Parent Power Campaigning for Change
It is true: decisions are made by those who show up. But where to show up? I’m a busy mum of three kids, and I work. I’m on the P&C at my children’s school and give as much time as I can, but that’s such a small part of the bigger picture. Where do I show up to make a difference on issues such as junk food advertising to kids? Or food labelling that is easy to understand? Or making sure every kid is immunised? Where do I show up to make the most difference on the issues that matter to me? Read full article
Junk Food Linked to Young Children’s Mental Health Problems
Researchers at Deakin University recently published research linking poor diet in pregnant women and in their young children, with children’s higher levels of behavioural and emotional problems. The investigators studied the diets of over 23,000 pregnant women and their children, and concluded after a five year follow-up, that early exposure to what is commonly known as ‘junk food’, increases the risk of poor mental health. Read full article
Discounted Entry to Mind and Its Potential Conference in November 2013, Sydney
Stimulate your mind at the 8th annual Mind & Its Potential conference and unleash your brain power in all areas of life! happychild readers can use this promotion code to receive a 20% discount on registration fee. Read full article
Missing the Moments– Feeling Sentimental As Children Grow Up
A couple of months ago I attended a performance of Joanna Murray-Smith’s new play, Fury. At one stage the central female character, Alice, comments that it’s often best we don’t know when it’s the last occasion of anything. I can’t remember her exact words, but I do remember the example she quoted: the last time her (now rebellious) teenage son and only child had shared a bed with his mum and dad in the morning. As parents we know this particular ‘last time’ must come for a whole variety of reasons, but I can’t help looking back on those (now past) years of morning cuddles with a twinge of sadness. Read full article
Teens–Accept the Dad Friend Request and Improve Your Relationship
We know that traditional media can be an integral part of family life – watching television together, sharing the paper on a Sunday, having the radio on in the background – but less is known about what happens when families connect using new forms of media, like Facebook and Twitter. Researchers from Brigham Young University in Utah, United States, recently looked at outcomes when adolescents network with their parents on social media. The conclusion? Stronger feelings of connection, leading to more positive outcomes for the adolescent. Read full article
Free Talk About the Impact of Violence and Trauma on Children
Join child psychiatry expert, Professor Louise Newman, in conversation with ABC Life Matters presenter, Natasha Mitchell, and a childcare trauma specialist as they explore the impact of violence and trauma on children’s development. This Next 200 Dialogue is hosted by The Benevolent Society, the State Library of NSW and Radio National. Read full article
Competition–Win Free Registration to the Infant and Early Childhood Social and Emotional Wellbeing Conference
Win free registration to the Infant and Early Childhood Social and Emotional Wellbeing Conference in Canberra in October/November. Described as a "call to action", the program promises to be participative, innovative, stimulating, thought-provoking and enriching. Posing the questions: What vision do we want for our future? and Where should we be focussing our attention and efforts?, the conference will focus on what we can do to ensure children's social and emotional wellbeing and good mental health. Read full article
NexusEQ Conference – Emotion, Neuroscience, Learning, Leadership
Described as the 'Emotional Intelligence Fair', NexusEQ is a conference that aims to connect the science and practice of emotional intelligence. Read full article
Posting a Child’s Photo Online – Is it Safe?
This post is in response to a recent story about a Melbourne mother’s frustration at not being able to remove her 18-month-old's image from Instagram after she found out it was being misused. Comments on this story include: "why did she post the pictures with a public account" and "why didn't she set her photos to private". And … Read full article
UNICEF Animation Explaining Children's Rights
UNICEF Australia has just released a short animation for children, their parents and teachers, to learn about child rights. The animation follows brother and sister, Jack and Ruby, and puts child rights into context using themes like bullying, poverty and the respect for another’s culture and beliefs. Read full article
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