Parenthood. Motherhood. Fatherhood.

The words themselves are heavy with expectation – images of love, adoration, joy, complete elation around the bond between parent and child. People often describe it as magical! Movies often portray a montage of happy mothers, smiling fathers. Social media is covered with photos of parents lovingly holding their newborns and celebrating familial milestones. But what if those feelings don’t come so easily, if the bond isn’t what it was expected to be? What if the warmth, joy, and certainty of parenthood is adjoined with feelings of fear, doubt, and distressing thoughts?

Executive functioning is a set of cognitive skills that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. Often referred to as the brain’s “command centre,” these skills help regulate behaviour, control impulses, and guide decision-making in daily life.

Bedtime should be a time of rest and rejuvenation, but for many children, it can become a source of anxiety and stress. Then it is not long until the whole family is impacted, and patterns of unhelpful behaviour can set in…and no one gets enough sleep! Whether it’s fear of the dark, separation anxiety, or racing thoughts, bedtime anxiety is a common challenge for parents. As psychologists, we work with families to understand the root causes of these anxieties and develop strategies to ease the bedtime struggles. Here are some helpful insights and practical techniques to manage kids' anxiety at bedtime.

Australia's impending social media ban is a hot topic for many families. As parents, you might be wondering how to guide your children through this significant shift. Social media has become woven into the fabric of daily life, particularly for younger generations, making this transition potentially unsettling. For some children, social media isn’t just a pastime—it’s where they "find their tribe," connect with like-minded peers, and feel a sense of belonging. Losing this platform may lead to a grieving process, as they navigate feelings of loss, frustration, or even isolation.

As the end of the year approaches, many of us feel a familiar sense of anticipation. The New Year promises fresh starts, clean slates, and the opportunity to become the best version of ourselves. But with these feelings of hope come the pressures of New Year’s resolutions. This tradition, while well-intentioned, often sets us up for disappointment, self-criticism, and feelings of failure. While resolutions may seem harmless, there’s mounting evidence that they may, in fact, be more harmful than helpful for our mental well-being. Let’s unpack why.

The holiday season is often depicted as a time of joy, connection, and celebration. Yet for many, it brings an unwelcome sense of loneliness—a quiet ache magnified by festive surroundings. When the world feels wrapped in togetherness, loneliness can feel sharper, more pronounced, and, at times, isolating. But there are ways to navigate this season with resilience, compassion, and perhaps even find moments of peace and connection.