What we did wrong as parents of six kids ….. and what we got right. 

When Pete and I had our first child in 1981, we had one big goal—to give our kids the best possible start in life.

We wanted them to grow up smart, authentic, caring, and uncontaminated by all the modern toxins and distractions.

So, we packed up and moved to the Back of Beyond—a remote part of an already remote Tasmania.

No traffic, no pollution, just pure, uninterrupted nature where our kids could flourish.

We settled on 110 acres of wild, rugged land at the end of a gravel road, bordering Crown Land near Ringarooma.

Pete worked long shifts at Scottsdale Hospital as a nurse and midwife, and I became a homesteader, and full-time mother of six.

We did so many things right, but looking back, there are a few things I would do differently—and I want to share them with you today.

What We Did Right: Raising Healthy, Independent Kids

1. We Let Nature Be Their Playground

Our kids grew up climbing trees, making forts, herding cows, and playing in the dirt—and guess what?

It built resilience, creativity, and confidence.

They weren’t glued to screens.

We didn’t have TV, and this was before computers became a household item.

Instead of structured “activities,” they had real-world problem-solving—like fixing fences, starting fires (safely!), feeding the farm animals, planting gardens, and making their own entertainment.

Today, I’m grateful we gave our kids the gift of wild, free play.

2. We Made Real Food from Scratch

Before “organic” was trendy, it was just the way we lived.

• We grew most of our own vegetables.
• We baked our own organic wholemeal bread.
• We made our own yoghurt, kefir, and fermented veggies.
• We bought raw milk from the farmer next door.
• We ate meat from our own cows.

Nothing processed and Nothing fake.

This early exposure to real food had a lasting impact.

In fact, the business Love Your Guts was inspired by our children’s upbringing—helping people Australia-wide enjoy fermented foods just like we did in the Back of Beyond.

3. We Avoided Hidden Toxins

Even back then, I knew to avoid certain materials and chemicals that were harmful.

• No aluminium or non-stick cookware (which we now know is highly toxic).
• Minimal plastic use—we mostly used glass and stainless steel.
• No microwaves—we cooked the slow, traditional way.
• All bedding and clothing were natural fibres—no synthetic materials.

Our children were largely protected from these hidden toxins.

4. We Limited Medications & Let the Body Heal

We hardly ever used Panadol or antibiotics unless absolutely necessary.

We relied on:

• Herbs and natural remedies
• Sunlight and fresh air
• Gut-healing ferments
• Letting fevers run their course (within reason)

Did they get worms, scabies, eczema, and childhood illnesses like their classmates did?

Of course!

But instead of suppressing symptoms, we worked with their bodies, not against them.

What We Did Wrong: The Things I’d Change Today

Even with our best intentions, we got some things terribly wrong.

1. We Gave Them Soy Products (Huge Mistake!)

At the time, soy milk was being promoted as the healthiest choice.

We were told it would protect our hearts and brains, so when our babies weaned off breastmilk at around 18 months, we gave them soy formula.

We also used Nuttelex margarine instead of butter because that’s what was deemed to be the healthiest choice at the time.

Now, I know that couldn’t be further from the truth.

• Soy messes with hormones.
• It disrupts thyroid function.
• It’s loaded with anti-nutrients that block mineral absorption.

If I could go back, I’d never let a drop of soy milk touch their lips.

2. We Didn’t Eat Enough Salt

We thought we were eating plenty of salt, but the truth is—we weren’t even close.

Salt isn’t just a seasoning—it’s a mineral solution containing all 84 minerals and trace minerals that the body needs for:

• Brain function
• Electrolyte balance
• Hormone production

Compared to modern diets, we ate a lot of salt, but knowing what I do now, I’d triple the amount and make sure it was Himalayan or Celtic salt—not refined table salt.

3. We Used Some Seed Oils (Biggest Hidden Poison!)

We cooked mostly with butter and, but every now and then, we’d use vegetable oils for deep frying.

Back then, seed oils were marketed as “heart-healthy,” but today we know they are:

• Oxidized and inflammatory
• Linked to heart disease and cancer
• One of the most insidious poisons in our food system

If I could turn back time, I’d NEVER use a drop of seed oil again and I would give my kids butter, meat fats, tallow, coconut oil and plenty of it instead.

4. We Ate Too Many Grains & Fruits

• We started every day with homemade porridge—but now I know that rolled oats spike blood sugar and cause crashes.
• We thought fruit was always healthy, so we ate too much of it.

Today, I’d ditch the porridge and start the day with:

• Leftover sausages
• Lamb chops and butter
• Eggs cooked in animal fat

These provide sustained energy without blood sugar crashes.

What I’d Do Differently Today

If I had a do-over, I’d raise my kids on:

• More Iodine & Himalayan Salt—for thyroid health and detoxification.
• More fatty meats—lamb, beef, butter, and eggs over bread and porridge.
• More bone broth—for gut healing, strong immunity, and mineral support.
• More fermented foods—not just occasionally, but at every meal.
• Mighty Mins—a powerful mineral supplement to fill nutritional gaps.
• Mindset work—because mental resilience is as important as physical health.

Final Thoughts: Our Kids Turned Out Great… But We Could Have Done Better

Even with our mistakes, our kids grew up fiercely independent, confident, and healthy.

Growing up in the Back of Beyond, they learned to solve problems, take responsibility, and believe in themselves.

But if I had a second chance, I’d adjust their diet, ditch the soy and seed oils, and teach them mindset work from a young age.

Luckily, today, we can do better.

We have the knowledge and tools to support our kids’ health and confidence for life.

What about you?

Did your parents do some of these things right—or make the same mistakes?

Hit reply and let me know!

I’d love to hear your thoughts and if you found this helpful, share it with someone who might need it!

To your health,