The Kids Health Network

Episode 42: Starting School Starting at a new school can be daunting for both parent and child.  In this podcast we meet Annie Gerhardy. Annie has a passion for fostering young minds and supporting their development through her role in the early learning years.  We discuss the links between education and health, as well as mental health.  We talk about how to help kids become interested in school when they might be dis-engaging or suffering separation anxiety.  We will also look at the challenges faced by kids and their families when starting school for the first time.     

Happy Sleeping Families  Experienced Paediatric nurse and sleep consultant, Tara Mitchell, talks to us on this episode about the gentle sleep approach. Tara is a trained sleep consultant and has become increasingly popular across her social media platforms. She offers range of packages online and face to face. We talk about important sleep strategies for babies and toddlers, and some tips that might help your journey.   For more information check out https://gentlesleep.com.au/ You can find Tara on Instagram and Facebook at: https://www.instagram.com/thegentlesleepspecialist/ https://www.facebook.com/gentlesleepspecialist/

Clark Wight is an internationally renowned teacher and expert in the area of engaging teenagers, in particular teenage boys and supporting their needs when facing adversity. Todays podcast will cover this area along with communication with children and teens. We also discuss some of the tricky areas of dealing with phones, gaming and pornography as well as alcohol and drug use.  Clarks approach is very common sense and practical and will help both parents and educators of children. We also discussed the idea of building resilience in children through being vulnerable ourselves and telling our real life stories.  To find out more about Clark visit: https://www.maggiedent.com/raising-gorgeous-boys/about-clark/ For family cyber safety visit: https://www.familyzone.com/anz/families

In this podcast we welcome back Miriam Kirby, a developmental paediatric psychologist who has extensive experience working with children with autism.  Rates of autism prevalence suggest that boys are, on average, 4 times more likely to have autism than girls. But this figure may hide the true incidence of autism in girls and women as it can be harder to diagnose and even go unnoticed in some. New research suggests that current diagnostic methods overlook girls. Parents with daughters on the spectrum will often share frustrating tales of how difficult it was to get a proper diagnosis for their daughters, some take until adulthood to reach this.  So how does autism affect girls? How do girls with autism cope at school?   In this episode we discuss why autism can be difficult to diagnose in girls and why they often present late. We also discuss the effect of later diagnosis may have on treatment and what treatment is available.  

When someone dies, your child might have strong feelings – sadness, despair, anger, confusion and anxiety. These feelings are normal. In this discussion with Maddison Pike, child psychologist, we look at some of the feelings children experience following the loss of a loved one. We also discuss how to talk about grief with a child and when to seek help from a health professional.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common mental-health condition in children and is present in most countries around the world. Although there is an abundance of literature on ADHD with plenty of scientific information, this condition remains controversial and often under diagnosed. In this episode we meet developmental paediatrician (Prof Desiree Silva) and an ADHD coach (Dr Michele Toner), both of whom are passionate about improving the lives of children with ADHD and their families. They both have over 20 years of experience in the field and recognise the need for this practical guide. I ask them about practical tips for how you can manage and advocate for your child in different settings, with or without medication. We discuss many aspects of ADHD from how it is diagnosed through to parenting and teaching tips and ideas. We also discuss evidence to date for medication and alternative therapies, most importantly considering myths that parents might be concerned about.  I also discover that many (30%) parents of children with ADHD may also have underlying ADHD themselves.  Allied health workers, general practitioners and others who have contact with these children will also benefit from this podcast along with their fantastic book.  Check out and subscribe to their new facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/ADHDgo2guide And website https://www.adhdgo2guide.com/ Or to purchase their book go to - https://uwap.uwa.edu.au/products/adhd-go-to-guide-facts-and-strategies-for-parents-and-teachers-1

