Most children feel nervous about school occasionally, whether they are starting a new year, navigating a difficult week with friends, or worried about a test. This kind of reluctance is common and usually short-lived, but school refusal is something quite different, and understanding the distinction matters. When a child consistently refuses to attend school, experiences significant distress in the mornings, or is frequently absent despite a parent’s best efforts, it can be e

For many years, ADHD was understood primarily through the lens of how it presents in boys: visible hyperactivity, disruptive classroom behaviour, and difficulty sitting still. This understanding shaped both research and clinical practice, leaving many girls unidentified and unsupported for far too long. We now know that ADHD presents differently in girls and young women. Without an understanding of these differences, girls with ADHD can go unrecognised for years, often until

Anxiety is the most common mental health difficulty experienced by children and adolescents in Australia, and it is also one of the most frequently misunderstood. Adults sometimes mistake anxious behaviour for defiance, attention-seeking, or overreaction, while children themselves may not have the language to describe what they are experiencing. Understanding what anxiety looks like in children, how it differs from typical worry, and when professional support may be helpful c

Many children struggle with maths at some point during their schooling, and for some, the difficulty is temporary: a topic that does not click, a gap in understanding that catches up, or a period of low confidence that resolves with practice and encouragement. For others, however, the struggle is more persistent, more pervasive, and more distressing despite continued effort and good teaching. When a child’s difficulties with numbers and mathematical concepts are ongoing, two

For many parents, considering an autism assessment for their child brings a mix of emotions. Some families have wondered for years whether their child might be autistic, while others are responding to concerns raised by teachers, early childhood educators or health professionals. Feeling uncertain, worried or overwhelmed at this stage is entirely understandable. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects many Australian children, yet it remains widely misunderstood. This can make

ADHD often shows up in everyday life long before it is formally named. Parents may notice ongoing difficulties with attention, organisation, emotional regulation, or behaviour that affect school, friendships, and family routines. Over time, these challenges can begin to impact a child’s confidence and a parent’s sense of certainty about how best to help. For many Australian families, questions about ADHD therapy  arise not just after a diagnosis, but during periods of strain,

Reading difficulties often show up gradually. A child may work hard yet fall behind, take far longer than peers to complete homework, or become increasingly frustrated with school tasks that rely on reading and writing. For many families, concern builds over time rather than beginning with a single moment or diagnosis. Parents frequently ask whether their child is simply developing at their own pace, responding to gaps in instruction, or whether an underlying learning differe

Australia’s new under-16 social media restrictions have sparked widespread discussion and, for many Australian families, a fair amount of confusion. Parents are hearing strong and often conflicting opinions about whether social media is harmful or helpful for teenagers, while young people are responding to sudden changes in how they connect with friends and communities online. From the perspective of a child and adolescent psychologist , this confusion is understandable. When

How to support your teen while they navigate Australia's new social media age restrictions

What research in child psychology tells us can help Distressing or tragic events can reach children in many ways. Sometimes they are discussed openly within families. Other times, children overhear adult conversations, see headlines on a television left running, or encounter information online without context. Even when events happen far away, they can still feel close and unsettling for a child who is trying to make sense of the world. Many parents find themselves unsure abo

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As parents, we all strive to raise great kids who are emotionally intelligent, resilient, and capable of handling life’s challenges. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through Emotion Coaching . This approach involves teaching children how to understand and regulate their emotions, fostering a strong parent-child bond and promoting healthy emotional development. What is Emotion Coaching? Emotion Coaching  is a parenting technique that involves recognising, unde

February 21, 2019 A good night’s sleep has many physical and psychological benefits. Sleep helps to maintain a healthy and balanced body and a strong immune system. It also regulates energy levels. Interestingly research suggests that sleep helps to solidify new memories and skills, so it is particularly important when considering performance at school. A lack of sleep can impact on behaviour, emotions and ability to focus in a negative way. Adolescents often struggle with ma

February 5, 2019 Many of us with young children have learned to dread bedtime. It can be a real struggle for lots of families. Managing our children’s behaviours, anxieties and sometimes flat out tantrums can really push our buttons. Bedtime can however provide an opportunity to spend some quality time with your child, where you can engage in nurturing behaviours like story-telling or hugging. If a solid and consistent bed-time routine is developed it can even be a time to te

As parents, one of our most important roles is to teach our children essential life skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Problem-solving skills are among the most critical abilities a child can develop. These skills enable us to handle everything from everyday challenges to more complex issues. By teaching your child how to solve problems effectively, you can help them become more confident, resilient, and capable in navigating life’s ups and downs. Why Are P

What are Cognitive Assessments for children? Does my child need one? Navigating the world of child psychology and education can be challenging for any parent. When someone suggests a cognitive assessment for your child, it can feel overwhelming to understand what that really means and why it might be beneficial. Cognitive assessments can provide valuable insights into your child’s unique learning profile, helping you make well-informed decisions about their education and dev

Anger outbursts in children can be challenging for both parents and caregivers. Understanding the underlying causes of these outbursts and finding effective strategies to manage them is crucial for fostering emotional well-being and maintaining a peaceful home environment. Here, we explore several evidence-based approaches to help reduce anger outbursts in children and promote emotional regulation. 1. Understanding Anger Outbursts in Children • Developmental and Cognitive Fa

May 24, 2020 With schools in NSW returning to full-time face-to-face learning this week, many children will no doubt be excited to see their friends and get out of the house. However, some kids may be feeling nervous about this transition. Children might be worried that this new ‘normal’ won’t be the same as before COVID-19, about how to safely interact with others, or about how friendship groups might have changed during lockdown. We have put together some tips to help paren

June 3, 2020 As we slowly return to our pre-pandemic routines, families are no doubt encountering some unexpected challenges with this transition. One such challenge may be children becoming more irritable, aggressive, or throwing tantrums at the prospect of reduced screen time. During the many weeks of lockdown, parents and children have relied heavily on devices and the internet for work, education, and entertainment. From zoom calls with grandparents, to online learning a

Starting therapy can feel like a big step for both parents and children. When you’re preparing for your child’s first visit to a psychologist , you might find yourself wondering about the best way to introduce this new experience. It’s common to worry about how your child will react—will they feel anxious, confused, or even resistant to the idea? These are natural concerns, and as a parent, you want to approach the topic in a way that feels reassuring and supportive. At Sydne