Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn Product Review

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Average Ratings (from 95 ratings)
Overall star Rating
Woolworths is a brand I trust.
I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes
Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn :
4.22 out of 5 based on 95 reviews.

Give the kids a range of crunchy lunchbox snacks and dried fruit that dial up taste, keep tummies full and tick the box for an awesome lunchbox!

Woolies and Macro have some top notch lunchbox snacks that will keep the kids happy and you feeling good about what you’ve sent off as snacks for the day.

In this review, we’re asking Mums to pick up Woolworths Sultanas & Apple 6pk, Macro Cheeky Chickpeas 30g, Macro Eda-Yummy Mix 30g, Macro Sassy Chickpeas 30g, Macro Smokin’ Corn 30g and Mini Macro Popcorn 10pk, trial and review in lunchboxes and then tell us what they think.

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woolworths_back to school review_crunchy snacks dried fruit and air popped corn_macro air popped corn_product image_300x200

Look for Mini Macro products in the Health Food section at Woolworths or when you shop Online. Stock up now so you’re ready to pack those lunchboxes!

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Published 23rd January 2018


  • Woolworths

    We really do like the ease of some healthy snack foods and we like to have easy and healthy snack foods for all of the lunch boxes. Sultanas and apples are a particular favourite with everyone in the family. The little boxes are just so handy and the sultanas and apples get gobbled up.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Great addition to the lunchbox.

    I buy the smoking corn, eda-yummy, cheeky chickpeas and buzzing beans weekly. My kids love them and they're a healthy addition to the lunchbox.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Thumbs up! Delicious AND healthy...

    The smokin’ corn was a real hit with the kids! It was yummy and not too crunchy. The flavours of popcorn were a real hit and great portion sizes.. the apples and sultanas were a good little addition for that ‘something sweet’ in the afternoon... all in all, tasty little snacks. We would highly recommend all the products we reviewed!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • overall flavour review - Air Popped Corn

    So the opinions have come back (from adults and kids) on the taste of the air popped corn. There were 3 flavors included in the $5.99 10 pack: sea salt, cheesy and sweet and salty. The clear winner was: sea salt! Here is a summary of how the flavours stacked up.

    1) Sea Salt - favorite among the kids and adults of the household; a clear winner; reminded us all of freshly made popcorn sizzling in the skillet!

    2) Cheesy - it was a winner with the kids but the adults felt it tasted a bit "artificial"; reminiscent of heavily processed products from the 1980s

    3) Sweet and salt - this was described by the kids as "odd" and "at first ok but then not". The adults found that it reminded them of the sticky popcorn covered in caramel, but it wasn't sticky! Then the salt kicked in and it was "really confusing"... then the sweetness overpowered everything once again and you could finish the portion!. This was the least favourite - especially for the kids - so it was a shame there were 4 packs of this one and 3 of the others.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • yummmy

    something so simple and easy for lunchboxes
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Sultanas and apple

    Sultanas are always a bit in our household ! These are delicious great size , a little less apple and more sultanas would be super as my little miss 2 eats 2 packs in 1 sitting searching for more sultanas ????????. Definitely buy them in my weekly shop !! ????
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Winners !!!

    My kids loved the popcorn so much that I have already gone to buy more this week !!

    Healthy Snack and loved equals a winner in our house .

    The chickpea snack took some convincing for some kids to try but when they finally did they really liked it ( so did mum ;) )
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Movie night delights!

    We have family movie night on a Saturday with our 2 and 4 year olds. I always buy this popcorn as a movie snack as I know it's healthy and the kids love the flavours. We also have a stash of sultanas and apples in the pantry as they make a great snack for around the house or on the run. Great products!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Absolutely great snacks

    Not only did the kids love the snacks but mum and dad may have Sneakily taken a packet or two.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Sultanas and Apples

    My son loves the contents of these little boxes. Only $1.95 for a pack of six, they were a tasty addition to his lunch bag. The dried apples added some variation in texture and taste to a popular sultana snack.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Woolworths

    We really do like the ease of some healthy snack foods and we like to have easy and healthy snack foods for all of the lunch boxes. Sultanas and apples are a particular favourite with everyone in the family. The little boxes are just so handy and the sultanas and apples get gobbled up.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Movie night delights!

    We have family movie night on a Saturday with our 2 and 4 year olds. I always buy this popcorn as a movie snack as I know it's healthy and the kids love the flavours. We also have a stash of sultanas and apples in the pantry as they make a great snack for around the house or on the run. Great products!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Tasty

    I buy these as a healthy snack instead of chips and crackers. The air popped popcorn come in 3 different but equally yummy flavours and are the perfect size for packed lunches. You never get bored with these. I sometimes nibble on them in the evening too while watching TV. One of my fave snacks now!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Dried fruit

    Great addition to the kids lunchboxs. Both kids love having sultanas and apples in the one packet.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Great addition to the lunchbox.

