In recent weeks, to surprisingly little fanfare, the Morrison Federal Government has announced a new Children’s Mental Health Strategy.
Parenting
Helping Our Kids Feel Good By Doing Good
We all want our kids to feel good. Ice cream. Cake. Beach days. Playdates. These are all great for bringing joy. But typically, these good feelings don’t last. Once the ice cream is gone, or the playdate is over, our kids often lose the zest and pep they were feeling.
The Case Against Boredom
Recently there has been a groundswell of popular opinion extolling the value of letting our kids be bored. A recent New York Times article argued, ‘Boredom teaches us that life isn’t a parade of amusements. More important, it spawns creativity and self-sufficiency.’
What To Do When Your Child Lashes Out
Dear Dr Justin,
My 9-year-old son lashes out at his younger siblings when they bother him and often ends up hurting them. He feels terrible afterwards, but he can’t seem to get his anger or his reactions under control. What should I do?
HELP! My Kids Ask Me Too Many Questions!
By: Jenny Baxter
How many times have you thrown your hands up in frustration at the never-ending WHYs?
Recently a friend posted the following cry for help on Facebook. (You can see my answer further down)
What to Do When Your Child Is Fearless!
My childhood friend Joel was fearless.
When he was about six, Joel’s parents installed a balcony on the back of their pole home. For some reason, the builder couldn’t install the safety railing straight away. The fall from the balcony to the ground was at least 6 metres.
How to Tell Your Friend What Their Teen Is Doing on Instagram
Dear Dr Justin,
My husband and I have some family friends. Their daughter is friends with our daughter. I recently heard their daughter telling my daughter about her ‘private’ Instagram account. My daughter has told me that her friend is sharing sexual images, and images with alcohol and cigarettes on that account. Her parents (my friends) would be mortified. Do I tell them?
Read moreHow to Tell Your Friend What Their Teen Is Doing on Instagram
What To Do When Your Child Lies To You
You enter the kitchen. Your child looks at you like she’s hiding something. You see cake crumbs on the counter and the tips of her fingers.
How to Strengthen the Moral Character of Our Kids Through Prayer
By: Brittany Ann
When we think about what we want for our kids, is there anything more important than building a strong moral foundation that will deepen and grow as they do?
Read moreHow to Strengthen the Moral Character of Our Kids Through Prayer
Pure Baby Bliss between Grandmas and Mothers?
By: Jan Murray
Our guest blogger this week is Jan Murray, reflecting on Grandmothers helping Mothers. Is it a case of pure baby bliss? Or is it a family melt-down?Well, at very least, let’s avoid the melt-down!