By: Jenny BaxterHow did Anna know what to do with her screaming baby? By trusting her motherly intuition – and with a little help from her Mamma!Sleep? Who needs sleep?Anna is a friend of mine whose baby, Charlotte, is just three months old. Even though Anna is a medical doctor, being a...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonEveryone needs to be known by someone. Just one significant other.For our kids, knowing that they are known and loved by one caring adult is the central predictor of resilience. Having great people around them is one of the next critical resources for building...
By: Jenny BaxterThere was a recent news report about a Christchurch family who visited a local café. By accident they discovered they were labelled as the “family with the terrifying kid”! Read about it here >>>.I’ve learnt a lot about this. I’m not...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonIt’s an objective fact: one of our children is always going to better than another child at any given activity. One child might be academically sharper. Or one child may exhibit greater athleticism and coordination. Perhaps it’s nothing to do with talent, but...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonAustralia doesn’t have much of a dating culture. Our kids aren’t usually asking someone on a date, going out as a couple, and then dating someone different next week. Instead, it’s more…Yr 7...
Respite Care Information Session What if some short term care could make a lifetime of difference? Do you know a child in care in your school or church community? Could you become their respite carer? Respite care is for everyone! You just need to be willing to invest in a child’s life. Come...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonToday’s parents are working overtime to help pave the way for their kids. The New York Times has dubbed them ‘snowplow’ or ‘lawn mower parents’ – ‘machines chugging ahead, clearing any obstacles in their...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonIn recent weeks, to surprisingly little fanfare, the Morrison Federal Government has announced a new Children’s Mental Health Strategy. Announced by Health Minister, Greg Hunt, at the National Press Club, the strategy is aimed squarely at building resilience in childhood...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonRecently 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...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonDear 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?Lashing out in anger is something...
By: Jenny BaxterHow 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)Ok, thoughts and opinions welcomed. Son is asking lots of “WHY?” questions at the...
By: Dr Justin CoulsonYou 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. ‘Did you eat the chocolate cake?’Your child smiles up at you, chocolate stuck in her teeth, and innocently replies,...