    I buy the smoking corn, eda-yummy, cheeky chickpeas and buzzing beans weekly. My kids love them and they're a healthy addition to the lunchbox.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • YUMO

    These dried fruit lunchbox snack are super tasty and my littlw ones love them. They are so handy.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Eda-Yummy Mix

    I liked this product but found that after eating a few of this mix it made me very thirsty and my mouth was also quite dry and I had to drink a lot of water after.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Very handy to have in the pantry

    These were great for the lunchbox snacks and were great individual sizes too. My son didn't like the Smoky corn or the chickpeas though. He said his favourite was the sultana and Apple boxes. I would buy these again for when I'm running out of ideas for the lunch box but would probably stick with fresh fruit when possible.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Tasty and healthy! A winner!!

    Loved the popcorn- a great healthy snack for those in between meal times. Sea salt was the clear favourite! Sultanas and apples also yummy, gives good variety rather than just sultanas in a pack, and the price was good too!!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Kids loved them.. Even the big kid!

    The apple and sultana snacks were a huge hit not only in the lunch boxes but also as a small snack for the crazy time when they're "starving" while dinner is cooking.

    Will definitely be buying these again.

    The air popped corn was also a hit but weren't too keen on the cheese flavour.

    Kids wern't a huge fan of the crunchy lunchbox snacks but they were a huge hit with the husband and have already had to restock!

    All in all the kids loves having something new in the lunchbox and will definitely be purchasing these products again!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Will be buying again.

    I would recommend the Woolworths Crunchy lunchbox snacks, dried fruit and the Air popped corn. However my daughter loved two for the flavours of the air popped corn but disliked the cheese flavour. The dried fruit is so convenient and great tasting also. Will definitely be buying these items from now on.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • A packet of Pop

    My children were so excited to take woolworths Air popped corn to school in their lunchboxes this week. They are convenient and taste great. They have dairy allergy so the cheese flavour was no good, but the toddler and I took one for the team and ate that flavour ourselves ???? The Woolworths dried fruit is also a hit and makes a lovely messfree afterschool snack before dancing. We will be purchasing these products again :)
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Not happy

    I had difficulty locating these products at my local woolworths in epsom and was unable to purchase sultanas and apples snack packs as they were unavailable. What I was able to purchase my two boys aged 12 and 14 did not like, although they did eat popcorn but asked me not to purchase again. Macro smokin corn they said were disgusting.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • My fussy kids loved them!

    My fussy kids loved the popcorn and apples & sultana mix! Made for the perfect addition to snack time, will definitely buy again
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Tasty Macro Mini’s

    We enjoyed all the snacks! I think the favourites in our house were the air popped popcorn in the cheese flavour & the cheeky chickpeas.

    The kids like the sultanas but weren’t a fan of the apple pieces.

    I enjoyed the smokin corn the best.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Handy and convienent and so tasty

    Apple and sultana packs are great! We loose interest when just all sultanas, so was really impressed when there was a good balance of apple in there also! These will be a regular staple in our pantry now.. the popcorn, have only tried the cheese so far.. the smell is a bit off putting but they taste quite morish.. the chick peas and corn packs are great for an adult, but too hard for them to become a staple in miss 2s lunchbox
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Thumbs up! Delicious AND healthy...

    The smokin’ corn was a real hit with the kids! It was yummy and not too crunchy. The flavours of popcorn were a real hit and great portion sizes.. the apples and sultanas were a good little addition for that ‘something sweet’ in the afternoon... all in all, tasty little snacks. We would highly recommend all the products we reviewed!
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Cheeky chickpeas, smokin corn and Eda-Yummy Mix

    These were definitely not a hit with my 2 and 4 year olds. The bbq seasoning was a touch spicy for them, the dried vegetables were rock hard and both of my children thew them on the ground.

    My husband and I both tried these and neither of us would ever buy them again.

    For the super health conscious I'm sure these are great, but for taste and flavour we'd rather spend our money elsewhere.

    They may pass the school lunch box test but if the children won't eat them then what's the point.
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Sultanas and Apples

    I felt for sure this was going to be a real winner, my children love apples and they love sultanas. This pack was $1.95 for 6 boxes.

    Unfortunately the sultanas were a success but both of my children picked the apple out and it was wasted (if anyone knows what to do with a whole heap of dried apple please let me know).

    I'm going to stick with buying plain boxes of sultanas because the apple was wasted on my kids
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes


  • Air Popped Corn

    What a great little 1o pack!

    3 different flavours means something for the whole family. Our favourite was the cheese flavour, the kids thought it was delicious and wanted to keep eating more and more.

