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...
Helping our children through dark, difficult days
Dear Dr Justin
My husband has tried to take his own life twice in the past six weeks. He is now in hospital receiving care but I've just told the kids he's dealing with some emotional problems ...
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 ...
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 ...
STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN to your kids
Some years ago I came across a parenting questionnaire developed by thoughtful, careful researchers. One of the questionnaire items asked, “Do you stop and pay attention to your child when your ...
My 6 Year Old Gives Up On Everything
Dear Dr Justin
My six year-old gives up on everything. I ask him to tidy his room and he says “I can’t”. I enrol him in swimming lessons and soccer and when things get hard he says “I ...
Quiz: How Resilient is Your Child
How resilient is your child?
Perhaps your child gives up too quickly and easily for your liking, moaning, ‘I can’t.’ Maybe your child resists going to school because they don’t like their ...
