When I became a mum to both a daughter and a son, I assumed I would raise them the same way: the same values, the same expectations, the same love. And for the most part, I have.
But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have different worries. Because raising a boy in today’s world feels… complicated.
How do we raise our sons to be kind and strong? To be confident without being entitled? To value respect, emotional intelligence, and integrity in a world that often promotes the opposite? With influencers pushing toxic messages, outdated notions of masculinity still hanging around, and the constant pressure of mateship, sport, and success—how do we get it right?
Like most parents, I’ve second-guessed myself a thousand times. I’ve hovered, stepped back, guided, and let go. I’ve encouraged martial arts and music, football and dance, hugs and hard lessons. I’ve always tried to strike the impossible balance between kindness and boundaries, strength and vulnerability.
And then, while putting together this issue of Kids in the City, I had a lightbulb moment.
In speaking with the principal of Nudgee College—where raising wonderful men isn’t just a motto but a mission—I realised something important. Nudgee is more than an exceptional school with top-tier facilities; it’s a place where boys are shaped by a deep sense of belonging, purpose, and character. It’s about education, yes, but it is also about instilling gratitude, resilience, and a commitment to something bigger than themselves—where wonderful men truly take shape.
Of course, that isn’t exclusive to private schools. My kids go to our local state school. What matters most isn’t the type of school they attend, but the values we instill, the values their school nurtures, the community that surrounds them, and the love we show.
Raising a wonderful man isn’t about perfection. It’s about raising a boy who is grounded, humble, and compassionate. And that, I believe, is something we can all strive for. Head to page 12, where we deep dive into how Nudgee College is achieving this.
Also in this edition of Kids in the City magazine, we set sail for some nautical adventures at the Queensland Maritime Museum and spent a kid-friendly weekend exploring the vibrant cultural precinct of Northshore Brisbane.
Plus, as always, we’ve got the latest news, reviews, kid-friendly events, activities, and more—all wrapped up in a fabulous autumn issue.
With love, Angela xo
The Autumn edition of Kids in the City is out now! Pick up a free copy or read online below!
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Kids in the City – Autumn 2025
Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids events, attractions & things to do with kids, schools and education, school holiday guides, health & wellbeing for families, parenting and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.
