How to Recognise Signs of Mental Health Problems in Your ChildByDr. Happy 29 May 2017The 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. Category:Mental Health, Raising ChildrenRead More0 Comments
Does Your Child Have a Food Allergy? ByDr. Sam Hay 16 March 2017Did 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.Category:General Medical, Raising Children, Conditions and TreatmentsRead More0 Comments
Mindful Parenting - How You Can Help Your Kids ThriveByDr. Happy 02 March 2017How can we help our kids thrive? According to Dr. Happy, "The answer is “non-judgemental observation”. That is, observing phenomena (like thoughts and feelings) with curiosity but without labelling as either good or bad. This type of mindful parenting gives us the opportunity to respond more calmly; more positively; with the best interests of all involved given more weight. It puts space between a particular action and a parents reaction, enabling us to feel more in control and to act in a more considered manner." So how do we put this into practice? Check out this article to read Dr. Happy's top five tips.Category:Mental Health, Family First, Raising ChildrenRead More0 Comments
Reducing Sugar in your Child's DietByTammy GeorgeCelebrity chefs and weight loss experts have been encouraging us to eat less sugar for some years. Sugar is partly to blame for more than 60% of Australian adults who are considered to be overweight or obese. PhD researcher Masoor Shariff compared sugar consumption to drug abuse and found some similarities in changes to the layout of our brain cells. With the evidence mounting against sugar, what can you do to wean your child off their high sugar diet?Category:Nutrition, Raising ChildrenRead More0 Comments