Parenting

Questions to Ask Your Kids Today, and Everyday!

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

Talking often and openly with your children is — quite obviously — incredibly important.

It strengthens your bond, gives you insight into their feelings, keeps you on top of any struggles they may be dealing with, and significantly, it lets them know you’re there for them when they need you.

Plus, we’ve discussed how important family time is on several occasions, and how speaking with your children in certain moments will keep them engaged, help them to focus, and even to be less reliant on technology.

Car trips and meal times are perfect opportunities to spark up meaningful and productive conversations with your kids.

But particularly for young kids, sometimes getting more than a one-word answer can be like pulling teeth!

So how do we engage with children in a way that will benefit you both?

Changing Dietary Habits for Fussy Eaters

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

In a recent post on our blog, we discussed the links between diet and mental health.

The nutritional content of the foods we consume (or lack of) have shown to have varying impacts on our cognitive processes including memory, and our experiences of anxiety, depression and happiness.

Many parents are accustomed to fussy eaters in the family…

But some are more stubborn than others, and some show genuine aversions to specific (often healthy) foods.

So how do we get deal with fussy eaters, and encourage them to consume more nutrient-rich foods, for both their mental and physical wellbeing?

Why Australian Students May Be Falling Behind, and Private Tutoring is Booming

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

According to a recent article in The Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian education is failing our kids.

While the school curriculum is becoming increasingly academically rigorous, more and more students are falling behind…

And the result is an increase in private tutoring for students around the country.

Health educator and GP Dr Annemarie Christie attributes these findings to a number of factors.

Why We Should Avoid Asking ‘Why?’

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

When children exhibit behaviour we disapprove of or don’t understand, one thing often comes to mind (and from our mouths)…

Why?

‘Why haven’t you done your homework?’

‘Why did you leave your clothes on the floor?’

‘Why aren’t you playing with your friends today?’

The list of curiosities and questions goes on and on, likely on a daily basis.

But there’s a good reason why we should avoid asking why, says our staff psychologist Christina Rigoli, and it’s all about clarity of communication.

Starting the New School Year on the Right Foot

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

Summer holidays have been and gone, and the beginning of the new school year is upon us.

And the transition from long days and late bed times back to a rigid routine can be a bit of a shock to the system.

But with some effort put into how you and your children will approach the new school year, you can make the change as smooth as possible and help your child get the most out of their schooling.

So with some reflections from our blog posts from over the years, here are some of our top tips for making 2017 your child’s best academic year yet.

How to Become a Better Listener

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

A concept that comes up a lot on this blog and in our dealings with children and parents is the importance of listening.

Really listening to your children is an integral way to build or maintain a healthy and mutually respectful relationship.

And especially for adolescents, having someone to talk to openly and honestly about the challenges you are facing can make all the difference…

For parents, actively listening to your children helps you to understand where they’re coming from in all matter of issues, from bullying to problematic behaviour or depression and anxiety…

And this can help you to make better choices in your interactions with them going forward.

But how do we know if we’re being good listeners?

And how can we become better listeners?

Believing in Santa Claus: Harmless or Hurtful?

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

So the Christmas period is well and truly over…

But various media outlets have begged the question:

Should the Santa myth be over too?

The Side-Effects of Teenage Sleepiness

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

We all know what a bad night sleep can do to our mood and ability to function throughout the day.

But for working adults, we’re generally forced to self-motivate and get on with things, often with the help of caffeine.

For teenagers, on the other hand, sleepiness can have more ongoingly detrimental consequences at school.

Dissapointing ATAR results? There’s no such thing.

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

This past week has likely been a time of excitement, anxiety and relief for year 12 students across the country, with the release of their final year results.

And while many students will be satisfied with their results, others will undoubtedly be upset or dissapointed.

Although this is a natural response to the situation, the last thing a recent year 12 graduate should feel is dissapointed with themselves.

And as the parent, you need to tell them why.

Consider, and share with them, the following points.

Are You Monitoring Your Own Technology Usage?

by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services

Are you concerned that your child is addicted to technology, or spends too much time looking at screens?

You may want to take a look at your own digital usage…

A recent study in the US found that parents spend on average 9 hours and 22 minutes a day looking at digital screens.

And only an hour and a half of that time was for work!

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