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...
Making Pocket Money Easier
My 9-year-old was carrying $48 in her wallet. Cash. She’s been saving well for some time, and the cash has accumulated. Her plan was to walk to the shops with her big sister to buy a treat.
...
How To Stop Yelling
Dear Dr Justin
I have been reading a lot about how yelling isn’t good for my kids, but I can’t seem to get them to listen if I don’t raise my voice! Any suggestions on how I can stop yelling?...
Screen Time and Our Teens’ Mental Health Crisis
In a 2018 survey half of the parents questioned believed that smart phone usage negatively affected their child’s mental health. And nearly half thought their child was actually addicted to the ...
Six Ways To Be The Best Parent You Can Be
Think of the times that your parenting has been its best. Those times where you were unconditionally there for your child and it felt “right”.
When I ask parents to tell me about those times, ...
Stepping In With Other People’s Kids
Dear Dr Justin,
My 15-year-old son was hanging out in his bedroom with one of his friends. When I walked by, I saw my son’s friend frantically trying to stash a packet of cigarettes into his bag!...
Changing the Time-out Perspective
Time-out is still the most often recommended form of discipline. Paediatricians, parenting experts and child development experts continue to recommend it...
Should We Be Tracking Our Kids?
Hi Dr Justin,
I worry – consistently – about my kids’ safety when they’re not at home. I’m thinking about getting them to use a location tracker so I know they’re safe. What do you ...
Ask Dr Justin — Screens in Bedrooms?
Hi Dr Justin
My partner and I are arguing about whether screens cause problem behaviour in kids or not. I say they do but he says they don’t. Our 9 year-old wants a TV in his room to play video ...
Are We Over-scheduling Our Kids?
Dear Dr Justin
My kids are in a lot of after-school activities. They swim and play a musical instrument each. Two of them do drama, and all three are in Saturday sport. My husband and I are ...