Kids Stories

These are true accounts from real people but we've changed all names to protect their privacy.

Ben and Jenny were 3 and 4 when their father left home. Their mother was at the end of her tether after a few months, dealing with her own distress as well as her children's challenging behaviour. Once the children were matched with a Time for Kids family, life started to seem manageable again.

Karen has an intellectual disability and finds it difficult to keep up with her three children, Kellie 13, Scott, 12, and Rachael 10. The children love their weekends with their Time for Kids families and Karen has some much-needed time for herself.

Joseph's energetic and angry behaviour was getting the 7-year-old into trouble at school and at home. He's had some bad experiences in his short life. Occasional weekends with a family who enjoy lots of outdoor activities is making a big difference to his self esteem and behaviour.

Nathan's sister has a severe physical disability which means his parents have to spend huge amounts of time caring for her. A week each school holidays with a Time for Kids family gives Nathan a chance to make new friendships and receive extra attention and support.

Jessie, 9, was living her mother who was severely depressed. Weekends were no fun and her mother's self- esteem was being further damaged because she knew she could not give her daughter the happy childhood she wanted for her. Jessie has thrived through the family she came to know through Time for Kids and her mother loves to see her little girl relaxed and happy.