Happy Families

Insights Articles

The following Insights articles have been published this term for our school community:

  • The case for risky play in an age of overprotection
  • Present Dads, healthy kids 
  • The quest for independence and identity
  • Getting along with siblings
  • Parenting with influence, not control
  • The power of perspective 
  • STOP, LOOK and LISTEN to your kids 
  • Parenting on the same page 

Articles are provided in your Compass News Feed, or a copy can be collected from the School Office. 

Webinar: The Screen Smart Series

Unplug Childhood

A presentation for parents of primary school aged children

Tuesday 29 October | 7pm AEDT 

 

In today’s digital age, our children face unprecedented challenges from social media and digital devices. Join us as we explore the urgent need to address these issues head-on. Social media companies have come under scrutiny for their failure to protect children, despite knowing the harm their platforms can cause. Dangerous algorithms push harmful content to vulnerable youth, impacting mental health and well-being. Screens not only disrupt academic performance but also displace crucial real-world experiences essential for healthy development.

While some advocate for legislative measures to restrict social media access for under-16s—a crucial step we fully support—implementing such laws takes time and faces significant technological and legislative hurdles. Parents cannot afford to wait. The majority of primary school-aged children already have social media accounts and smartphones, often violating existing age restrictions.

In this presentation, we discuss actionable strategies for parents and caregivers to navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively. From setting healthy screen-time limits to fostering open communication about online risks, empowering our children to navigate the digital world responsibly is more critical than ever. Together, we can take proactive steps to safeguard our children’s well-being in an increasingly digital world.

 

Tweens, Teens & Screens

Balancing protection and progress

Tuesday 29 October | 8pm AEDT 

 

No conversation about ‘kids these days’ has created more confusion and contention than the ‘screen-time’ discussion. How much is ok? How old should they be before they have a phone? Are games making our kids violent? Is social media destroying wellbeing?

Until now, our challenge has been that so much research is contradictory, there’s so little good-quality research, and there has been so much we simply don’t know. But all that is changing.

Join Dr Justin Coulson, one of the nation’s leading parenting experts, as he unpacks – step by step – the specific conclusions we can draw about our digital kids. 

In this presentation you’ll discover:

  • Why screen time is an unhelpful way to talk about kids and screens
  • How boys and girls are affected differently by their screen use
  • The true story about screens and social media
  • The uncomfortable truth about boys and violent video games, and
  • Why ‘the displacement hypothesis’ is the critical lever to pull in balancing screen use for our kids’ wellbeing

Tweens, Teens & Screens is the conversation the nation needs to have about our kids and their screens.

 

Access information for this webinar will be published soon in your Compass News Feed.

Virtual Seminar:  Championing Neurodiversity - Helping children thrive in a neurotypical world

Life for a neurodivergent child is a journey of highs and lows, marked by the joy of mastering new skills and the challenges of setbacks. As their parent or teacher, your support is crucial.

Educators, parents, and carers of children who are diagnosed as neurodivergent, are undergoing assessment, or are suspected to be neurodivergent are invited to join us for Championing Neurodiversity. This empowering webinar is designed to equip you with practical insights and strategies to help children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions flourish.

Dr. Justin Coulson will help you:

  • Celebrate the unique strengths of your neurodivergent child
  • Support your child’s individual needs
  • Provide better behavioral and emotional support
  • Improve communication and social skills
  • Build resilience in your neurodivergent child
  • Encourage collaboration and advocacy

Whether you’re a parent or teacher, this webinar will provide the knowledge, encouragement, and community support needed to help neurodivergent children thrive in a neurotypical world. Join us to make a positive impact on their lives, helping them grow, succeed, and find joy in their journey.

 

You have access to this virtual seminar through the EHPS Happy Families Schools Membership. Details in your Compass News Feed. 

 

The Championing Neurodiversity virtual seminar with Dr Justin was held on on Monday 19th August at 7pm AEST. Access a recording of the seminar by logging in using our unique school access, as advised in your Compass New Feed.

 

This session will equip you with practical insights and strategies to help children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions flourish.

 

Our school is subscribed to the Happy Families School Membership (replacing the Parenting Ideas membership)! Owned and run by Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s leading parenting experts, the membership offers a wealth of parenting education and resources. Resources will be shared regularly including Insights Articles and Live Webinars, Q&As with Dr Justin, and other resources.