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…
Tag: Happier Homes
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…
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…
The Tech Experiment
“Kids! We have an announcement. No limits on screens for this weekend!” This was our friends’ announcement on a recent family weekend. An “experiment” if…
Screens Are The Enemy… But They Don’t Have to Be
Screens are creating bigger issues in our homes than almost anything else. They interrupt routines and distract us and our children from other priorities. There…
How to Play with your Kids – and Enjoy It
You may have noticed a really big difference between children and grown-ups. No I’m not talking about the physical size difference, or the more obvious…
Screens in Bedrooms?
Hi Dr Justin, “My partner and I are arguing about whether screens cause problem behaviour in kids or not. I say they do but he…
10 Steps to Reducing Sibling Conflict
I don’t remember who said it first but the best way to stop sibling rivalry and sibling squabbles is… to not have siblings. Too late?…
Body & Cyber Safety: How to Pre-arm and Protect Your Children
Protecting children from harm in today’s digital age is more important—and more challenging—than ever. From social media risks to cyber safety and the rising prevalence…
Is My Mother-in-Law Ruining my Child with Screens?
Hi Dr Justin, “My husband’s mum watches our twelve-month-old daughter three days a week so I can work. I’m really grateful she helps us because…
Keeping our Children Safe from Child Abuse
In Australia in 2014/15 there were just under 320,000 reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. Can I say that one more time for emphasis?…
Is Homework Helpful? The Homework Letter I Send To School Each Year
A few years ago, I wrote the below homework letter to my children’s teachers. I’ve used it every year since for all of my children…
Are Sleepovers OK?
Dear Dr Justin, My husband and I have decided that our children won’t have sleepovers until they’re at least 10. We’ve heard too many stories…
16 Gifts our Children Need For Christmas
There’s no denying that gifts are a huge part of Christmas, especially for children. And every year at Christmas time articles appear warning of rampant…
Have I Ruined Christmas for My Child by Telling the Truth About Santa?
Determining the right time to tell your kids the truth about Santa (if ever) is a tough decision that many parents are unsure about. So when…
5 Ways to Set Screen Time Limits With Your Children
Screens have become an integral part of modern family life, but too much screen time can lead to challenges, from strained relationships to mental and…