Latest from the Blog

Reader Email: My 14yo daughter sent shirtless photos to a boy

July 7, 2023

Hi Rebecca, My daughter has had her phone since the beginning of High School 18 months ago. She has no social media, her phone is only allowed downstairs in the living areas and she is quite controlled with her usage. I have access to her phone and she knows I can check it whenever I want. She has a lovely group of friends with parents who have similar ideas on using phones. She does well at school and although she is quite private, I feel we have a good relationship. We have had many conversations…

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The book of secrets …

February 5, 2018

I always wanted a daughter. Always. And when my husband and I discovered our first baby was a girl I was overjoyed. Before she was even born I…

My 10 yo daughter wants Instagram. What do I say to her?

February 2, 2018

Yesterday the 10-year-old daughter of a friend of mine asked me when I thought her mum should allow her to have Instagram. The first thing I did was…

A letter to my niece before she starts high school …

January 19, 2018

My gorgeous 12 yo niece Elouise starts high school next week and so this week I sat her down to give her some Aunt-to-niece advice about what i…

#DoItForDolly

January 18, 2018

I remember 14. My life was about watching Young Talent Time, trying to learn the lyrics to the Bangles’ Manic Monday, perming my hair, writing fan letters to…

I want you to join me on #teamgirls …

May 14, 2017

When I was fifteen if you’d asked me what my life purpose was, I would have mumbled something about marrying Kirk Cameron and working as a children’s TV…

Before You Hit Send – social media tips for parents + tweens + teens

February 13, 2017

STEP 1.  BASIC ONLINE DO’S & DONT’S Don’t use your child’s photo or real name when setting up apps or certain social media accounts. Don’t accept friend requests…

The List part 2: resources for tween and teenage boys

September 13, 2016

First up – if you’re looking for my resources list for teenage GIRLS. Click here. So. Houston, we have a problem. Go searching for inspiring, uplifting books, websites…

The List: My go-to resources for tween and teen girls …

August 31, 2016

Here it is. My go-to list. (If you’re looking for my list of resources for teenage BOYS click here) I feel like so many parents are feeling anxious…

"What advice do you have for us for Schoolies Week?"

November 17, 2015

Isn’t that a great question? A SMART QUESTION.  Yesterday I was speaking to the Class of 2015 at Somerville House. So it was me and a room of 200…

"I’m ugly. So how will I ever get a boyfriend?" [extract from Ask Me Anything (heartfelt answers to 65 anonymous questions from teenage girls)]

November 7, 2015

Define ‘ugly’ for me. Ugly in what way? Because let me tell you what ugly means to me. ‘Ugly’ is someone who is racist or homophobic or sexist.…

About Bec

Over the past 25 years Rebecca Sparrow has earned a living as a travel writer, a television publicist, a marketing executive, a magazine editor, a TV scriptwriter, a radio producer, a newspaper columnist and as an author.

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