Marr, author of A Glasshouse of Stars

I took a writing break of eight years after I had my son! My advice is to do what feels comfortable as a parent whether that means continuing to work or giving yourself time off. Your career will be there for you when the time is right to go back – I am an example of this.

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Kristin Darell, author of the Football Fever series

I think the best lesson I have learned as a parent is that you’re never going to know what you’re doing is right. Admitting you don’t know can take courage – which is another great lesson I try to teach my kids. I also don’t try to be a friend (they have plenty of those), instead, I focus on being their rock – consistent and always there. It allows them to explore who they want to be always knowing there is a safe place to return. Mind you, we still have an awful lot of fun!

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Gabrielle Wang, author of Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon

I believe in always keeping the lines of communication open between parent and child so that they feel safe to tell you anything. From around eight years of age, children are beginning to gain independence. If your child comes home and tells you something that makes you angry or shocks you, don’t talk about it while you are emotional because you lack the distance to think clearly. Wait until you have calmed down then discuss the issue with them. If you practice this method, your child will be open to sharing their thoughts and feelings with you without fear of judgement or recrimination. They will trust you and know that you will treat them with respect.

From the time my children were in primary school, they have helped me brainstorm book ideas. We would go out to dinner and have wonderful discussions. Now they are in their 30s and have families of their own but they still enjoy these sessions plus they are wonderful editors.

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Belinda Murrell, author of The Silver Sea

To me, one of the keys to parenting is good communication from a very young age – talking together as a family around the dinner table, chatting in the car, limiting screen time and encouraging everyone to share their highs and lows.

We have always had a real focus on having creative fun together as a family – whether it was cooking beautiful meals, playing games, reading books together, dressing up in costumes, horse riding, doing jigsaw puzzles, drawing, making crafts, sharing stories, putting on plays, growing veggies, singing loudly, walking our dog, surfing at the beach or dancing in the kitchen.

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Pictured in the Northern Territory during their travels around Australia – Belinda with her husband Rob, and her three children when they were younger.

Holidays have always been a special part of our family time, especially beach fun, camping, helping on my brother’s cattle farm and a few, very special overseas adventures. When my children were six, eight and ten, we travelled for two years, spending five months in Europe and 18 months in a caravan exploring Australia. We home-schooled our kids focusing on inspiring creativity – reading piles of books together, writing daily journals, sharing poetry, art, music, science experiments and learning about the world.

As a result, our family is exceptionally close with a shared bond of special family memories.