Leading parenting educator and influencer Genevieve Muir is a mother of four boys, known for her hands-on approach to nurturing secure attachment and meaningful connection. A qualified obstetric social worker and grief counsellor, Genevieve has empowered thousands of parents through her work and inspires more than 61,000 followers through her Connected Parenting platforms.
Your childhood Life Ed experience sounds life changing. What primary school did you attend and what did you learn in the program on that memorable day that had such an indelible impact?
I went to Holy Family Catholic Primary School Lindfield. We learned that smoking was linked to cancer. My dad, Michael, was a pipe smoker, always packing his pipe, always smoking. I made the connection and realised I needed to convince my dad to quit.
Even with the best intentions, smoking can be a difficult habit to break. Can you walk us through what you said to your father after school that night that convinced him to quit?
I went home and was too upset to eat my dinner. I was reflecting on what I had learned and wasn’t sure how to tell my dad. Eventually, Dad came into my room to see what was wrong, and I burst into tears, and said: “You’re DYING.” After my dad had a little chuckle while giving me a hug, he listened to me he made me a deal:
“If you learn your times tables, I will quit smoking.”
How did your dad react to the young Genevieve’s heartfelt plea to quit smoking? What pledge did he make and how did you all support him as a family to stick to his commitment?
My dad was touched, I think. Once Dad makes a promise, it’s done. True to his word, my dad never touched his pipe again. He went cold turkey, and I think motivated by that promise to me, he was able to stick with it. He’s now 81!
Raising children has certainly changed compared to our parents’ generation. Where once Life Ed focused primarily on the harms of drugs, smoking and alcohol and how our bodies work, now the program covers a whole lot more – including cybersafety, respectful relationships, emotional regulation, bullying prevention, vaping, consent, body image and puberty education. What do you think this program evolution says about the challenges that parents, teachers and young people face in today’s world compared to 30 years ago?
The world has changed. We are parenting in a world with so many more things to navigate, from technology to social changes around consent, and new knowledge around the role of modelling positive body image, mental health and so much more.
Parents need all the help they can get to guide them in so many of these conversations because they weren’t modelled for us by our own parents. We have access to so much new information about what kids need, but actually navigating these conversations in the moment can feel really tricky for parents.
Today’s parents are juggling so many pressures – cost of living, lack of time, digital overload. With stress levels high, it can be hard to stay calm and present. What are some simple mindset shifts or practical strategies you recommend to help parents manage stress, prioritise their own wellbeing and still show up emotionally for their children, even on tough days?
One of the simplest strategies is the idea of mini or micro moments of connection. Just showing our kids physically they are loved and worthy of love by lighting up when they enter a room. Or taking the time to really listen when they talk. Moments like this can be playful and silly – we might just go in for one extra hug after we tuck kids in at night because we can’t get enough!! These mini moments only take a second, but they make kids (and parents feel amazing).
You talk about the power of even small blocks of focused time with your child and how that can make a big difference. Why are these moments of connection so important for both parents and children, and how can parents be more intentional about creating them?
We know that just 9-10 minutes of fully focused special time with our kids makes them feel delighted in and therefore delightful. This is about truly being present and joining a child in their world (which is often play). In this period of time, we can make kids feel extra special by just letting them know how much we enjoy playing with them or having quality time with them, and maybe later that night as we tuck kids in, letting them know that time with them was the highlight of our days.
Many parents today feel the pressure to ‘do it all’ – from healthy meals to packed extracurricular schedules; and throw in social media comparison as well. How can parents let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on what truly matters in raising happy, resilient kids?
Know that while the demands of parenting have changed, the needs of kids remain really simple. They need to know they are loved, safe and seen. We really can meet these needs even on the day we have a takeaway meal, we’ve snapped or not been the parent we want to be, or we skip one of our extracurricular activities. It’s about letting some balls drop and trusting kids need good enough (not perfect) parents.
Parents relate to your warm, non-judgmental way of offering tips on a wide range of parenting issues. Can you share some of the feedback that speaks to how your advice resonates with families?
I think what parents resonate with most is that as a mum to four boys, I have struggled with all the things they do (and realistically we all do). I really believe it’s important to be real and honest about my own struggles and how I am overcoming them. I think parents relate to this because it makes them feel seen in their struggles. I think it’s important for parents to know no one is “nailing” it all.
Your own experience with Life Ed as a child had a profound impact on your family. Looking back, how important do you think early education is in shaping healthier choices – not just for kids, but for entire families?
For my family, the impact of Life Ed was really profound. I often think of my dad and where he might be (aged 81 now) had he continued to smoke. I am so glad I was educated and confident enough in my relationship with my dad to speak up. It goes to show the power of change really can come from educating the young.
SEEN is more than a documentary — it’s a moving reminder of how vital connection, understanding, and presence are in a child’s life. Join us for this special screening hosted by Life Ed Qld and walk away inspired, equipped and deeply moved.
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