Health and Wellbeing

Does Your Child have a Technology Addiction?

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

We recently addressed the issue of ‘screen time’ in children’s and adolescents on the blog.

Most of us are guilty of becoming increasingly reliant on our telephones and computers for communicating, working, paying bills and even getting from A to B…

But there is a difference between reliance on technology and addiction to technology.

And if you think your child may be in the latter category, the sooner you address it the better.

So what are the signs of a technology addiction, in children in particular?

Is Your Child Suffering, or are You?

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

An interesting article in The Age recently brought up concerns regarding parents who may be unnecessarily anxious about their children’s health.

The article cited a recent survey that showed that 75 per cent of pediatric specialists said many of their referrals could have been handled exclusively by the referring GP.

The relevant issue at hand here is that parents are increasingly seeking out specialist support for normal issues in childhood development…

Common issues such as bed-wetting, constipation, and even concerns about their children’s height.

This speaks to an increasing anxiety among parents, and their quest to ensure their child is developing ‘normally’.

Understandably, this kind of pattern of anxious parenting comes up not only in the physical development of the child, but also their emotional and psychological development.

So how can we know when we’re self- or over-diagnosing our children?

How Much Screen Time is Too Much?

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

Lisa Wilkinson recently made some controversial comments about parents who let their children have ‘screen time’ under the age of five.

Wilkinson called these parents ‘crazy’ and said:

‘Come back to me when they’re 14 and they’re completely and utterly addicted to their screens, they have no social skills, that’s when you realise that what you did early has come back to bite you’.

Many parents have understandably been offended by Wilkinson’s comments.

Not only is the use of digital technology increasingly prevalent and useful in the adult world, but it’s also an important part of school curriculums — even in kindergarten.

And let’s be honest — the interactive and dynamic medium entrances kids, and can give parents some valuable time to get their own things done.

So what is the right amount of screen time for children, if any?

And how do we moderate their usage?

What Constitutes Too Sick for School?

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

Many children (and adults!) will try to ‘chuck a sickie’ once in their lives.

But when the parents are in control, how can you tell when a sick day from school is justified?

There are a number of issues that come into play.

The Psychology of Cleaning

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

‘Tidy House, Tidy Mind’.

A phrase we have most likely all considered at some point in our lives… usually when we’re in the middle of a distinctly un-tidy situation!

And in recent years, the topics of cleaning and de-cluttering have even featured in the NYT best-seller list…

Why?

Because tidying has been linked with both good and bad outcomes.

10 Tips for Being a Better Parent: From a School Principal

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

Teachers may not be child psychologists, but they sure know kids.

Their day-to-day activities, likes and dislikes, attitudes and behaviours…

And they’ve often got good insights into where their behaviours come from.

A recent article in The Guardian revealed how teachers might sometimes understand more about your kids than you realise.

This author of the article — a school principal in the UK — has identified a number of strategies we often use in our work with children and parents.

R U OK? Signs of Depression in Children

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

Thursday of last week was national “R U OK?” day — a day when we are inspired to meaningfully connect with the people around us who may be struggling.

“R U OK?” aims to support people suffering from mental health issues such as depression and anxiety by increasing awareness, encouraging friends and family to reach out, and teaching ways to help and support those around us.

45% of Australians will experience some form of mental illness in their lifetime, and one in seven will experience depression.

And while “R U OK?” has an emphasis on suicide prevention, it does bring up the important issue of being aware and open about mental health issues with those around us, and to take away the stigma from these increasingly common challenges.

So with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the warning signs of depression in young people.

Mindful Pauses — How 30 Seconds of Meditation Can Help to Relieve Anxiety

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

We recently discussed the benefits of mindfulness and meditation and how we use the principles with children in our counselling sessions.

And, while there’s many ways to practice meditation, the benefits of a few moments of meditation a day can go a very long way.

Meditation teacher Jon Krop has listed a few key ways that you or your kids can get some calm and quiet in your life every day, or whenever you need it.

It comes in the form of what he calls a ‘mindful pause’.

The Benefits of Mindfulness and Meditation For Kids and Adults Alike!

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

Not too long ago meditation was thought of as some sort of mysterious ritual conducted in spiritual retreats, rather than at the doctor’s office or psychology clinic.

But in fact meditation and mindfulness are psychological processes and science has discovered many practical benefits to their practice.

Just like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy — one of the most extensively researched and practised psychological treatments — mindfulness addresses the connection between your thoughts, attitudes, behaviour and feelings.

And it can be particularly beneficial in the treatment of anxiety and depression.

So how do our psychologists use mindfulness and meditation in counselling sessions with children?

How Hard Should You Push Your Kids to Play Sport?

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

There’s no question that physical activity is extremely important for kids.

And playing team sport can help to build confidence, learn social skills and teamwork, and establish longer term healthy lifestyle habits.

Furthermore, studies show that kids who play sport are less likely to be overweight, to abuse drugs or alcohol in later years, or to perform badly in school.

But of course not all kids enjoy sport equally.

And if that’s the case for your child?

You’ve probably wondered how hard to push them to get involved…or even if you should push them at all…

There are many factors to consider.

But it’s important to understand the distinction between a gentle nudge in the right direction, and forcing your kids to do things way beyond their will.

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