Are Parental Controls Really That Effective?
Dear Dr Justin, a few weeks ago we found our ten-year-old son looking at an explicit website on his iPad. He says he found it accidentally when he was looking for games and we believe him. Read more
How to Find The Joy in School Holidays
School holidays are a chance for families to shake off the end of term blahs and find a bit of joy in their lives. Read more
Protecting Kids From Risky Media and Web Content: 12 Tips From a Psychologist
By: Clare Bruce
Today’s children are the first “born with a phone in their hands”, not knowing what it’s like to live without web-connected devices close at hand. Read more
What is the Best Way to Say ‘No!’ To Your Kids?
Hi Dr Justin, I hate saying no to my kids. I keep softening up, getting talked around, giving in. I’m getting walked all over. How do I set limits and still feel like I’m being a good mum? Read more
When Your Child is Terrified by a Movie or Meme: Expert Advice for Parents and Caregivers
By: Clare Bruce
Every new era of pop culture brings with it a fresh cast of creepy characters sure to frighten the living daylights out of vulnerable kids. Read more
How to Help Kids Process Grief
By: Robert Garrett
When I was 7, my mum passed away. It wasn’t until some 30 years after the fact, that I was finally able to talk about her without ending up in tears. The impact of unresolved grief, particularly on the developing brain (which already functions in a highly emotive state in teenagers), can have long-term implications. I’ve known adults still struggling decades after a tragic event in their childhood. Read more
Dealing With Bullying: Putting Power in its Place
By: Rachel Doherty
Bullying can be a difficult issue for parents to deal with, but when we boil it down to its basics, it’s all about power. Read more
How Can I Teach My Kids to Be Safe Without Scaring Them?
Hi Dr Justin, we recently had a family meeting and decided on a family safe word – a word we can use in case someone other than family has to pick the kids up. I know I need to explain to my kids why we need a safe word, but I’m worried about scaring them, especially my five year old. How can I teach her how to be safe without scaring her? Read more
Great Fathers Make Time For Their Children
By: Robert Garrett
Time and money are two of life’s scarce resources. How a person spends those limited resources provides an interesting window into their real priorities. Read more
40 Social Skills Every Child Needs to Master for Success
By: Rachel Doherty
Social skills are a set of actions we need to get on with others and navigate life. Parents, youth workers and school chaplains are well placed to help children and teenagers not only develop them, but keep them too. Read more