Navigating Your Children’s Unequal Abilities
It’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 ...
How can I help my child be resilient?
Today’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 ...
R U OK Day – Having the conversation and what to do if the answer is ‘no’.
Alex* was a popular kid. He seemed OK. He was good at sports, doing fine at school, and came from an affluent, strong family.
But in early September, 2019, the Year 11 boy took his life.
In the ...
Dads: How To Stay Connected With Your Kids
Even When You Don’t Live Together
Research is unequivocal. Dad matters. As long as he is safe towards his family, the more a dad is present and involved in his children’s lives in a positive ...
It takes a village… but the village is sick
In 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...
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...
Ask Dr Justin — Has my Daughter got Anxiety?
Dear Dr Justin,
My 10-year-old (nearly 11) daughter gets very anxious. Yesterday she dropped something and said: "I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry. I'm really sorry." She would have continued if I ...
Why We Should Focus On Who (Not What) Our Children Become
“I’ve got a question for you”, the cab driver stated expectantly. I was on my way to give a talk about parenting. He had asked where I was going and why, and his eyes lit up when he found out ...
7 Ways to Teach Your Child Self-Control
Self-control isn't something we're born with - its something we hone as we grow. Children especially struggle with control and delayed gratification, but there are ways in which we can guide them to ...
Raising confident kids: help them be competent first
One of my daughters was struggling at her school. In Grade 3, her schoolwork was average despite us being told she was an exceptionally deep thinking student. Her social skills were below ...
