Dear Dr Justin
I have been reading a lot about how yelling isn’t good for my kids, but I can’t seem to get them to listen if I don’t raise my voice! Any suggestions on how I can stop yelling?
How To Stop Yelling
Screen Time and Our Teens’ Mental Health Crisis
In a 2018 survey half of the parents questioned believed that smart phone usage negatively affected their child’s mental health. And nearly half thought their child was actually addicted to the device.
Continue reading “Screen Time and Our Teens’ Mental Health Crisis”
Stepping In With Other People’s Kids
Dear Dr Justin,
My 15-year-old son was hanging out in his bedroom with one of his friends. When I walked by, I saw my son’s friend frantically trying to stash a packet of cigarettes into his bag! I was horrified, but since he isn’t my child, I wasn’t sure how or if I should intervene (I did talk to my son later). What should I have done?
Ask Dr Justin – Should We Be Tracking Our Kids?
Hi Dr Justin,
I worry – consistently – about my kids’ safety when they’re not at home. I’m thinking about getting them to use a location tracker so I know they’re safe. What do you recommend?
Continue reading “Ask Dr Justin – Should We Be Tracking Our Kids?”
Should We Be Giving Our Teens Alcohol?
Many parents believe they are doing the right thing by giving their teenagers alcohol. And it does make some sense. Serving alcohol to our children in our homes is completely logical from our ‘grown-up’ perspective. Continue reading “Should We Be Giving Our Teens Alcohol?”
18 Ways to Increase Your Happiness
Behavioural scientists have spent a lot of time studying ‘happiness’. They’ve discovered that being happy elevates our wellbeing, increases our life satisfaction and gives us better health and longevity. Continue reading “18 Ways to Increase Your Happiness”
Are Parental Controls Really That Effective?
Dear Dr Justin, a few weeks ago we found our ten-year-old son looking at an explicit website on his iPad. He says he found it accidentally when he was looking for games and we believe him. Continue reading “Are Parental Controls Really That Effective?”
How to Find The Joy in School Holidays
School holidays are a chance for families to shake off the end of term blahs and find a bit of joy in their lives. Continue reading “How to Find The Joy in School Holidays”
What is the Best Way to Say ‘No!’ To Your Kids?
Hi Dr Justin, I hate saying no to my kids. I keep softening up, getting talked around, giving in. I’m getting walked all over. How do I set limits and still feel like I’m being a good mum? Continue reading “What is the Best Way to Say ‘No!’ To Your Kids?”
How Can I Teach My Kids to Be Safe Without Scaring Them?
Hi Dr Justin, we recently had a family meeting and decided on a family safe word – a word we can use in case someone other than family has to pick the kids up. I know I need to explain to my kids why we need a safe word, but I’m worried about scaring them, especially my five year old. How can I teach her how to be safe without scaring her? Continue reading “How Can I Teach My Kids to Be Safe Without Scaring Them?”