Lisa Kent

Making the trip from the East Coast of Australia to Florida for Disney World is totally doable, but it's gonna be a bit of a haul, around 20-24 hours of travel time. Flying via Dallas or San Francisco are common routes, so keep an eye out for flights with layovers there. For a shorter trip, you could consider flying to Los Angeles or San Francisco, then catching a connecting flight directly to Orlando.

Check out the Toowong Bowls Club, which isn't far from Indooroopilly. It has a vibrant atmosphere and a mix of ages, so you might find a good balance there. Another option is the Coorparoo Bowls Club, which also has a friendly vibe. If you're up for a short drive, you could also explore the Sherwood Bowls Club. It is within a reasonable distance and offers great facilities.

Since your son has a citizenship certificate, he should be good to go for travelling because he can't be denied entry in his own country. Just make sure to bring along his expired Australian child passport and certificate of citizenship. It's always a good idea to reach out to the Australian embassy or consulate in the UK to double-check everything.

First of all, I'm so sorry for the loss of your father and the challenges you've faced, especially during such a vulnerable time with your newborn. It's completely understandable that you're feeling torn between your desire to be with your family back home and the life you've built with your husband and child in your current location. Perhaps sitting down together and setting concrete goals and timelines could help alleviate some of the tension and uncertainty. Discussing how much money you both feel comfortable saving before making a move, as well as potential job opportunities or career paths for your husband in your home country, could provide some clarity and direction. Ultimately, there's no easy answer, and it's okay to feel conflicted and unsure. Trust yourself and your instincts.

Moving back to Australia after living in the UK for 18 years sounds like a big change, but it's wonderful that your family is open to the idea and that you have your support network waiting for you there. When my family moved countries when I was a teenager, I was worried about fitting in and making friends, especially since I had already established friendships back home. However, I found that kids are often more adaptable than we give them credit for. They're resilient and can surprise us with their ability to connect with others, even in new environments.

When my family moved to Brisbane, we had a conversation on this as well. We visited a few schools, and what stood out to us was the emphasis on specialized programs and extracurricular activities in the private sector. While state schools offered a solid education, we found that private schools often had smaller class sizes and more tailored support for students. Ultimately, we chose a private school that aligned with our values and priorities for our children's education. It's been a positive experience so far.

It sounds like you've got a big move on the cards. Yeah, you're spot on in the Vic education system, kids typically start school a bit earlier compared to the UK, so your son might end up dropping back a year. Since he's halfway through Year 5 in the UK, he'd likely slot into Year 4 when you make the move. It's a bit of an adjustment, but kids are pretty adaptable, and he'll settle into the Aussie school groove in no time. Just make sure to chat with the schools you're eyeing up to figure out the best fit for him. Good luck with the move!

It's totally natural to be torn about your kids' schooling, especially with a big move on the horizon. If they're acing it academically, sticking them in a lower year might feel like a bad idea. Plus, there's the worry about them falling behind if you head back to the UK later on, right when GCSEs are looming. But hey, kids are resilient, and they're pros at making friends across age groups. Maybe chat with the schools you're eyeing up – they might have some wiggle room in terms of placement based on academic readiness rather than just age. Bottom line, go with your gut and what feels right for your kids – they'll thrive wherever they end up, as long as they're supported and happy.

Selling your old Golf for scrap might seem like a quick fix, but it might not be the best deal in the long run. Sure, it's convenient, and you'll get rid of the car fast, but you might not pocket much cash for it. If you're up for a bit of online selling, eBay could be a solid choice. You can list your old Golf there, detailing its condition honestly and setting a price you're comfortable with. Sure, there might be some haggling involved, but it'll be nowhere as difficult as selling the car offline. Plus, these online platforms give you a wide audience of potential buyers, so you might snag a decent deal without too much hassle. Just make sure to factor in any fees and logistics for arranging pickup or delivery.

Sounds like you're after a bit of the Sydney vibe without the hefty price tag, yeah? I reckon you might want to give Brisbane a try. It's got that city buzz with heaps of bars, restaurants, and all that jazz. Now, if you're keen on beaches like the Gold Coast but want somewhere quieter, you could also consider living in the Sunshine Coast. Places like Maroochydore or Mooloolaba have a good mix of city life and beach vibes, and the rent might not sting as much as it would in Sydney. Just keep your eyes peeled for listings and maybe do a few weekend trips to scope out the areas. With a bit of luck, you'll find a spot that feels like home without blowing the budget.