 Staying in hospital with a child can be a daunting experience. Today we try to break this down into understanding how it affects children, and what might help prepare them for a happier stay.  We chat to paediatric nurse, Marie, about a child's journey through a hospital and what she sees as useful tips for parents. Marie also tells us about inspiration that children can provide to healthcare professionals and how rewarding it can be to take care of them.  https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/health-daily-care/health-care/hospital-planning-ahead

Welcome Donna Moala, sleep consultant from bub2sleep! Today we meet sleep expert, Donna, who is highly passionate and experienced in dealing with challenging sleep routines and behaviours. The stress caused by a screaming child at night can be like nothing else. Today we talk about types of problems Donna has come across and how it impacts families. We also discuss the sleep sense method and some quick practical tips you can implement at home. Check her out on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bub2sleep/?hl=en and on her website at https://bub2sleep.com.au/ to hear more about the Bub2Sleep program.   

Today in our final episode on Covid-19, we talk to a developmental child psychologist, Poh Gan to complete our chat around coping from home. She has some handy tips on how to handle stress in your house and be more fully present in your life. We also meet Leon Grey, television actor and father of 2 young children. It is great to hear a parent perspective on the lockdown period. This episode includes: - Home schooling tips - Working from home and juggling parenting - How will we get out of this? How do we go back to normal? - Further tips on communicating with children - Creating ‘calmness' Be sure to check out emerging minds, a fantastic resource with videos, podcasts and handouts that might help you to further navigate your communication and understanding of children's responses during COVID. https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/supporting-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/ Leon can be found at https://www.facebook.com/LeonGreyCo 

We chat to Dr Mudita Tiwari, a paediatric registrar with international training in India and Toronto where she completed a Neonatal fellowship. She currently works in a busy Emergency Department in Sydney. Today's podcast covers: -How children are affected by COVID -Best proven methods for protecting children and each other -Will kids become sick if they catch COVID? -Which children are most vulnerable? -Can they spread it to others?-How to chat to kids about COVID -Future treatments in the works Disclaimer: http://box5202.temp.domains/~thekidx1/about/

In this episode, we meet Poh Gan, a very experienced developmental psychologist, who sees lots of families and children. Today we talk about Covid-19 through a child's eyes.  We look at understanding their emotional reaction given children often behave differently when faced with stress. Finally, we touch on getting a grasp on your own anxiety and some practical tips for you to consider. Poh has mentioned some useful links during today's chat – please find these resources listed below. Coping with Challenges with the Coronavirus https://www.calmkidcentral.com/covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR37seTdNlib6WOuB0qv2wUOY1zBTlFyupiLT-5pI9tofse7xtlnUeKIseM Cosmic Kids Yoga https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5uIZ2KOZZeQDQo_Gsi_qbQ Mindfulness exercise online https://www.mindfulschools.org/free-online-mindfulness-class-for-kids/ Coronavirus talking points for parents and teachers with the whole- brainchild approach https://www.tinabryson.com/news/coronavirus-talking-points-for-parents-amp-teachers-with-the-whole-brain-child-approach FACE COVID –How to respond effectively to the Corona Crisis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmvNCdpHUYM&feature=youtu.be  

How do we talk to kids about Coronavirus?  This is a difficult period of time for many families. Seek support early if you feel you aren't coping, GP's can be the first step in this process and are still open and available to talk through any challenges. It is ok to feel worried or anxious. In this podcast, I want to try to keep things simple for you, offering practical tips and strategies. Today I will be chatting about: -How to talk to children of different ages about the coronavirus -How to use effective measures around the house to protect yourselves and each other -Anxiety and stress in children -Anxiety and stress in yourself Some great resources: https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/coronavirus-and-children-in-australia https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/gp-opinion/worried-about-children-and-coronavirus-here-are-so https://www.tinabryson.com/news https://www.smilingmind.com.au/ https://brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au/ https://moodgym.com.au/

