Sydney Child Psychology Services

20/12/2021

One of the most common question we got asked was:
How long does separation anxiety last?
Separation anxiety typically peaks by the age of 3 years and begins to fade as the child develops a greater understanding that their caregiver will return. However, some children can continue to experience separation anxiety for longer periods.
When separation anxiety persists into later childhood, it is known as childhood separation anxiety disorder (CSAD). This is a mental health condition that causes a level of separation anxiety that is unusual for the child’s stage of development.

How to handle separation anxiety at night?

Providing comfort and reassurance during the day may help ease night time separations. However, often a little extra support is necessary at bedtime to help children feel secure before they fall asleep.
It may help to:
* Stick to a bedtime routine
* Frequently change the caregiver putting the child to bed, so that the child doesn’t insist only 1 parent to put them to bed.
* Stay calm and relaxed while saying goodnight, as children can detect their caregivers’ moods.
* Avoid sneaking out after they fall asleep – this can cause distress if they wake up again.
* Comfort the child if they wake up by rubbing or patting them until they calm down, then leave
* When possible, avoid taking them out of the bed and rocking them to sleep.

15/10/2021

Signs and symptoms of OCD can be identified even in preschoolers.
The onset could be gradual and has a very different presentation to that of adults.
Some common signs we see at the clinic are:
1. Tearing up or scrunching up drawings when the child doesn’t think it’s perfect.
2. Being very particular about the placement of toys in their living spaces.
3. Ordering colour pencils/pens like the rainbow or in other formations.
4. Wanting to rub out written work when they make tiny mistakes.
5. Being extremely fussy with their food pairings or making sure different foods don’t touch each other on the plate.
6. Wanting their hair to be extremely neat and tidy.
7. Exhibiting signs of distress when routines are changed.
8. Have difficulties dealing with any form of uncertainty in new situations.
There are many ways to equip yourself parent and your child to deal with early signs of anxiety. Early Intervention is shown to decrease the intensity of anxiety as the child grows up to be a teenager and into adulthood.

22/07/2021

There are a range of different types of anxiety experienced by children and teenagers including finding it difficult to be away from parents, being extremely shy, worrying about what others think of them, avoiding social and school activities (e.g. speaking to people, class presentations) or worrying a lot about everyday matters, potential dangers and the future. Sleep difficulties, headaches, nausea and difficulty breathing can be part of these feelings. Many children experience more than one type of anxiety.
The Cool Kids Program is a world renowned skills-based program that teaches children and their parent(s) how to better manage anxiety.
Topics covered in the program include:
​Learning about anxiety
Learning to think realistically
Parenting an anxious child
Facing fears using stepladders; and
Learning coping skills such as assertiveness or problem solving.
This program will run over 10 x 1:1 sessions and includes a workbook for both the child and parents. The child attends on their own and parents received weekly email and supports.
The program is an evidenced based program written by Heidi Lyneham, Maree Abbott,Ann Wignall and Ronald Rapee at the Macquarie University Anxiety Research Clinic and produced by the Centre of Emotional Health, Macquarie University.
Contact us to register. Sessions are currently delivered via Telehealth (Videoconference)

16/07/2021

The Spectrum is not a line.

24/06/2021

How do you validate your child’s emotions?

Validation is a parenting tool that lets your child know that you understand, and accept their thoughts and feelings.
Validation shows your child that they are important enough for you to listen to and understand. If your child does not feel heard or understood they may react by using emotions and behaviors to get you to pay attention. By using validation your child will feel that you take them seriously and you accept them. Your child may have less intense emotional reactions and be more willing to talk about their feelings.

It can be very hard for parents to want to validate their child’s feelings and behaviors when they seem strange, out of control, or dangerous and especially if they are aimed at you. It helps to remember that when you are validating your child’s feelings you are not saying you agree with or like their behavior. Validation only means that you are listening and trying to understand your child’s point of view.

If you want to learn on the how to’s of emotional validation. Comment or DM and we will email you some resources :)

04/05/2021

Fostering a child during a crisis:
The Covid Crisis in India is currently seeing an increasing need for foster homes for children who have lost either one or both parents to the virus.
If you become a foster carer when a child is displaced from their biological family, remember to work closely with verified Organisations such as and CWC.
Do not just take in a child even if they may be a family friend - there are legal issues that will be at play - like illegal adoptions.

DO NOT SEPARATE SIBLINGS!

