Weight stigma is deeply ingrained in society, influencing how we think about bodies, health, and self-worth. Many parents who grew up in weight-focused households find it difficult to separate health from weight, often passing on these beliefs—intentionally or not—to their children. Research has consistently shown that weight stigma contributes to poor mental health outcomes, increases the risk of disordered eating, and does not improve long-term health or weight regulation. When parents shift their focus from weight to well-being, they create an environment where their children feel accepted, valued, and empowered to develop a positive relationship with their bodies.

Being a grandparent is often described as one of life’s greatest joys. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the love and connection of family without the day-to-day pressures of parenting. Grandparents can form deep, meaningful relationships with their grandchildren, providing support, guidance, and a sense of continuity between generations. Many grandparents find immense satisfaction in watching their grandchildren grow, sharing in their successes, and offering wisdom that comes from a lifetime of experience. The role of a grandparent allows for moments of fun, playfulness, and unconditional love, often free from the responsibilities and discipline required of parents.

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.