    The 10 pack was very convenient but at approx 60c per pag ($5.99 for the 10 pack) this would be saved for special times only.

    Great but pricey
    Woolworths is a brand I trust.
    I would buy Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn again
    I would recommend Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn to other mums
    Woolworths Crunchy Lunchbox Snacks, Dried Fruit and Air Popped Corn are great additions to my kids' lunchboxes

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Topics

Mother’s instinct is a funny thing. At home, we trust it without question. But put us in a hospital setting with an unwell child, surrounded by doctors, nurses and monitors, and suddenly we start doubting ourselves.

What if I’m overreacting?
What if I’ve got it wrong?

So we stay quiet, even when we know something just isn’t right with our child. I’ve been there myself – when my usually ‘tough’ son was doubled over with stomach pain. I was told in the emergency department that it probably wasn’t his appendix. But I knew he wouldn’t have begged me to take him to hospital unless it was serious. Because I know him better than anyone. Turns out, it was appendicitis.

It’s a really common place for parents to land. You’re grateful for the care your child is getting, but at the same time, you feel this huge responsibility to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

Here’s the thing though: that instinct you’re feeling? It matters more than you might think.

Why your gut feeling matters more than you realise

According to Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital, Leticia Jackson, parents bring something to the hospital that no test or machine ever could.

“Parents often say they ‘just know’ when something isn’t quite right with their child, and in a hospital, that gut feeling is incredibly valuable,” she explains.

Leticia Jackson, Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital

While medical teams rely on observations, tests and equipment, parents know the little details. The way your child usually smiles. How they react when they’re tired. What’s normal for them.

So when something feels “off”, even if everything looks okay on paper, it can actually be an early warning sign.

“When parents trust those instincts and speak up, this creates a powerful partnership that can sometimes catch a problem before it becomes an emergency,” Leticia says.

Worried about speaking up? You’re not alone

A lot of parents hesitate about advocating for their child.

You don’t want to come across as difficult. You don’t want to question the people caring for your child. And sometimes, you just don’t feel confident enough to push the issue.

Leticia gets it.

“It is completely understandable for parents to feel hesitant,” she says. “No one wants to be seen as difficult or to second-guess the hardworking people caring for their child.”

But here’s a helpful way to look at it: you’re not challenging the medical team, you’re helping them.

Parents are the constant. Staff change shifts, care for multiple patients, and rely on snapshots of information. You’re there the whole time, noticing the subtle changes.

“Our medical team doesn’t view a concerned parent as overreactive, but as a partner,” Leticia explains. “Your voice matters.”

Remember, we know our children better than anyone.

What to do if you’re worried: the Raise It process

If you’re in a NSW public hospital or health service and you’re worried about you or your child’s condition getting worse, there is a clear process you can follow called Raise It.

Raise It is designed to help patients, carers and family members get help fast if they’re worried about a change in their loved one’s condition.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Talk: Start by speaking to a nurse, midwife, doctor or health worker about your concerns.
  2. Ask: Still worried? Ask to speak to the nurse or midwife in charge and request a Clinical Review.
  3. Call: If you’re still concerned, you can escalate further using the Raise It process to get urgent attention from a senior health worker.

You don’t need medical knowledge. You don’t need to be certain. If you feel something isn’t right, or your child is getting worse, Raise It. You just need to speak up.

What should you actually look out for?

Sometimes it’s not one big, obvious sign. It can be small, subtle changes that just don’t sit right.

Things like:

  • Changes in breathing (fast, laboured or noisy)
  • Skin looking pale, mottled, or developing unusual rashes
  • Your child being unusually drowsy, floppy, or hard to wake
  • Confusion or behaviour that’s out of character
  • Pain that isn’t improving with treatment
  • Or simply that feeling that your child is getting worse

And sometimes, it’s just that gut feeling you can’t explain.

That’s enough.

“You are helping us, not bothering us”

If there’s one message Leticia wants parents to take away, it’s that you aren’t bothering the medical team, you’re helping them.

“In my years as a Nurse Unit Manager, I can say with absolute certainty that many critical changes in a child’s condition have been identified first by a parent. While our clinical staff are highly skilled at performing regular observations and interpreting data, parents are the only constant presence who truly know their child’s baseline behaviour, personality, and what is normal for them.

“I have seen numerous instances where a parent’s insistence that their child is “just not themselves” – despite vital signs appearing relatively stable – has prompted a deeper clinical review that uncovered everything from early signs of sepsis to a life-threatening respiratory crisis.”

The Raise It process exists because healthcare teams know how important parents are in keeping children safe.

“Speaking up doesn’t mean you don’t trust the team,” she says. “It means you’re partnering with us to make sure nothing gets missed.”

And if you’re still worried about being judged?

