FAQs
What age are the books suitable for?
Our Thriving Together books are designed for children aged 2–12, with flexibility to suit a wide range of abilities and interests.
- Ages 2–4: Younger children will love the simple, sensory activities — but they’ll need a bit of help from you. These dates are a beautiful way to introduce 1:1 time and connection early on.
- Ages 5–8: This is the sweet spot! Most of the activities are perfect for this age, with just the right mix of fun, creativity, and conversation.
- Ages 9–12: Older children can take the lead or adapt the dates in more advanced ways. These books are a great tool for keeping connection strong in the tween years.
- Parents & caregivers: Yes, these books are for you too! Every date is designed to create meaningful shared moments, not just to entertain your child.
Whether you’re starting new traditions with your toddler or carving out 1:1 time with your pre-teen, there’s something in here for every stage of childhood.
Do the books require lots of supplies or prep?
Not at all.
We’ve designed every activity to be low-prep and doable, even with minimal materials or time. Most dates use basic household items, nature finds, or things you likely already have. Where special materials are needed (like for a bird feeder or bug hotel), we’ve included clear instructions and alternatives.
Do you offer digital versions of the books?
Not yet — but we’re working on it!
We’re in the process of creating an online portal with downloadable digital resources to complement the books. We also plan to explore eBooks in future.
For now, we’ve focused on printed books after strong demand for a tangible, screen-free experience parents and children can enjoy together.
What is your return policy?
We offer easy 30-day returns. If you don’t absolutely love your book, simply get in touch at hello@thethrivinghome.com within 30 days of receiving your order.
To be eligible for a return:
- Your book must be in perfect condition
- You will be responsible for the return shipping cost to New Zealand
- Please note: shipping and fulfilment costs paid to Lulu Direct are non-refundable
Once we receive your return and confirm its condition, we’ll issue a refund for the book (excluding original shipping/fulfilment fees).
How do I request a return?
Send an email to hello@thethrivinghome.com with your order number and reason for return. We’ll guide you from there, including where to send your book.
What if my book arrives damaged or incorrect?
Oh no! We’re so sorry. Please send us a photo and your order details to hello@thethrivinghome.com within 7 days of delivery and we’ll sort it out as quickly as possible.
Do you offer refunds for change of mind?
Yes – as long as the item is unused, in its original condition, and returned within 30 days. You’ll need to cover return postage, and shipping costs (paid directly to our fulfilment partner) are not refundable.
Who fulfils your orders?
We print and fulfil through Lulu Direct, a trusted global partner who prints books locally to your region where possible. That means faster delivery and fewer carbon miles!
Can I order your books outside of New Zealand?
Yes! We ship worldwide through our global print-on-demand partner.
Shipping times and costs may vary depending on your location, but every book is printed as close to you as possible to reduce delivery time and carbon miles. You’ll receive tracking once your order has been dispatched.
Shipping details as advised from Lulu Direct:
All orders are printed and fulfilled by Lulu Direct. Lulu Direct is a print-on-demand company based in the US, so any physical products purchased will need to be printed and bound before they are shipped.
Shipping times are estimates and not guaranteed.
- Incorrect delivery addresses, customs delays, natural disasters, and delivery restrictions may delay your order. Orders affected by such delays may take as long as 6 weeks to arrive.
- International Mail and Priority Mail services may require extra transit times and may take up to 28 days to complete delivery.
- If you received damaged, defective, or incorrectly packaged items, or if your order failed to arrive, we are happy to provide a replacement order. Please notify us within 30 days of your order’s shipment date through our online customer support form.
- Some carriers have weight limits, which will prevent certain shipping methods from being available for orders of larger quantities.
- International and Priority Mail orders that do not arrive within 28 days may be eligible for a reorder at the discretion of Lulu Support Staff. Please note that we are unable to offer more than one reorder for an order using International Mail or Priority Mail.
- International Economy packages are delivered using the postal service of the destination country.
- Local Customs and Immigration agencies determine duties or taxes levied against packages arriving from outside the destination country. These additional fees are the responsibility of the recipient. Lulu cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred by the purchaser or recipient of orders due to shipment failure or late delivery.
- If you are shipping to a PO Box Address, the shipping method must be Mail or Priority. Only Mail and Priority Mail can deliver to a PO Box Address. Carriers such as FedEx or UPS cannot deliver to PO Box addresses.
- Packages shipped military APO / FPO and diplomatic DPO addresses must use US Postal Service shipping. Express shipping cannot be used. To ensure your order is sent via USPS, make sure the country chosen at the shipping step is the United States of America.
- Please note that we do support shipments addressed to Armed Forces Europe, Armed Forces Pacific, and Armed Forces America. Select the option that best fits your Armed Forces shipping destination.
