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In focus
In focus: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing
Emerging MindsAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities have remained connected to their culture, kinship and Country for over 60,000 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is viewed in a holistic context that encompasses mental, physical, cultural and spiritual health. This article provides strategies for practitioners to learn from this wisdom to help support all families and children. -
In focus
In focus: Children’s rights
Emerging MindsChildren have the right to participate in the decisions that affect their lives. Giving children opportunities to freely express their needs can empower them and increase their likelihood of accessing and trusting in service systems. This article outlines practical, measurable steps that all practitioners can take in their work with children and families. -
Research summary
Highlights in child mental health research: September 2021
Prepared by AIFSThis September research summary provides a selection of recently released papers, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses related to infant and child mental health. Each summary includes an introductory overview of the content for that month, followed by a list of selected articles. Each article is accompanied by a brief synopsis which presents the key messages and highlights. Links to abstracts, full-text articles and related resources, where available, are provided. -
Practice paper
Parental mental health: A ‘double-storied’ approach
Travis Gibson, Jacquie Lee and Daniel Moss (Emerging Minds)Intergenerational mental health and adversity can cause significant disruptions to the parent-child relationship and to children's mental health and wellbeing. This resource aims to help practitioners who work with parents affected by mental illness and identifies ways to support parents to examine 'double stories', which include their histories of adversity and challenges as well as their resilience, hopes and know-how. -
Short article
Helping families to manage their technology use
Mandy Kienhuis, Michelle Macvean and Jan Matthews – Parenting Research CentreParents play a powerful role in raising children and modelling positive behaviours. Assisting parents to feel better about device use in the home may lead to improvements in parent and child wellbeing. This short article includes tips for professionals to help families achieve better balance in regard to their use of technology. -
Short article
Parental self-care and self-compassion
Mandy Kienhuis and Elbina Avdagic – Parenting Research CentreParental self-compassion and self-care have a strong influence on child development. Parents who are kind to themselves and take time to relax and recharge have better health and wellbeing, are more confident in their parenting, and have more positive interactions with their children. This short article outlines ways professionals can support parents to be less critical of their parenting and to regularly practise self-care. -
Short article
Child sleep problems
Michelle Macvean and Catherine Wade – Parenting Research CentreChildren and young people need sufficient, good quality sleep to support healthy development. But many parents are concerned their children don’t get enough quality sleep. This short article explores the rate of child sleep problems in Australia and ways practitioners can help parents who are concerned about their child's sleep habits. -
Short article
Fathers’ mental health and parenting: Implications for promoting children’s mental health
Dr Mandy Kienhuis and Dr Jan Matthews – Parenting Research CentreChildren thrive when their parents are supported. While most fathers are doing well and feel supported, fathers with poor mental health report challenges with parenting. This short article explores ways in which professionals can enhance child wellbeing by supporting fathers. -
Webinar
Webinar | Using an intergenerational lens when working with children and parents
Emerging Minds and Mental Health Professionals' Network (MHPN)This webinar describes each aspect of an intergenerational lens in ways that support practitioners to work with children, and to place the child at the centre of all decisions and interactions. -
In focus
In focus: How can general practitioners support children’s mental health?
Emerging MindsAustralian children visit their general practitioner (GP) more than any other health professional, and GPs also often see the same family for many years, enabling them to build a strong, trusting relationship with both children and their parents. GPs are in a unique position to notice and intervene when early signs of mental health concerns appear, and to promote positive mental health for infants and children. This page shares resources to help you, as a GP, increase your confidence in supporting children’s mental health. -
Short article
A GP’s guide to anxiety in children
Dr Andrew LeechAnxiety is considered the fastest-growing childhood mental health issue in Australia. It is important GPs feel confident in recognising the ranges of ‘normal feelings’ in children, so that they can intervene early at signs of paediatric anxiety, without over-labelling conditions. This short article looks at the signs of anxiety in children, and tips for GPs treating paediatric anxiety. -
In focus
In focus: Parent-child relationships
Emerging MindsThis resource provides tips for professionals to adopt a relationship focus in their work, and to engage parents in conversations around their children's social and emotional wellbeing.