For children growing up in a new country, the journey of identity can be both enriching and overwhelming. Immigrant children often find themselves balancing two worlds—the culture of their family’s heritage and the culture of the society they now live in. While this duality can foster resilience and adaptability, it can also lead to confusion, isolation, or a sense of not fully belonging anywhere. Honouring roots through cultural connection matters for immigrant children's me

In the classroom, independence isn’t just about students completing tasks on their own—it’s about nurturing confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being. From a mental health standpoint, fostering independence is a powerful way to support children’s development and help them thrive both academically and personally.

In a world of screens and schedules, nature offers children a rare invitation: to slow down, tune in, and grow from the inside out. Engaging with the outdoors isn’t just about fresh air and muddy boots — it’s a powerful way to support mental health, build emotional literacy, and build resilience. When children explore natural spaces, they’re not just playing — they’re practicing regulation. Nature doesn’t judge or rush; it mirrors back a child’s curiosity, creativity, and cap

Teaching is a deeply rewarding profession, but it’s also one of the most emotionally demanding. Between lesson planning, student needs, administrative pressures, and the ever-shifting educational landscape, teachers often find themselves stretched thin. Amid these challenges, one of the most powerful yet overlooked sources of support is a healthy peer group.

Belief systems begin forming early in life. They’re shaped by family, culture, education, religion, and personal experiences. A child who grows up hearing “You’re capable” may internalize confidence, while one who hears “You’ll never succeed” may struggle with self-worth. Over time, these beliefs become mental filters—guiding how we interpret events and respond to challenges. Our belief systems shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world.

Children are natural meaning-makers. They interpret the world through developing cognitive frameworks, often shaped by emotion, experience, and imagination. But when these interpretations become skewed or rigid, they can lead to cognitive distortions—unhelpful thinking patterns that impact mood, behaviour, and self-esteem. Understanding these cognitive distortions in children is vital for parents, educators, and clinicians supporting children’s emotional wellbeing. Here are

Assertiveness is a key social skill that helps children express their needs, set boundaries, and navigate relationships respectfully. For kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or those who struggle with communication, learning to be assertive can be life-changing — especially when they’ve had difficult experiences or are working to reintegrate into school or community life. Teaching assertiveness to kids with social challenges can be quite challenging.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to truly connect with your child can feel like a luxury. But bonding doesn’t have to be elaborate—it just needs to be intentional. Creative activities offer a powerful way to nurture your child’s emotional wellbeing while strengthening your relationship.

Gratitude is more than good manners—it’s a mindset that shapes how children see themselves, others, and the world around them. In a fast-paced, often self-focused society, teaching children to express appreciation is a quiet but powerful act of emotional and social development. The power of gratitude and why teaching children to say "thank you" matters more than we think.

In Australia’s diverse classrooms, teachers play a pivotal role in shaping inclusive learning environments where every child—regardless of ability—feels seen, supported, and empowered. For children with special needs, this support can be life-changing. By empowering every learner and supporting children with special needs teachers become a vital instrument for change.

Raising resilient kids begins with nurturing their belief in themselves. Self-efficacy—the confidence in one’s ability to succeed—is a key factor in how children approach challenges, setbacks, and new experiences. When kids believe they can overcome obstacles, they’re more likely to persevere, take initiative, and recover from failure with greater ease.

As mental health professionals, working collaboratively with schools is essential to provide holistic support to children. Schools are...

Siblings—whether they're partners in crime, fierce rivals, or both—play a unique role in a child’s mental and emotional development. From the moment they come into each other’s lives, siblings provide an everyday opportunity to learn, grow, and navigate the world together. For many children, siblings are their first peers. They practice important life skills such as sharing, problem-solving, setting boundaries, and resolving conflict—all from the comfort (and chaos!) of thei

Technology, when used mindfully, can be a powerful tool in promoting and supporting children’s mental health. From digital platforms to wearable tech, it offers a range of opportunities to enhance emotional regulation, build resilience, and provide access to timely support. Tech savvy tools for tiny minds is about how technology can support kids mental health.

Children have an incredible capacity to connect with animals—whether it’s a playful puppy, a gentle horse, or a quiet guinea pig. These...

There’s often an invisible connection between a parent’s mental health and a child’s emotional world. This connection means that even when struggles aren’t spoken aloud, children can sense and respond to a parent’s stress, anxiety, or low mood. That’s why understanding how mental health affects your child is so important — it helps create space for healing, support, and positive change for the whole family. Small steps toward parental wellbeing can strengthen this bond.

n today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven world, the mental health of children is more important than ever. While therapy, supportive environments, and open communication are vital, one of the simplest yet most effective tools for promoting emotional wellbeing in children is sport. Engaging in sport offers far more than physical benefits. Regular physical activity can significantly boost mood, improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and build resilience.

Building strong, trusting relationships between parents and children begins with open and respectful communication. When parents take time to listen without judgment and respond with curiosity rather than correction, children feel seen and valued. Simple, open-ended questions like “What was the best part of your day?” can spark conversations that deepen connection. It’s also important for parents to be emotionally available — showing genuine interest in their child’s world an

Dad holding his son's hand

Emotional and behavioural concerns are often deeply rooted in the family system. Integrating family dynamics into therapy recognises that children do not exist in isolation — they are shaped by relationships, communication patterns, attachment styles, and the overall emotional climate of their home.