Psychology for Kids

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Psychology for Kids

Psychology For Kids is a child and adolescent specific service for clients aged between 0 to 17 year http://www.psychologyforkids.com.au

12/06/2025

BOAT & SUPPORT CREW METAPHOR

As child & adolescent psychologists, one of our favourite ways to assist young people to understand coping is by using the boat and support crew metaphor.

When life gets hard, many young people try to paddle through storms alone. It’s important to encourage them to invite someone into their boat so that they don’t have to try and cope on their own.

Every person in a young persons crew plays a different, but important role. Some help guide, some listen, some help to distract with fun and others sit with the young person so they are not alone when it feels like they are sinking.

You may like to try this with you child:

* Ask them to draw a boat
* Fill it with trusted people or pets that they rely on. “Who do you trust to be in your boat?”
* Talk about the role that each person plays in helping. “How could they help and how do you let them know you need them?”

Helping a young person become more aware about who is in their boat will build emotional awareness and will remind them that they are not alone.

24/05/2025

Dr. William Dobson, a leading researcher in ADHD, found that children with ADHD receive more negative messages than their peers by the time they’re 12 years old.

That’s more times where they’re told:
“Stop that!”
“Why can’t you sit still?”
“What’s wrong with you?”
“Can’t you just be like your sister/brother?”
“Try harder.”

This constant stream of criticism doesn’t just hurt, it shapes how they see themselves, often leading to low self-esteem, anxiety, and disconnection from learning.

Instead we could focus on:

- What the child can do
- How they think differently
- Where their strengths shine
- What supports could make things easier for them

Every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and capable.

19/05/2025

Too often, children struggling with their emotions are misunderstood or dismissed. The truth? Mental health issues in children and adolescent’s are real—and ignoring them can do real harm.

Below are the most common myths and the truths every parent, teacher, and carer needs to know.

12/05/2025

Let’s debunk some of the harmful myths and misconceptions about neurodiversity and replace them with facts that reflect lived experience in order to form the foundation of true inclusion.

06/05/2025

Feeling anxious before a big game, comp, or tryout? Totally normal.

Anxiety in sport isn’t weakness. It’s your body getting ready. Pressure means you care. Anxiety means your brain is on alert.

But too much anxiety? That can mess with focus, confidence, and fun.

But you’ve got tools and you’ve got this. Here’s how to manage it like a pro.

05/05/2025

Why did I just snap at my best friend? Why do I freeze every time I have to speak in class?
Why do I say “I’m fine” when I’m not?

When your brain senses stress (real or imagined), it flips into survival mode. It is called the stress response and it shows up in 4 ways:

FIGHT – You get defensive, angry, ready to battle.
FLIGHT – You get out, avoid, disappear.
FREEZE – You go still and feel numb.
FAWN – You people-please to stay safe, even if it costs your truth.

None of these are “bad.” They’re just your nervous system trying to protect you.

But here’s the thing: You’re allowed to pause, breathe, and choose how you respond.
You don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode.

Next time you feel overwhelmed, ask yourself: Which response am I in right now? You are not overreacting. You’re responding and now, you’re learning to respond differently. And if it ever feels all too heavy, you don’t have to carry it alone. Reach out to a trusted adult, speak to your doctor or ask to speak to a mental health professional.

24/04/2025

Are You a Bystander in Friendship Drama? Here’s Why It Matters.

You’ve probably seen it happen, someone gets left out on purpose, talked about behind their back, or suddenly ignored. It’s not always just yelling or fighting. Sometimes it’s quiet, sneaky, and just as hurtful. This is called relational aggression, and it often shows up in friendship groups. Let’s be honest: A lot of friendship drama doesn’t start as a whole group turning on someone. Most of the time, it’s just one or two people having an issue—and instead of dealing with it directly, they pull others into it. Suddenly, the whole group is ignoring, excluding, or talking about one person

So… what if you’re not the one causing it, but you’re seeing it happen? That makes you a bystander—and that role is more powerful than you think.

