Family Nurturing Centre

17/06/2025

Neglecting Dads’ Mental Health May Harm Kids’ Development

Mental health experts are calling for routine screening of new fathers, citing growing evidence that a father’s emotional well-being is critical to child development.

Depression and anxiety in fathers during the perinatal period are linked to negative outcomes in children’s emotional, cognitive, and language growth.

Despite this, paternal mental health is often overlooked, though 14% of fathers experience postpartum depression.

Men are also less likely to recognize or report symptoms, making early screening even more essential.

18/04/2025

This video explores compelling new research published in American Psychologist showing that maternal affection in early childhood can shape personality trait...

10/04/2025

Childhood Adversity Weakens Brain Connectivity, But Support Protects It

A new study links early-life adversity to widespread reductions in white matter connectivity across the adolescent brain, which may hinder cognitive development.

White matter, the brain’s communication infrastructure, is critical for language, reasoning, and problem-solving.

Researchers found that lower white matter quality was especially pronounced in regions associated with mental arithmetic and language processing.

These brain changes were strongly associated with childhood exposure to risk factors such as economic hardship, interpersonal adversity, and neighborhood disadvantage.

Importantly, protective social factors—like positive parenting and strong neighborhood cohesion—appeared to buffer against some of these negative effects.

The findings underscore the importance of supportive early environments in promoting brain and cognitive development.

07/04/2025

Babies Can Sense Their Own Heartbeat as Early as 3 Months Old

A new study shows that infants as young as three months can perceive their own heartbeat, marking one of the earliest signs of internal body awareness.

Researchers also found that perception of breathing develops more significantly during the second year of life.

These internal signals—heartbeat and breath—play a vital role in shaping early emotional awareness, identity, and social connection.

The study used eye-tracking to measure how long babies looked at animated figures that moved in sync or out of sync with their own physiological rhythms.

Even at three months, infants looked longer at figures that matched their internal signals, indicating recognition.

This research opens new avenues for understanding how early body awareness contributes to emotional and cognitive development.

20/03/2025

Join us in celebrating World Water Day March 22nd 1.30pm as part of Heart Place’s Caring Communities Program.
Screening of Water is Love documentary - Water Songs with Saritah - Live Music with Reuben Doodjarak - Chai & Community
***TICKETS (Profits go to the Kimberly) https://heartplace.org.au/shop/ols/categories/heart-place-movie-club BUY HERE
***SEE THE TRAILER HERE: https://www.waterislovefilm.org/

About the Event:
Water is Love: Ripples of Regeneration Documentary Screening on World Water Day a powerful documentary exploring the regeneration of water cycles and the importance of building a culture of care. There will be live music with Reuben Doodjarak and Saritah Singer Songwriter will be sharing her latest song Holy Water along with other water songs.
This is an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share resources as we work towards a more compassionate and sustainable world—one where we are better equipped to respond to the critical environmental challenges of our time.

Chai by Tiger Tea Company!!!!

Event Schedule:
**1:30 PM: with a Welcome to Country with Dennis Simmons of Maar Koodjal
Welcome music by Reuben Doodjarak of Down Dingo Yoga.
Environmental speaker discussing water issues in WA.
**2:15 PM: we will screen Water is Love, a documentary that highlights the power of regenerative water cycles.
*A short chai break will follow at 3:15 PM.
**3:30 PM: singer-songwriter Saritah will share her water-inspired songs.
**3:50 PM: Time of community, chai, collaboration & sharing of resources
**4:30 PM: The event concludes

About the Film
“Water is Love” follows a group of young people tackling the climate crisis as they travel the world, sharing inspiring stories of regenerative ecosystem design. The film highlights traditional ecological knowledge, the role of water in climate stability, and community-driven solutions from projects in India, Kenya, and Portugal. It offers a hopeful vision for the future—one where decentralized water management plays a crucial role in our ability to thrive in a changing world.
For more info & to see the trailer: www.waterislovefilm.org
Saritah:
https://www.instagram.com/saritahmusic
Reuben
https://www.instagram.com/down_dingo_yoga
******All Profits from Ticket Sales will be donated to Environs Kimberly
https://www.environskimberley.org.au/protecting_the...
We are proud to partner with Act Belong Commit in bringing this event to the community.

All are welcome—come be part of the conversation!

30/01/2025

22/09/2024

Pregnancy Dramatically Reshapes the Brain

A new study has mapped the brain changes that occur during pregnancy, offering the first detailed look at the brain’s neuroplasticity throughout gestation.

Researchers observed a decrease in gray matter volume and a temporary increase in white matter in the brain, changes that are believed to fine-tune brain circuits in preparation for motherhood.

05/09/2024

3 spaces Available!

Newsletter re Trauma Stewardship & Self Care for Change Makers & People who Care This Sunday

https://gem.godaddy.com/p/a5e1ea1?pact=13590-183819958-6f9a59ef-c59e-4e2a-9e30-aa9e77ef877a-5a5be40fd0c4b0ef14c1cd7f7002518cd38980e2

08/08/2024

Children as young as 18 months display empathic concern towards others, marking a significant milestone in early emotional and cognitive development.

03/07/2024

Digital Devices Hinder Kids’ Emotional Regulation Development

A new study shows that using digital devices to calm children's tantrums can impair their emotional regulation abilities later in life.

Researchers found that frequent use of tablets or smartphones for this purpose results in poorer anger and frustration management skills.

Children need parental guidance to learn healthy emotion regulation instead of relying on digital distractions.

Educating parents on better strategies can improve children's long-term emotional well-being.

15/05/2024

National Volunteer Week is coming up from 20-26 May!

The theme 'Something for Everyone' emphasises that there’s a place for everyone in the world of volunteering.

The trick is to get involved in something that you're passionate about.

15/05/2024