Step and Blended families

Debbi Carberry Adults, Children, Divorce/Separation, Parenting

One third of marriages in Australia have at least one previously divorced partner (according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics) which means that a significant number of couples are now parenting either a step or blended family. If you are a part of a family like this you most likely will experience some unique issues that nuclear families do not. ...

Signs of Teen Depression

Debbi Carberry Children, Parenting, Teens

I get a lot of calls from parents asking me if they should be worried about their teen’s mood swings and general rebelliousness, and they want to know if this is a sign of teen depression. Many teens experience a wide range of emotions as they navigate puberty and adolescence.  Emotions can change from day to day or even hour to ...

Sibling Rivalry

Debbi Carberry Anger, Children, Parenting

Many parents who come to see me will comment on how their kids seem to fight or not get along a lot of the time.  Sibling rivalry can drive parents crazy and can make home a battle zone. However sibling rivalry serves a useful purpose for children.  At home with their siblings they learn to deal with disappointments, negotiate relationships, set boundaries and ...

How to help an angry child

Debbi Carberry Anger, Children, Parenting

Why do so many children get angry so often?We all get angry from time to time, anger is a normal emotion and a part of being human.  It usually happens when we feel we have to protect ourselves or if we feel that we are under attack. So how to help an angry child. It’s healthy to feel all of ...

Impacts of Divorce on Children

Debbi Carberry Children, Divorce/Separation

Listen and ReassureChildren are usually unsure of what is happening when their parents separate. You may feel unsure yourself and find it hard to answer your children’s questions. So what are the impacts of divorce on children? Some things to remember: It can be a stressful period for children but most cope over time Children from separated families can develop ...

How young is too young?

Debbi Carberry Children, Electronic Devices

Play DeficitAs I walk through shopping centres, go to restaurants or sit in a park, I will usually see a little person fully engaged on either a mobile phone, iPad or tablet. It seems that electronics have become the new playground for many young children. I don’t want to sound like a dinosaur but what happened to interactive tactile play?   ...

Plugged in parents for socially exposed kids

Debbi Carberry Children, Internet

Whether we like it or not social media is here to stay and our kids seem to love it. I believe that it is important for us to teach our children about safe and appropriate use of social media and the internet in general. Kids do some of their studies online, they engage with friends and they have social activities ...