Hearing loss in children can lead to long term consequences. It can be subtle and go unchecked. It may be a cause of disruption at school or delayed speech. Audiological screening for hearing loss is an important resource that needs to be utilised when concerns arise. Naomi is an experienced paediatric audiologist and discussed hearing loss causes and treatments with me in this episode.  For more information about this topic visit https://www.tsh.org.au/  Disclaimer: http://box5202.temp.domains/~thekidx1/about/

This weeks guest is Tammy Whait from Inclusion Support Services. Having raised two children with autism, Tammy is not only experienced with the NDIS from a parent perspective, but she has also set up her own service to improve access to the NDIS for other parents. Tammy has gone through the process and is well aware of some of the hurdles that might need to be overcome. On this episode, I ask her about where the NDIS is available, who is eligible for NDIS funding, how to access the funding and the easiest pathway to take when you are stuck. I feel the NDIS is quite misunderstood from both a healthcare perspective and parent perspective. Support funding for your child is such a crucial component of giving them the greatest potential for a brighter future. https://www.facebook.com/pg/inclusionss/about/?ref=page_internal https://www.ndis.gov.au/ Disclaimer: http://box5202.temp.domains/~thekidx1/about/  

We re-join experienced paediatric physiotherapist, Nicole Pates who has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings over a number of years. She now runs a multi-disciplinary clinic called‘Western Kids Health'. In this podcast, I ask Nicole about common sports injuries and strains includingSevers and Osgood Schlatters Disease. We talk about evidence-based warm-ups and cool-downs for active kids and how to detect problems. Disclaimer: http://box5202.temp.domains/~thekidx1/about/

Cyberbullying is a challenge for all those involved. Today's podcast explores whether cyberbullying is increasing, who is at risk and some strategies to support our children with sensible technology use. Professor Marilyn Campbell is a Professor of Psychology at QLD University of Technology. She is the author of Reducing Cyberbullying in schools: International Evidence-based best practices and has completed a study into and published many journal articles in the area of Cyberbullying. She is an expert in bullying as a whole and today provides some fascinating insights into the evolution of bullying over centuries to how it presents today online. More information about Marilyn's research can be found here: https://eprints.qut.edu.au/1925/1/1925.pdf Disclaimer: http://box5202.temp.domains/~thekidx1/about/

Introducing Danielle Strapp, child health nurse, registered nurse and toilet training expert! Her program, Toileting Tots, supports children from all over Australia with their tricky toileting issues. We explore the challenges around teaching children to use the toilet, systems, and routines that work and don't work, bedwetting, constipation and when you should be seeking support from a GP. Danielle was full of handy tips in this fascinating episode on an area that can easily become stressful. Check out some of the handy video resources mentioned in this podcast including https://www.toiletingtots.com.au/ The Wiggles toilet training song - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrziuyiLAK4 Daniel Tiger toilet training - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnQY49m1w2w Disclaimer: http://box5202.temp.domains/~thekidx1/about/

It is important to advise that this is a sensitive, confronting area in paediatric healthcare but as difficult as it can be, it is extremely important to raise awareness. Should you or your child experience suicidal thoughts or ideations, please contact your local health services, GP, hospital emergency department, 000 or lifeline on 13 11 14.  Today I meet Margaret Ho from Calm and Connected. She is a Clinical Psychologist and works with children of all ages. She has a wide knowledge base on how to support children who are at their lowest or who raise the issue of suicide in their families. Today we discuss the ages most vulnerable to this, the best ways to help and discuss this with your children and how to handle self-harming. Services discussed in this podcast include:  Kids helpline 1800 55 1800 Reach Out-https://au.reachout.com/ As always be sure to keep up to date on our social media pages. Disclaimer: http://box5202.temp.domains/~thekidx1/about/

