November 29, 2015

Five Ways to Help Your Anxious Child

What is childhood anxiety? Whilst it is considered normal to experience a level of anxiety at times, there are a number of factors which make more likely that y our child may experience anxiety, such as: their genetics (i.e., if there is a family history of anxiety), their personality type/temperament, environmental influences and exposure to stressors. Children’s worries tend to focus upon things such as being sick or hurt, being away from caregivers, fear of the dark and ghosts. As children age, worries can change and focus more on their relationships, economics, and social issues. Anxiety in children can manifest in a different way to adults, children they may describe their anxiety as being worried or scared, and teenagers may describe it as “freaking out” or […]
October 15, 2015

7 Tips to Keeping your Risk-Taking Teen Safe

The period of adolescence can be a daunting one for parents of teenagers to navigate. This period can already begin just after 11 years of age. But it is at about 12 years of age that a major increase of neurons and synapses in the frontal cortex of a teenager begins. For most adults the frontal cortex is responsible for emotional regulation and complex reasoning, however this has not yet been properly developed for the adolescent. Before the rational brain can fully develop there is a period of pruning of synapses between the ages of 12-18 years resulting in a loss of 50% of grey matter from the frontal cortex. In contrast, the Amygdala is the part of the brain stimulated the most when adolescents respond […]
August 2, 2015
Research shows children who have secure bonds with their parents are better able to concentrate, have healthy social relationships, perform better academically, and best of all, feel good about themselves… So what constitutes a secure bond anyway? A secure “bond” is developed between caregiver and child when that care-giver is able to provide a “Safe Haven” – a safe place for the child to turn to for comfort and protection. And if the caregiver can consistently and reliably provide that comfort and protection, this sets up a “Secure Base” for the child to feel confident to go out and explore the world. This ability to depend on a parent for safety and security fosters the child’s independence and confidence to explore the world. To develop a […]
April 25, 2014

Mindful Parenting

“Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered” Dr Suess In the ideal world how do you want your child to remember you; what you have been to them in their life and what you have stood for as a person? Parenting mindfully helps you to slow down and experience being with your child. It involves bringing your purposeful awareness to the present moment with your child with an attitude of openness and curiosity. When being fully present with your child you are more able to appreciate them for the unique person they are, even in their worst moments. Mindful parenting assists you in letting go of unhelpful thoughts about your child or worries about what other people may think […]
February 4, 2014

Top 10 Tips for Parent Self-Care

Children are like the barometer of family tension. If your kids are irritable and frustrated, no doubt you have been irritable and frustrated. If your kids have been speaking rudely, sure as eggs you’ve been stressed and shouting. Parents set the mood of the household, and for this reason, I believe it’s paramount that as a parent, you are taking care of yourself. Here are my top 10 tips for parents on how to take care of yourself so that you’re least likely to “flip your lid”. 1. Eat Regularly – hunger is certainly a trigger to “flip your lid”. Try to ensure eating six small meals per day, and don’t go longer than 3 hours without eating something. 2. Eat the Right Foods – the […]
December 14, 2013

The 7 C’s of Resilience

Dr Ginsburg, child paediatrician and human development expert, proposes that there are 7 integral and interrelated components that make up being resilient – competence, confidence, connection, character, contribution, coping and control. Each of these 7 C’s are explained briefly here and in our child and youth resilience group program, our sessions have been crafted carefully in order to include content and group processes that will enhance each and every one of the 7 C’s. 1. Competence – is the ability to know how to handle stressful situations effectively. It requires having the skills to face challenges, and having had the opportunity to practice using these skills so that one feels competent in dealing with situations. Our groups offer stress-reduction and social skills training and by learning these […]

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

COOMERA

Fortune Place
Shop 1, 2 Fortune Street
Coomera QLD 4209

(07) 5551 0251

NERANG

Prana Centre
Suite 3,7027 Southport-Nerang Road
Nerang QLD 4211

(07) 5668 3490