5 Ways to Make Family Life More Fun
For many of us, fun stopped becoming spontaneous and automatic around the time that we decided we had to be responsible adults. But if we…
Category: Articles
Learning to Let Go: How An Outing with my Kids was the Perfect Lesson in the Power of Empathy
Each week in our home we make it a priority to have at least a few high quality hours of family time. With six children,…
7 Things to Say to Boost Your Child’s Self Esteem
Self-esteem means liking who you are, and feeling like you’re “ok”. Having high levels of self-esteem is correlated with better outcomes in life – especially…
How to Banish Tech and Make Mealtimes Matter
Meal time matters. It’s a widely acknowledged fact. Researchers have found that families that eat their meals together have children who are 35% less likely to engage…
6 Strategies for Respectful Relationships
Nothing puts fire into the belly of parents faster than a child being disrespectful. When our kids ignore us, stomp their feet, slam the door, or…
Should our Young Children have Boyfriends or Girlfriends at School?
In August 2016, a 10-year- old girls’ letter to her teacher went viral after she implored the school to let students have boyfriends and girlfriends. During the…
Does Sugar Make Children Go Crazy?
Growing up in my house it was the red cordial. One of my friends swears it’s the chocolate. And a relative who will not be named…
Our Son’s Mood Swings and Rude Behaviours are Impossible to Deal With
Hi Dr Justin, We have been asking friends, family members and even Dr Google (!) for help when it comes to dealing with our 3yr…
5 Ways to Become the Best Parent you can be
Think of the times that your parenting has been its best. Those times where you were unconditionally there for your child and it felt right.…
Why is 2am ‘Wake-up Time’ for my Toddler?
Hi Dr Justin, We’re going crazy. Our daughter is our second child, just turned 2 last week, and is an overall delight in every way…
I Work Full-time. How do I Connect With my Kids?
Dear Dr Justin, I work full-time and have a toddler, and am keenly reminded every day of how much I missing out in terms of…
Do you Know your Child’s Love Language?
Twenty-one years ago, Gary Chapman wrote a book called The 5 Love Languages. In his book, he argued that there are five different ways that…
Competition: Good or Bad for Kids?
Do Children Do Better or Worse with Competition? I consider myself anti-competitive. I do not like competition, and I believe that it is particularly unhelpful…
My Girl Who’s 2 Just Won’t Poo
Hi Dr Justin, I have started toilet training my daughter who will be three in April. She’s really good at doing her wees on the…
How do I Stop the Cycle of Abuse?
Hi Justin, I am a mother of five – ages 19, 17, 12, seven and four – and I’m struggling with the younger two who…
Easing the Impact of Bad News for Kids
Watching the news Every time we turn on the news these last few weeks we have been confronted with terrible stories. It’s hard to know…