- When choosing Mail for orders going to Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico, the estimated arrival time will take at least 14 days for Transit. If the transit time exceeds 14 days, the mail order may be eligible for a reorder at the discretion of Lulu Support Staff.
- Express and Expedited delivery methods deliver Monday through Friday.
- Correctional facilities: Before ordering, please take a moment to learn of any specific delivery restrictions. For example, correctional facilities typically do not allow coil-bound books and require delivery via mail. Note: If an order is returned from a correctional facility, Lulu Direct will not refund or reorder.
20 COMMON PARENT-CHILD CONNECTION QUESTIONS
Connection & Attachment
1. What’s the best way to connect with my child?
The best connection comes from simple, intentional 1:1 time. Even 30 minutes where your child has your full attention does more than hours of distracted time. Our Thriving Together books make it easy with ready-to-go date ideas designed to build those deeper bonds.
2. How do I build a secure attachment with my child?
Secure attachment grows when your child consistently feels safe, seen, and valued. That looks like responding to their needs, creating daily rituals, and enjoying regular 1:1 time where they lead. The Thriving Together series was created to help parents do exactly this.
3. What does real parent–child connection look like in everyday life?
It’s the little things: eye contact, shared laughter, bedtime chats, making pancakes together, or sitting on the floor to play. Connection is presence, not perfection.
4. What’s the difference between spending time with my child and actually connecting?
Spending time is about proximity — being in the same room. Connection is about presence: engaging with them at their level. Our date framework is designed to help you move from “just time” to “true connection.”
Behavior & Emotional Regulation
5. How can I help my child’s behavior through connection?
Many “behavior issues” are really connection needs. When kids feel safe and secure, they regulate better. A regular rhythm of 1:1 dates can reduce tantrums, defiance, and sibling rivalry.
6. My child is anxious — how can I support them at home?
Children with anxiety thrive on safe rituals and consistent presence. Create calming routines, keep space for 1:1 connection, and let them know you’re their safe base. Our Thriving Together books include gentle activities that can ease worry through shared play.
7. Why does my child melt down after school and what can I do?
It’s called “after-school restraint collapse.” They’ve held it together all day and finally let down with you. The best remedy is calm connection: a snack, a cuddle, or a simple 1:1 activity where they can decompress.
8. How do I connect with my child when I have no time?
Connection doesn’t require hours. Try the 10–10–10 rule: 10 minutes in the morning, after school, and before bed. Our Mini Moments free guide is full of ideas that take under 10 minutes.
Practical Parenting
9. What are quick parent–child activities we can do in 15 minutes?
Dance in the lounge. Bake cookies. Play cards. Draw together. Kids don’t need complicated, they need your attention. For more ideas, grab our Mini Moments guide.
10. How do I plan regular 1:1 dates with my child?
Keep it simple: set aside a weekly or fortnightly slot, let your child help choose the activity, and protect that time. Our Our Date Journal is designed to help you plan and record these special moments.
11. Do connection activities work for older kids/teens?
Yes! The activities change (think cooking, driving practice, café catch-ups), but the principle is the same: being their safe base and showing genuine interest in their world.
12. How long should a parent–child date last?
30–60 minutes is plenty. The quality of your attention matters more than the duration. Even short dates, done consistently, create lasting impact.
Family Culture & Rituals
13. What are meaningful family rituals that build connection?
Think simple, repeatable traditions: Saturday pancakes, Sunday roast, bedtime stories, or morning fluffies. Our Thriving Traditions guide offers dozens of easy ideas to start.
14. How do eating rituals strengthen family bonds?
Sharing food is one of the oldest human connection rituals. Family meals, snack picnics, or Sunday roasts help kids feel anchored, secure, and part of something bigger.
15. Why are family traditions important for kids’ wellbeing?
Research shows routines and traditions boost children’s emotional health, resilience, and sense of belonging. They’re memory-makers and anchors through change.
Big Picture / Philosophy
16. Do kids need sports and activities, or do they just need connection?
Sports and activities are great, but they don’t replace connection. What kids remember most is being with you, those 1:1 moments are the real core memories.
17. What do children actually remember from childhood?
Not the toys or the big trips, but the small shared moments: reading together, backyard adventures, cooking pancakes. Research confirms it’s presence and rituals that stick.
18. What’s the #1 mistake parents make when trying to connect?
Mistaking quantity of time for quality of presence. True connection happens when we’re intentional and engaged, not just coexisting.
Lifestyle / Constraints
19. How do I connect with my child when I’m exhausted?
Choose connection that fills your cup too: a walk, cuddles, baking, listening to music together. Our “connection-as-self-care” ideas are designed for tired parents.
20. What’s a simple daily habit to help me connect better with my kids?
Eye contact, asking “what was the highlight of your day?,” or a short bedtime ritual. Small, daily habits add up to big attachment over time.