Mental Health & Wellbeing
The Loddon Children’s Health & Wellbeing Local offers free weekly education sessions for parents and carers of children aged 0-11 that address child and family mental health and wellbeing. The sessions are run by a mental health or allied health clinician.
Sessions are open to any parents or carers of children aged 0-11.
Why join in?
- Talk to Local staff about your child.
- Ask any practical questions you have about parenting now.
- Gain support for yourself as a parent.
Where: The Loddon Children’s Health and Wellbeing Local, 19 Helm St Kangaroo Flat. Enter via the green porch at the back of the site.
Dates: Wednesdays at 9:30am
Topics:
Nov 19 – Managing big feelings
Nov 26 – PDA questions and answers
Dec 3 – Setting limits and family rules
Dec 10 – Building social skills
If you have any questions, please contact Annette Clemments on 1800 433 977.
To book, email icfhwlocals@bchs.com.au – please state the name of the session you will attend, plus your name and your child’s name.
Screen Time
Excessive screen time can affect young children’s mental health in several ways. Research in Australia and globally has found links between high screen use and:
- Reduced emotional regulation: Too much time on screens can make it harder for children to manage big feelings or calm down after frustration.
- Increased anxiety and irritability: Fast-paced or overstimulating content can heighten stress and make children more restless or short-tempered.
- Sleep problems: Screen use before bed can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to tiredness and difficulty concentrating.
- Social difficulties: When screen time replaces face-to-face play, children miss opportunities to build empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Lower mood and motivation: Sedentary screen habits may contribute to reduced physical activity, which is important for emotional wellbeing and brain development.
However, not all screen time is harmful — high-quality, age-appropriate programs shared with an adult can support learning, creativity, and connection. The key is balance and supervised use.
Share the dignity
If you would like to 'Share the Dignity', please feel free to drop off a bag and I will happily pass it on.