Caring for A child who has gone through trauma and is separated from their biological family:

1. Depending on their developmental level, the child deserves to know the facts, explain it to them in a simple way without including any gory details.
2. Do not weave up false stories and give them false hopes.
3. Answer all the questions they have- it is important for the child not to feel like this is all their fault.
4. Provide a stable and secure base while closely working with the organization on a stable medium and long term plan.
5. Look out for attachment difficulties- like getting close to strangers very quickly.
6. Look out for emotional difficulties or signs of trauma - going mute, saying white lies, stealing food, bed wetting, night terrors etc.
7. It is important for the child to feel like they belong where they are- never use threats like - ‘I will send you away’- for undesired behaviors.
8. Remember the child is making a huge adjustment mentally and emotionally.
9. Seek professional help from a Child Psychologist if you notice any strange behaviors.
10. Work closely with the social workers/Organisations until a secure placement has been found and follow protocols that are already in place.

09/03/2021

https://thenewdaily.com.au/life/relationships/2021/03/05/teen-bullies-target-best-friends/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

According to a new study, school bullies are often plain old strategic mob bosses, harassing and victimising associates as a means of climbing the social ladder.

08/02/2021

We now have our very own QR Code for all our deets in one place! Scan Scan Scan

20/01/2021

While the end of school holidays are soon approaching here is our guide on making the transition back to school a tad easier on everyone.
1. Slowly switch from the holiday sleep routine to early nights and waking up early atleast a week before school starts.
2. Organise a morning activity outside of home which may require an earlier start, to help children get ready and step out.
3. Gaming and device time might be at an all time high during the holidays, wean it back and set boundaries.
4. You know your child best and having a new teacher and new classmates in their new grade could sometimes be overwhelming. Write a small note to their new teacher about your child’s strengths and what your child thrives on.
5. Hopefully 2021 will be more stable in terms of the school routine and there would be less zoom classes and zoom fatigue.
6. Get back into the routine of short periods of homework time depending on the age and grade of your child. Pomodoro timers work so well for this with timed work and break times.
7. Most importantly have a happy experience :)

07/08/2020

Self-harm is when people deliberately hurt themselves as a way of coping with painful or strong emotions. It’s a way of trying to get control over the feelings or relief from them.

A parents guide to identifying Self-Harm in children and adolescents:

-Self harm could mean that the young person is in deep distress...
-If you notice big mood changes...
-Refusal to attend school...
-Less motivation towards previously enjoyed activities....
-Withdrawal and social isolation...
-Wearing long sleeved and fuller clothes at all times....
-Changes in sleep and eating patterns...
Self harm can start in very subtle ways before it gets more serious, this could be in the form of:
Scab picking
Hair pulling
Scratching or biting...

Never dismiss self-harm as an attention seeking behavior. Validate the young persons feeling and seek immediate help....

In case of an emergency call the kids helpline or Beyond Blue. Link the young person with a Child & Adolescent Psychologist.

09/06/2020

Girls on the Spectrum
Girls on the Autism Spectrum risk being diagnosed later in their lives. When the wheels of their social skills begin to fall off as the help from educators wean off, they need to start to manage social situations on their own. This means that they often miss out on early intervention. Restrictive and repetitive behaviors might look different in girls as compared to boys or may even be subtler in girls. Common stereotypes of boys being interested in trains and lining up cars may not be present in girls, they may be more obsessed with unicorns or horses, which is not uncommon for any child who is not on the spectrum too. Girls can mask symptoms better, their presentation might be more subtle. The cost of a missed diagnosis is lost opportunity and in some circumstances bullying and low esteem. As a parent you know best, if you notice anything out of the ordinary seek advice. It is best practice for the clinician to gather evidence from the school, teachers, parents and observation of the child in school amongst their peers- this should further help in deciding whether an evidence based assessment is required.
It is important for everyone to be Identified and Accepted for they are.
If you haven’t already watched ‘Loop’ - a short film by Pixar- it’s a must watch!

29/05/2020

Children and Separation/Divorce
Children are more resilient than you think and also adapt to new situations really well provided you give them a safe and stable environment.
A toxic, unsafe environment is no place for a child.
Once you have made the decision-
-Do not argue in front of your kids.
-Never bad mouth the other parent.
-Although the adults may be separating the child can have a healthy relationship with both their parents.
-Pre determine a shared routine based on the child’s life around school, sport etc.
-Be fair.
-Be consistent.
-Keep the rules and disciplinary measures consistent in both houses.
-Allow access (if possible) to the other parent (via phone call) if they miss them.
-If you are thinking of introducing a new partner - make sure that it is a stable long term relationship. Make this introduction only after the child is more settled with the separation/divorce.
-Answer all their questions, stick to the truth without belittling the other parent.
-The child should not feel like it was their fault as this could later lead to low self esteem and difficulties in their own relationships with others.
-Communication is key.
-Ofcourse the above may not be achievable in some cases. Seek out a family therapist if needed.
It is possible to have a #