You don’t have to fix everything. But you can be the reason someone feels less alone. And parents can assist children and teens in developing healthy conflict resolution skills, for example, encouraging their young people to communicate concerns directly to friends when issues occur as opposed to speaking behind the persons back.

Friendship shouldn’t hurt. And if you see it happening, you’ve got a choice. Choose kindness. Choose courage.

02/04/2025

Happy World Autism Day!

Today is a day to celebrate neurodiversity, promote understanding, and advocate for the rights of autistic individuals.

Autism is a different way of experiencing the world. By fostering understanding and inclusivity, we can create environments where autistic individuals feel seen, valued and supported.

Let’s move beyond awareness to true understanding and acceptance—listening to autistic voices, challenging stereotypes, and ensuring that support systems empower individuals to thrive.

30/03/2025

Assertive Communication for Teens: Speak Up with Confidence!

Assertive communication is an essential skill that helps you express your thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly and respectfully. It allows you to stand up for yourself while also considering others’ perspectives. If you’re not assertive, you risk being ignored (passive) or pushing people away (aggressive). Talking about people behind their back (passive aggressive) can indicate a lack of emotional maturity, as it avoids direct communication and can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. As a result, assertive communication is the preferred communication style.

Why Is Assertive Communication Important?
* Boosts self-confidence and self-respect
* Helps you set boundaries and say “no” without feeling guilty
* Improves friendships and relationships by reducing misunderstandings
* Reduces stress by allowing you to express yourself openly

People who struggle with assertiveness are often anxious about speaking up or simply haven’t learned the right skills yet. With practice, anyone can learn to express themselves with confidence and respect.

How to communicate more assertively:
* If you’re upset with someone, don’t talk about them to others—talk to them directly. Speaking behind someone’s back only creates misunderstandings and tension. Be open and honest to resolve issues respectfully.
* Speak directly, not indirectly – Instead of sighing loudly or making sarcastic remarks, express your feelings clearly.
* Express concerns in the moment – Don’t hold in frustration and let it build up. Address problems early, before they turn into resentment.
* Stay calm & solution-focused – Instead of being passive-aggressive, focus on finding a solution e.g. “I feel left out when I’m not invited. Can we try to include each other more?”
* Keep a calm tone – Speak firmly but politely. Avoid shouting or using an aggressive tone.
* Use “I” Statements – Avoid blame and express how you feel e.g. “I felt hurt when you cancelled our plans last minute. Next time, can you let me know earlier?”

22/03/2025

Sometimes, all a friend needs is to be heard. Validating a friend’s feelings doesn’t mean you have to agree, it just means you’re showing up with empathy and understanding.

14/03/2025

If you haven’t already, please take time to listen to Hugh’s open letter to parents of ND children. It is incredible, insightful, raw and honest.

Video Credit: The Resilience Project

21/03/2024

🧠 Understanding Your Child: Psychometric Assessments

Psychometric assessments tailored specifically for children and adolescents offer a deep insight into a young persons academic performance, behaviour and emotional well-being. What they offer:

Comprehensive Insights: Gain a holistic understanding of your child’s cognitive abilities, personality traits, emotional strengths and overall unique needs.
Uncover Hidden Patterns: Identify subtle patterns in your child’s behaviour or learning style that may impact their overall well-being and academic performance.
Guidance: Our team of experienced Clinical Psychologists offer compassionate support throughout the assessment process.
Personalised Support: Receive individualised recommendations and strategies to nurture your child’s growth and development.
Empower Your Child: Equip your child with the resources they need to navigate challenges and thrive in various aspects of their life.

We have clinics in both The Hills District and Sutherland Shire. Reach out to us today to learn more about our psychometric assessment services.

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Bella Vista, NSW

Website

http://www.psychologyforkids.com.au/

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