Latest evidence points to sleep-disordered breathing (snoring, mouth breathing, stopping breathing, restless legs, grinding) having a greater impact on children's health and wellbeing than we initially thought. The consequences can be far-reaching, from behavioural and developmental risks to physical changes including changes to the way the heart functions. Dr David McIntosh has been an advocate and researcher in this area. He is an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon (ENT) who wants to improve the trajectory of kids lives by treating excessive snoring appropriately. In this two-part series we will cover some fascinating areas including what normal nighttime breathing is, why sleep is important, what snoring can do to a child, the best way to work out if your child has problem snoring, the best timing for getting it reviewed and treated and the role of sleep in brain development. Snored to Death is David's latest book covering evidence-based topics around paediatric sleeping problems and disorders. It is available at https://www.facebook.com/snoredtodeath, or have a look at his youtube video about this  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPkjlMHvMSY As always be sure to subscribe to our Facebook page at ‘The Kids Health Network' and to our podcast series Disclaimer: http://box5202.temp.domains/~thekidx1/about/

Latest evidence points to sleep-disordered breathing (snoring, mouth breathing, stopping breathing, restless legs, grinding) having a greater impact on children's health and wellbeing than we initially thought. The consequences can be far-reaching, from behavioural and developmental risks to physical changes including changes to the way the heart functions. Dr David McIntosh has been an advocate and researcher in this area. He is an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon (ENT) who wants to improve the trajectory of kids lives by treating excessive snoring appropriately. In this two-part series, we will cover some fascinating areas including what normal nighttime breathing is, why sleep is important, what snoring can do to a child, the best way to work out if your child has problem snoring, the best timing for getting it reviewed and treated and the role of sleep in brain development. Snored to Death is David's latest book covering evidence-based topics around paediatric sleeping problems and disorders.  It is available at https://www.facebook.com/snoredtodeath,  or have a look at his youtube video about this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPkjlMHvMSY As always be sure to subscribe to our Facebook page at ‘The Kids Health Network' and to our podcast series. Disclaimer: http://box5202.temp.domains/~thekidx1/about/

There is an ever-increasing role for technology in the healthcare setting. We are now finding that perfect partnership of using technology to its full advantage in order to reduce pain and suffering and increase health outcomes. Dr Evelyn Chan is the founder and director of SmileyScope, a new way of interacting with kids through virtual reality. She is a paediatrician and Rhodes Scholar and works at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. Through her vision, ‘VR' is reaching children in major hospitals and GP clinics throughout Australia, but it is only the beginning. Research shows the use of distraction such as VR reduces anxiety in both children and their parents, reduces pain and increases acceptance of healthcare overall. The future is exciting! In this podcast, I will ask her what the role of technology is in kids healthcare, other technological advances coming to Australia and how the VR goggles actually work. Check out the Smilyscope website at https://www.smileyscope.com/ for some interesting videos and to see more about how they work. Our Disclaimer: http://box5202.temp.domains/~thekidx1/about/

With Season 3 starting soon, we're excited to share some highlights from Season 2! We hope you're enjoying the Kids Health Network, and we hope you're looking forward to Season 3 as much as we are!

Teenagers brains are constantly changing. This doesn't help their sleep patterns. How do we support them to make better choices when it comes to social media and computer use? Often devices are requirements of the school curriculum and homework is left until late at night, waking their already busy brains. This is combined with increased stress from friendships and relationships.  Striking a balance can be tricky. Dr Paul Jeffrey is a paediatric clinical psychologist and understands sleep and teenagers well, he runs a sleep psychology clinic out of his private practice in Subiaco.  Be sure to check out some great resources we discussed today:  Conversations Podcast (David Gillespie) - How the iPhone re-wrote the teenage Parental as Anything podcast series (Maggie Dent) - Screen time–how much is too much  Sleep Shack–an online self-help program  Sleep Health Foundation tip sheets and resources–http://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au

