Why do Teenagers Become ‘Allergic’ to their Parents?
Dear Dr Justin, “My son is 14 and up until recently we have always been close. When he got in from school he couldn’t wait…
Category: Articles
How to Lay a Strong Foundation for Health and Happiness in your Teenage Daughter
Video Interview with Edwina Murphy-Droomer for the Masterclass “Empowering a League of Extraordinary Mothers.” Watch the full interview here
When is it OK to Leave your Child Home Alone?
I was born in the 1970s, and raised in a lower-to-middle-class suburb. Mum and Dad ran their own business and they both worked long hours. This meant…
Are Smart Toys Safe?
There is a toy revolution building. Kids toys are becoming smarter. It’s part of the “internet of things”, which basically means that every “thing” you…
How To Keep Kids Motivated To Play Sport
In some circles, junior sport has become a hotbed of competition and comparison. The push to “do your best” starts early. Kids want to win and they…
Can We Discipline Other People’s Kids?
Hi Dr Justin, “I was in a park recently with my two kids (aged 4 and 1). A boy there was being a little rough so we…
Toddlers and Television
I have written in this column – for years – that excessive screen time, including watching television, is not good for anyone, but is especially…
Making Mornings Magic
A mum recently had the morning off. Her husband agreed to get the kids set for school, and she took advantage of her newfound freedom…
How to Motivate Kids – and Why Rewards Aren’t the Answer
How do you motivate kids? It may be one of the biggest struggles parents and teachers experience. We remind them to clean their room or…
People Matter More Than Things
As Chad walked into the kitchen he spotted his three-year-old son riding a skateboard around the kitchen island. He was in a hurry, so he…
How Play is Changing
In today’s blog I want to ask you two questions. Pretty simple ones. First, how do your children play? Second, how is their play different from…
My Son Won’t Talk About His Day
Hi Dr Justin, “My son won’t talk when he comes home from school. I ask him how his day was and he just says, “Fine.” I ask…
Can Mindfulness Calm My Child?
Mindfulness has become one of the buzzwords of the past decade. Mindfulness is receiving hype in corporations, educational institutions, psychologist’s offices, fitness centres, and increasingly in…
Emotional Intelligence
The bell had just rung for the end of recess. Children were heading back to their classrooms, and Year 1 teacher Mrs Boonen was preparing…
Same Page Parenting
Hi Dr Justin, “My husband and I see parenting so differently. He expects the kids to always be ready to listen, do as they’re told,…
How to Raise Kids Who Read
There’s a reason that experts make a big deal about telling parents to read to their children. Reading to kids (not using devices but using…