“Whether your concern turns out to be something or nothing, your instinct to raise it is always valid.”

Find out more, visit health.nsw.gov.au/raiseit

Mouths of Mums is proudly working with NSW Health to bring you this important article.

  • As a parent of a child with cystic fibrosis, I’ve learned to trust my gut when something doesn’t feel right. We’ve had a few experiences where we’ve needed to go through different channels to raise concerns or frustrations with the hospital system to make sure our daughter got the care she needed. It’s great to see programs like this encouraging families to speak up, because parents often know when something isn’t quite right.

    Reply

  • As a parent of a child with cystic fibrosis, I’ve learned to trust my gut when something doesn’t feel right. We’ve had a few experiences where we’ve needed to go through different channels to raise concerns or frustrations with the hospital system to make sure our daughter got the care she needed. It’s great to see programs like this encouraging families to speak up, because parents often know when something isn’t quite right.

    Reply

  • This is so true from my experience over the years.
    No matter how wonderful the medical team is, if you have any doubts speak up as a mother knows her child better than anyone.

    Reply

  • Yes and amen to this article ! I agree with always follow your gut, you know your child like no one else does. In fact you are your child’s expert and should never stop advocating for them or speaking up. Sometimes professionals are very good in waving concerns away, all it takes is a human who listens

    Reply

  • Even as a healthcare professional, when I took my soon to the ED when I was concerned, I felt awkward about speaking up, worried I was making a big deal out of nothing (even though i would never tjink this about a patient’s family if the roles were reversed). The message in this article is so important. Always stick to your guns. Always speak up and advocate for your kids – they can’t do it for themselves.

    Reply

  • And honestly, some medical staff are idiots. I vividly remember the night two doctors huddled over my son’s lung x-rays. I hadn’t been allowed to accompany him to have them taken as I was pregnant. They finally told me solemnly that they were preparing to do emergency surgery as there was something in his lungs – “we don’t know what it is, but it’s definitely man made”. I took one look at the x-rays and asked if they’d taken off the battery packs for his cochlear implants, which were pinned to the back of his shirt, before the x-ray. And of course they hadn’t, and of course that’s what appeared to be in his lungs. Honestly!

    Reply

  • We need more articles like this one. It is important for us to advocate for ourselves and our loved ones in any situation and work with professionals.

    Reply

  • I have learned many times to always listen to your gut and speak up when you don’t think something is right. This article was a great read, our kids are our world and if we don’t feel they are getting the right help, and we feel it, we need to speak up.

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  • You should never second guess yourself when it comes to yours or your childs health- or anyones for that matter. Go with your thoughts. It is natural to want to protect a loved one especially when it comes to health situations, and the feeling you get when you think you didnt do enough to advocate or fight for them…it is not a kind or nice way to feel. Many people have ended up being heartbroken and picking up pieces for years because of feeling they didnt do enough.

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  • A very good and informative article. I have read so many stories about mums just knowing when things are not right and demanding second and third opinions until they got the right answer. Sometimes mums just know. It is our job as care takers of our families. Listen to your gut!

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  • Years ago, I spoke up for my 14-year-old daughter, but my concerns weren’t fully listened to. I’ve always wished I had pushed harder. She was sent home without much testing, and two days later, she passed away.
    So, if you ever have concerns—no matter how minor—please speak up and keep advocating. Trust your instincts; they are there for a reason.

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  • This is so important for parents to know how to raise it further if they don’t think their child is receiving the medical support they need! I know this article refers to the NSW system but other systems have similar procedures just with different names. I know in QLD it’s called Ryan’s Rule.

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  • It’s so important to follow your gut instincts and express your concerns indeed. I have never hesitated to advocate for my children in various situations and I don’t care what other people think about it. Not all doctors and medical staff appreciate it when you question them, I’ve experienced that it may result in angry indignant responses.

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  • How true this is! While nurses and doctors are the medical professionals doing their job on the daily, we know our children better than anyone and what is ‘normal’ for them. I would always speak up if I had noticed any changes in my child’s health and encourage other parents to do so too. No question is silly!

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  • This really is such an important issue and a good topic to discuss with people, I am often surprised that people are worried about being judged. This is not something I care about; the priority is for the care and health of everyone is my family. Parents know their children and need to work with health professionals for the best outcomes for their children.

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  • This is such an important issue to raise, and no one should ever feel ashamed, nervous or that they are being OTT for advocating for their kids, themselves or loves ones in hospital. In QLD we have Ryan’s Rule. A three step process where your concern will be escalated if they believe the patients condition isn’t improving or is worsening.

    Reply

  • I have never been afraid to advocate for my children and partner and extended family and also friends. It is so important to listen and to trust intuition. When people have not listened, I have persevered and kept on with insisting on care and making sure they truly listened and took action.

    Reply

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