Helping your blended family thrive, not just survive
One in five Australians are part of a blended family. Statistically, 30% of the kids in your child’s school class will be part of a blended…
Category: Articles
How to Raise a Rebel
I’ve been running parenting workshops full-time around Australia for close to ten years, and in all that time, no parent has ever told me: “I…
Forget ‘overscheduling’ versus ‘boredom’ – Self-direction is the key to a great summer.
The long hot days of summer can be challenging for families. Work commitments keep parents out of the home and away from their children. And…
Christmas Day and Divorced Families
Christmas is the most wonderful time of year. But… not for everybody. Many people are lonely. Many people are struggling with mental illness. Many people…
You’re Taking Forever!!!
If you’ve got kids (and even if you don’t), you’re well aware that Christmas morning is the most hotly anticipated moment of the year. Kids…
The Santa Conversation
Christmas time is around the corner and before we know it, our children will begin to talk about all the things that Santa will bring them.…
Are Activity Trackers Good for Children?
Wearable trackers like the Fitbit, Garmin, Moove, or even smart-watches are gaining significant market-share with children – and with Christmas so close, it’s likely that…
Six Science-Backed Benefits of Gratitude
I recently wrote an article about Halloween. I argued that it’s actually a whole lot of fun and we should embrace it. Some people responded…
Why Your Kids Need a Tribe
Everyone needs to be known by someone. Just one significant other. For our kids, knowing that they are known and loved by one caring adult…
Teaching your Child the Art of Psychological Flexibility
Have you ever watched what happens when your child or teen is upset, sad, or challenged? Sure, they might become more emotional. We’ve all seen…
A Balanced Approach to Parenting
I had a call from a journalist recently. She asked me, “Have you heard of Panda parenting? It’s kind of different to Tiger Parenting. It’s…
An Australian Halloween
Here are 5 Reasons we should enjoy Halloween, and stop being such a pumpkin about it Australians of a certain generation seem to really hate…
What to Say to Your Kids When They’re Going on Their First Date
Australia doesn’t have much of a dating culture. Our kids aren’t usually asking someone on a date, going out as a couple, and then dating…
Navigating Your Children’s Unequal Abilities
It’s an objective fact: one of our children is always going to be better than another child at any given activity. One child might be…
How Can I Help my Child be Resilient?
Today’s parents are working overtime to help pave the way for their kids. The New York Times has dubbed them ‘snowplow’ or ‘lawn mower parents’ – ‘machines chugging ahead,…
What to do when your teen is caught ‘sexting’
“Dear Dr Justin, I have a teenage daughter who has been sending inappropriate photos to boys, and one has been shared around amongst her peer…