Today we embark on one of the more stressful experiences a parent will have... tantrums! They can come in all forms from explosions of anger to disorganised, erratic behaviour. They can involve screaming to the point of vomiting, stiffening of the limbs, kicking and hitting, arching of the back or dropping to the floor. Quite simply a tantrum is when your child ‘loses it'. I have come to learn that there are often times in a tantrum that the best management is to simply check the child's safety and then step back. The brain is running amuck and there is little to be gained from rationalising or communicating with your child at that moment. Later reflection and discussion around where those emotions came from will potentially draw out the fear that your child has built up in their mind. Common triggers to tantrums are hunger, tiredness (at the end of the day, have you noticed they become more common?), overstimulation–a child can have a tantrum after playing a computer game or watching a movie because their brain has been very busy during that activity, temperament and strong emotions. It is also important when to recognise that the tantrum could have an underlying issue or problem for that child. Is there an element of anxiety? Are they struggling with their senses? My guest today, Lisa Cooper, works as a behavioural and developmental OT in both the private and public sectors. She has had a wide range of experiences with children and their families and is especially interested in the emotions children display and the ability for them to regulate these.

Our guest today is Sarah, an occupational therapist and Mum who has both experienced hip dysplasia with her children and become a national advocate by creating an organisation about this condition called Healthy Hips Australia. Today we talk about the impact of hip dysplasia and how to look for it in babies. We also discuss the safe positioning of babies. Sarah completed a business administration degree in conjunction with her occupational therapy degree in 2006 and now works in a voluntary capacity as the CEO and Chairperson of Healthy Hips Australia. Sarah worked across numerous acute, inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient rehabilitation settings in the West Australian Department of Health. Sarah sat on the committee of management for the WA Occupational Therapy Association in a marketing role for three years. A mother of two children with hip dysplasia, Sarah was inspired to use her professional skills to establish and run Healthy Hips Australia. Take a look at the Healthy Hips website, where you will find everything you need to know about hip dysplasia. http://www.healthyhipsaustralia.org.au/  

Introducing Nicole Pates, experienced paediatric physiotherapist who runs her own medical clinic around chronic paediatric developmental and rheumatological problems. Today we are discussing the effects of hypermobility in children. What are the causes? Do children with hypermobility need treatment? Joint Hypermobility means children are able to move their joints beyond normal limits. There are a few tests a GP or physiotherapist might perform to figure this out. It does not always restrict activity, in fact, many famous gymnasts, musicians and circus performers have been able to achieve fame due to their flexibility. The Sydney Children's Hospital Network has created a useful resource that is worth reading: https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/fact-sheets/joint-hypermobility  

What is Coeliac disease? Does it run in families? Is it on the rise? How does it affect children physically and emotionally? Is there a cure? Meet Dr Ajay Sharma, a paediatric gastroenterologist who has trained across the world and has all the latest updates on this condition. Coeliac disease is important because it can mimic other conditions. Vague symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, less appetite, or even tiredness and irritability can relate to Coeliac disease. Therefore it is important to consider a variety of presentations to the GP. Coeliac affects about 1 in 70 Australians. It is an auto-immune condition, meaning the body attacks itself, in the case of coeliac this occurs when exposure to gluten takes place. Eating gluten (wheat, rye, barley and oats) causes damage to the small intestine, in particular, the villi which are the finger-like structures that line the bowel to help absorption. It is hard for children to deal with because gluten is often contained in enjoyable foods including bread, cakes, biscuits, cereals, pizza bases, pasta and pastries. Thankfully with more knowledge and support of supermarkets and restaurants, Coeliac is becoming a bit easier to deal with. Be sure to check out Coeliac Australia-https://www.coeliac.org.au/which is one of the resources discussed in this week's podcast

The Light for Riley was born out of terrible tragedy, the death of a newborn child due to Whooping Cough.  Out of this devastation has come exactly that, a shining light of hope for future generations of children and parents with the advent of the government-funded whooping cough vaccination for pregnant women. Not only this, but greater awareness of whooping cough across Australia and the knowledge that protection of family members spending time with that child is also important. It won't stop there for ‘Light for Riley', there are many more important developments worth talking about and advocating for to support people in the protection of their children against serious disease. Riley's Mum, Catherine Hughes is my guest in this podcast, speaking from the heart on a preventative health strategy, to inform people of the key evidence when it comes to immunisation. In this podcast we discuss Riley's story, the impact it has had on her family and the reasons it has influenced her to speak to the Australian Government, the challenges faced when dealing with pressure against immunisation and where to turn to if you are not sure. Please visit her website at https://www.immunisationfoundation.org.au/light- for-riley/ for more. We also mentioned another great resource www.talkingaboutimmunisation.org.au during our chat. 

