Managing change with psychological flexibility
After a recent family relocation, I have been thinking a lot about how my family and I deal with change. I recalled many of the changes across my life; international moves with my children all born on different continents, two very different careers, family members passing away, my children becoming teenagers. Change still brings up complex emotion for me, yet I realise I have also changed my orientation toward it over the years.
How much is too much when it comes to screen time?
As Psychologists we often get asked about how much screen time is appropriate for young people. This question often comes from the concern that screen time, in and of itself, is a ‘bad’ thing and should be limited – however it is important to acknowledge that digital technology is a part of modern life and brings many benefits – including opportunities for learning and socialising.
Getting Ready for the HSC Exams
In my job I have had the pleasure of working with numerous young people over the years prepare to sit their HSC exams. As the 2020 HSC exams approach for another year, I have found myself again discussing these ‘big exams’. It is not uncommon for these conversations to assist the young person in addressing their expectations and reducing the pressure they put on themselves. For many, HSC exams are approached with a fear of failure- that they will achieve significantly worst results than any other exam period in the past. The exams are perceived as significantly different from past exams. They are seen as like ‘nothing before’.
Self Compassion for Parents
When was the last time you beat yourself up for the way you acted towards your kids? Parenting is hard enough, but it can be made even harder by being your own worst critic. Maybe there’s a voice in your head saying that you’re a terrible parent because you lost your temper this morning, or you feel like a failure because you’ve missed your child’s basketball game two weekends in a row.
How to Respond to Bullying
As children grow and learn, they are constantly navigating social relationships and learning how to interact with others. Sadly, for many children, this also means learning to cope with bullies.
Bullying is a pattern of behaviour – it is a set of repeated, deliberate, unkind, and/or unsafe social, verbal, physical or cyber behaviour that causes harm to someone who has less power.
Is It Okay To Let Kids Make Mistakes?
Should I let my child make mistakes, once they are old enough to know better? Wouldn’t it be easier if I just did it myself? Here are some reasons why letting kids make mistakes is better for their growth and their mental health.
Forgotten Strengths of Neurodiverse Children
Every child is unique and neurodiverse children are no exception. It is important to recognise and use their strengths. I wonder what you can learn from your child’s strengths?
Parenting Traps: Common Difficulties of Parenting Neurodiverse Children and How to Avoid Them
In the early days when it's first identified that a child is struggling or has been newly diagnosed, parents are particularly vulnerable to a bunch of common pitfalls...
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“Good Enough” Parenting is Better than Perfect
A good enough parent is one who gives their child time and attention, and adequately meets their physical and emotional needs. A good enough parent also makes mistakes some of the time, and that is okay.
Free Parenting with no burnout webinar what is it about
#parenting #relationships #covidcare
Free Parenting with no burnout webinar what is it about
#parenting #relationships #covidcare
I was out for a walk today and noticed this sign. It looked like a regular tree out the front of a regular house. When I planned upwards I noticed that it was a very tall tree indeed. Branches of that…
I was out for a walk today and noticed this sign. It looked like a regular tree out the front of a regular house. When I planned upwards I noticed that it was a very tall tree indeed. Branches of that size falling from that height would indeed cause some decent damage to those walking past and those seeking shade underneath.
I thought a little about watching out for our branches shedding, from the winds of stress, and the brittleness of exhaustion. We too can shed in ways that could (unwittingly) cause harm to those who take shelter from us.
For some upcoming programs to prevent this from happening see the comments!
#burnout #parenting #psychologist
Let’s take care of the parent
Right now our phone lines are hot with worried and anxious parents .... we have something coming up to take care of you, our weary and warrior parents!
#parents #burnout #selfcare
Parenting Advice: Relationship Matters!
It’s no doubt that being a parent or caregiver is one of the most challenging roles in the world. You are on call 24/7 - the nurse, the counsellor, the friend, the taxi, the bank, the maid, the chef, the problem solver - going above and beyond to try to meet your child’s needs and care for them. No matter what role you adopt for your child, at the end of the day the relationship with your child is what matters most.
Seeing a child psychologist for the first time … what to say and prepare #childpsychology#childpsychologist #parenting
Seeing a child psychologist for the first time ... what to say and prepare #childpsychology#childpsychologist #parenting
What does a child psychologist do?
If you’re thinking about taking your child to see a psychologist, it is normal to have questions about what child psychologists do, and how they can help your family. In this blog, I’ll answer some commonly asked questions about what a child psychologist does.
Making mistakes with grace, a project to bust up that pesky perfectionism #perfectionism #grace #selfcompassion
Making mistakes with grace, a project to bust up that pesky perfectionism #perfectionism #grace #selfcompassion
Why Am I So Rejection-Sensitive?
While it is true that no-one actually enjoys feeling rejected, for some of us, a sensitivity to rejection can become more than the sum of its parts - it can become a mechanism for social isolation and chronic mental health issues. If this is your experience, understanding the components that have come together to create your sensitivity is an important place to start.
What Have You Learnt From COVID-19?
As we all come out of COVID-19, let's start a conversation with our loved ones around how we want life to look like moving forward. Does it look the same as before or does it look different?
Want to Reconnect With Your Child? Here’s How.
Special Time involves setting aside a regular 15-minute block where a parent spends individual time with a child. So how exactly do you do it?
Helping Your Child Manage Big Feelings
By acknowledging and reflecting your child’s emotions, e.g. “You are so mad your brother broke your toy”, your acceptance of your child’s feelings helps them to recognise and accept their own emotions.
Rewards in our job and roles and how they link to our measures of wellbeing at work #motivation #burnout #moneymindset
Rewards in our job and roles and how they link to our measures of wellbeing at work #motivation #burnout #moneymindset
Checking in on our high school children #depression #anxiety #anger
Checking in on our high school children #depression #anxiety #anger
What are we searching for today Australia?
#trends #mentalhealth #knowthyself
What are we searching for today Australia?
#trends #mentalhealth #knowthyself
Clinical nuggets from today: Narrating events and not jumping to solutions
#processing #reflection
Clinical nuggets from today: Narrating events and not jumping to solutions
#processing #reflection
Good Habits for Students
I often observe that some habits that lead to overwork or avoidance stem as far back as high school or university days. Here I map out something I did with my high schooler this weekend that respected their need for meaning and interest in their work, while juggling commitments to their overall study load.
COVID-19 and Self-Worth
COVID-19 has been impacting people in so many different ways. If you notice your overall sense of confidence and self-worth being lower, you are not alone. Small steps we take or don’t take can have significant differences in our level of confidence.
Worried About Your ATAR?
It might feel like the world is crumbling around you, yet somehow, you’re still required to focus on getting good grades and making a certain ATAR. I want you to know that everything will be okay. What you’re experiencing will pass, and your ATAR will not define your future.
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Quick Links
Are you getting caught in the trap of jumping to the conclusion that your HSC Exams are going to be nothing like any other exam you have ever done before? #HSC #atar #year12
What do you do when things don't go the way you want it to? Click the link to listen to Valerie Ling talk about coming to terms and accepting when things don't go according to plan.
ow.ly/WS8G50BVRe3
What you're experiencing will pass, and your ATAR will not define your future. -Naomi Fenton #HSC #atar #year12
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