Expert Tips from a Child Psychiatrist
Picture this: You’re embarking on a family journey, the road stretching endlessly before you, treats within arm’s reach, and your beloved melodies filling the car. Suddenly, the peaceful ambiance is disrupted by a commotion from the backseat. Your child, who is on the autism spectrum, is grappling with the sensory bombardment of the journey. Amid the turmoil, you find yourself laughing at the paradox of your carefully orchestrated “calm” vacation morphing into a scene straight out of a farcical comedy.
Preparation is paramount. As the saying goes, fortune favors the prepared. Yet, no amount of preparation can completely eliminate discomfort. Nevertheless, you are capable, and you can create beautiful, meaningful memories with your children in the great outdoors.
Addressing sensory challenges during travel is crucial, as sensory overload is a common obstacle for children with autism.
There are several books available on Amazon that...
At times, our existence is so saturated with the hustle and bustle of daily life that it becomes essential to pause and rejuvenate ourselves. Reading, for many of us, serves as a sanctuary, a haven of tranquility. However, we may sometimes grapple with guilt, perceiving this retreat as a form of escapism or a misuse of time.
To address this, I’ve curated a selection of fiction books that impart valuable lessons about parenting. This allows you to indulge in your well-deserved respite, vicariously live through characters unrelated to you, and simultaneously glean insights on enhancing your parenting skills.
Fiction books can be a treasure trove of wisdom, shedding light on the intricacies of parenting and its associated challenges. They offer readers the opportunity to view situations from diverse angles, learn from the experiences of others, and cultivate empathy for a variety of parenting scenarios. Moreover, delving into fiction can serve as an escape, enabling parents...
As a child and forensic psychiatrist, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of anxiety on our tamariki. Childhood anxiety isn’t some distant concept—it’s a real experience that affects millions of our kids (and even adults). It’s like a rising tide, threatening to engulf our whānau. From separation anxiety to those all-encompassing worries, these emotions can hold our little ones hostage.
Anxiety isn’t just a fancy word; it’s a lived reality for our tamariki. Recent studies show that approximately 1 in 8 children grapple with anxiety-related challenges. These feelings might show up as persistent worry, fear of specific situations, or even physical symptoms like puku aches and headaches. As parents, recognizing these signs early is our superpower.
Whānau like you are the kaitiaki of their child’s emotional landscape. Our responses and actions matter—they significantly shape how our kids perceive and...
Raise your hand, if anyone else here tired of the whining and complaining that the government isn't doing enough for mental health services?
A few years ago, I made a house call late in the day, responding to a parent of a patient of mine who was unable to attend the clinic due to a minor domestic incident. The atmosphere was tense, like a whirlwind of emotions - that’s what the phone call felt like. The prescribed medication? It wasn’t working as expected. We were in the midst of it, with no choice but to endure. I asked if they could wait till I got there later that day - they agreed and expressed their gratitude. I asked why they didn’t call the crisis team - they did - they were advised to call the police (for an 11 year old having a tantrum). Understandably, she did not call the police. As for the rest of the family? I didn’t ask.
Upon arrival, I observed the mother, caught in this storm, unable to connect with the other kids or to...
Navigating the complexities of connecting with anxious and neuroatypical children can be challenging, especially during their emotional upheavals.
At times, we may find ourselves grappling with our own anxieties, questioning our capabilities to manage and alleviate their distress. Feelings of guilt may surface, making us feel inadequate in our parenting roles.
However, it’s crucial to remember that these doubts are unfounded. You are fully capable of handling these situations. The tools you need are already within you, they just require a bit of honing and polishing.
I’m excited to share that I’ve updated the self-paced audio course ‘Connecting with Anxious and Neurodiverse Kids’, also known as the ‘Foundations of Emotional Connection’. This course is readily available on the Huddle Wisdom website.
To access the course, please visit: www.huddlewisdom.com/foundationsofconnection
As parents, we often find ourselves in situations that are as chaotic as they are beautiful. We understand that raising children, especially those who are anxious or sensitive, can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster ride. But amidst all the ups and downs, there’s always room for a little humor and a lot of love.
When I was at university (college for my US audience) I started a t-shirt design company with a friend but life got too busy and I couldn't give it much time to actually get it off the ground. But lately I've felt inspired to resurrect it and designed a couple of t-shirts which I think Huddle Wisdom parents would be proud to wear.
And I think it encapsulates the sentiments I shared earlier.
These t-shirts, available on Etsy, are not just about style, but also about expressing the shared experiences of parenthood.
1. ‘Everything is Fine’ T-Shirt
Our first design features the text ‘Everything is Fine’...
As parents, we recognise the importance of nurturing our children’s social skills. These abilities not only enhance their interactions with others but also contribute to their overall well-being. Whether your child is neurotypical or neurodiverse, engaging in social activities can be both enjoyable and educational.
Role-Playing Conversations: This activity immerses your child in various scenarios, allowing them to step into the shoes of different characters. They’ll practice active listening and explore various conversational styles, fostering empathy and effective communication skills. It’s a fun way to experience different perspectives and understand the nuances of conversation.
“Would You Rather” Questions: This game is a catalyst for intriguing discussions! By posing thought-provoking questions like, “Would you rather explore outer space or dive into the deep ocean?” your child is...
The Spider’s Web: A Metaphor for Mental Health
In my garden, a spider spun its web, a marvel of strength and resilience. This sight sparked reflections on our mental health system and the wisdom we could glean from this simple spider’s web.
Mental Health Web (MHW): Each strand of the web symbolizes a community stakeholder - parents, schools, neighbours, healthcare professionals, police, community services. Each strand facilitates information flow, fostering a dialogue that permeates in all directions. The web is a collective endeavour, not the work of a solitary spider.
Independent Nodes: Each strand in the MHW functions autonomously, agilely responding to our community’s unique needs. This independence allows for quick adaptation, experimentation, and innovation, bypassing the need for central directives.
Web’s Bulletin Board: A central bulletin board bolsters the web’s independent functioning by facilitating the sharing of successful...
As I flipped through the worn-out pages of my old school yearbook, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The memories of those golden days came flooding back, as vivid as if they had happened yesterday. We had a tradition back then, a poem that we wrote together, where each of us got a shout-out for what we were known for. And guess what? My tag was ‘naughty and loud’—a classic, right?
I was that kid—the one who always had something to say, the one who couldn’t sit still, the one who was always up for a bit of mischief. I even had a VIP seat right up front by Ms. Selby, the teacher who must’ve had the patience of a saint to put up with my antics. Does that sound like someone you know?
Ms. Selby was a gem, though. Her kindness probably kept me from bailing on school altogether. She saw something in me that others didn’t. She saw potential amidst the chaos. I bet if it was today, they’d slap an ADHD label on me in a heartbeat. (I know I...
Ah, the joys of parenthood!
There you are, blissfully dreaming, when suddenly, you’re jolted awake by a little voice asking about the fate of the planet.
Lynsey G posed a great question: What do you say to kiddos with anxiety over concerns about the environment or similar global-scale problems, at 2 in the morning?
Here’s one approach you could test to handle those midnight queries with empathy, brevity, and a gentle nudge back to bed.
First, let’s validate those feelings. Even in your half-asleep state, it’s important to let your child know that it’s okay to be worried. “I can see you’re really concerned about the environment. It’s okay to feel that way. It shows you care a lot.”
At 2 AM, simplicity is key. You want to soothe and comfort without diving into a full-blown discussion. “There are many people working hard to take care of the Earth. Scientists, activists, and even kids like you are making a difference...