‘You’re Kidding Me’ returns with fresh topics and new presenters
Lake Macquarie City Council is inviting local families to the 2025 You’re Kidding Me program, an annual initiative providing parents and carers with expert advice and practical support to help children thrive.
This year, the program will be delivered monthly at the new Windale Hub, bilyabayi.
Lake Macquarie City Council Community Planner for Children and Families Jessica Salvador said the long-running program had evolved to meet the changing needs of families in the region.
“You’re Kidding Me is a trusted resource for families and this year’s program offers new perspectives from experts in child development, wellbeing and education,” she said.
“Each month a different topic will be explored, from speech and language development to understanding children's behaviours and preparing them for school.
“It’s not just for the parents and carers, there are engaging children’s activities with trained staff on hand to supervise, so adults can fully immerse themselves in the presentations and get the most out of each session.”
Early Childhood Community Capacity Building Facilitator Dianne Fisher said she would feature in the first session, on Friday 28 February from 9:30am to 11am, with Northcott Early Childhood.
“Northcott supports children under nine with developmental concerns or disabilities through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach, helping them thrive with personalised care,” she said.
“If you’ve ever wondered how to track your child’s development or are unsure about the next steps after identifying a concern, come along and we can find a solution together.”
An interactive session will be hosted by Gymbaroo at 9:30am Friday 28 March, where they’ll host fun learning environments to stimulate brain and body development.
On Thursday 10 April the film Seen will feature for an evening session at 6:30pm.
“Seen is a documentary that explores how personal healing helps parents and positively affects child brain development,” Ms Salvador said.
Sensory strategies for supporting regulation will be held at 9:30am Friday 30 May, where Dave Jereb from MoveAbout Therapy will share insights into creating environments for supporting children’s sensory needs.
Sick Sense will feature on Friday 27 June at 9:30, helping parents to recognise red flags, manage sickness, make informed decisions and communicate with healthcare staff this winter.
For more information head to lakemac.com.au
