Raising Children

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Looking Out for Our Kid’s Mental Health

Looking Out for Our Kid’s Mental Health

Dr. Michela Sorensen
Mental illness is not just an adult issue. We know more and more young children are struggling with their mental health. In fact, up to 20 per cent of children experience mental health issues. It can be hard enough for adult to talk about this, let alone 5-year-olds. So, let’s look at some of the warning signs that a child might be struggling with their mental health.  
Why Your Child Should Have an Annual Check Up

Why Your Child Should Have an Annual Check Up

Do you really need to worry about taking your child to the doctor when they are well? The short answer is YES. Just like we recommend adults have an annual check, children should too. Not only does it provide the perfect opportunity to discuss all those questions you wouldn’t necessarily make an appoint for, but it also helps the child establish confidence and trust with their doctor. Doing this early on in life puts children in a great position when it comes to taking care of their health later in life.   
Worried About Your Child’s Gaming Habit? Here’s How You Can Manage It!

Worried About Your Child’s Gaming Habit? Here’s How You Can Manage It!

Dr. Happy

Does your child spend too much time playing video games?  If you’ve answered yes, don’t worry you’re not alone. According to Mental Health Expert and Psychologist Dr. Happy, “95% of parents admitted to being worried about the risks associated with online gaming and the amount of time their children spend playing”. In his latest article for HIF, Dr. Happy, shares his top tips on how to ensure your children develop appropriate and important skills around self-control, decision making and effective communication.

Confronting Your Teenagers About Their Smoking

Confronting Your Teenagers About Their Smoking

Tammy George

Teenagers will experiment. It’s in their inquisitive nature and part of growing up. But no parent wants to see their child’s experimentation turn into a life-long addiction. Thankfully the rate of smoking teens has steadily declined over the past 20 years but there are still too many taking up the habit. If your teen is one of them, that’s one too many in your eyes. But what can you do about it?

How to Recognise Signs of Mental Health Problems in Your Child

How to Recognise Signs of Mental Health Problems in Your Child

Dr. Happy
The so called “negative emotions”, such as depression and anxiety, anger and frustration, are perfectly normal for both children and adults. At the same time, however, there’s a point when “normal” becomes unhealthy; when the intensity or duration of the distress begins to impact on that person’s ability to function or enjoy life, when it impairs their work or schooling or social interactions. So how do we determine when the line’s been crossed? In this article mental health professional, Dr. Happy offers his advice on the practical strategies we can implement if our children are showing signs that they're experiencing a number of mental health issues. 
Does Your Child Have a Food Allergy?

Does Your Child Have a Food Allergy?

Dr. Sam Hay

Did you know that nine common foods are responsible for over 90% of allergic reactions? According to our resident GP Dr. Sam, "Cow's milk, egg, peanut, sesame, soy, tree nuts, wheat and shellfish are the main culprits”. But what exactly causes a food allergy and more importantly why are they becoming increasingly more common in Australian kids? Well, current research indicates that a fear of allergies to foods such as peanuts has led many parents to delay when they introduce these types of foods to their babies. Despite their best intentions though, Dr Sam says that this has in fact compounded the issue – “as ALL foods must be introduced early in a baby’s diet.” In this latest article for HIF, Dr. Sam sifts through the facts to discuss what all parents really need to know about food allergies.

Articles 1 to 12 of 14