Obsessions and compulsions can actually be a normal part of childhood. Kids can quite easily become ‘obsessed' with childhood figures, heroes and characters. This is a healthy part of development and is what makes them kids. When these obsessions or compulsions disrupt home or school routines and learning then it can become more of a problem. It can completely dominate a child's way of thinking and be time-consuming or lead to social problems.  My chat with a child psychologist, Maddison Pike, reveals how to recognise OCD and how psychology has become one of the most important treatments. What is CBT? How does it help children? What age does OCD peak? Are there any other treatments?  These questions and more will be explored. The Raising Children's Network also has a great resource on OCD. https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/health-daily-care/mental-health/ocd

Starting solids to babies can be a very exciting time, but it doesn't come without a certain level of stress and uncertainty–Is my baby eating enough? Are they eating the right things? How do I know they are ready to eat solids? Will they choke? What if they have an allergic reaction?  In this podcast episode, these questions and more will be covered with a very experienced paediatric dietician, Ingrid Roche from the Advanced Dieticians Group in Murdoch. Ingrid is also heavily involved with ASCIA, the allergy association of Australia. She shares some important updates and research findings of babies starting solids and how to support them through this process.

One of Australia's leading oncologists and researchers, Dr Nick Gottardo, met with me this week to discuss some of the challenges that children and their families face when diagnosed with cancer. We also discussed some of the big questions often asked including, what causes cancer? Are there any warning signs? What are the commonest types of cancers in kids? There is hope, cures for cancer are becoming more common, however, treatment often doesn't come easy with a high rate of side effects. Dr Nick Gottardo is Co-Head of the Telethon Institute's Brain Tumour Research Team and a consultant Paediatric Oncologist/Neuro-Oncologist and Head of Department of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology at the Perth Children's Hospital. In his clinical capacity, Dr Gottardo is the Deputy Chair of the Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology and Oncology Group and Chair of their Central Nervous System Tumours Subgroup, and aBoard member of the Australian Children's Cancer Therapy group.  You can find out more about Nick and his research here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76EbFVjXnuo

Dr Miriam Kirby is a child and adolescent psychologist who specialises in autism. She understands the key criteria that are required to make this diagnosis and the support parents and children need. On this podcast, we chat about what the features of autism are, how it affects children and the treatment principals. We also talk about how children can be supported along with looking at why early intervention is so important. Other interesting aspects such as current research and future developments are explored. We also discuss specific situations such as ‘meltdowns' and difficulty in social situations. Check out Miriam's recommended resource on the Raising Children Network https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism Along with our website thekidshealthnetwork.com

This ‘mini-episode' explains some of the common flu vaccine concerns parents have. This year's flu season is already looking to be more severe than previous. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, a highly contagious disease that can cause catastrophic effects in some individuals, especially children. It, therefore, makes sense that the government has funded a flu vaccination for children aged 6 months to 5 years.

Are steroid creams damaging to skin? Do they thin the skin? Is a bleach bath safe?  These are very common concerns for looking after eczema in children.  The fact is, Eczema has a far greater impact than just dry, itchy skin. It can be quite damaging to the skin, it can distract kids at school or be a source of bullying, it can disturb their sleep through constant itching. Early treatment of eczema is hugely beneficial. There are lots of treatments available for both mild and severe eczema.  This podcast discusses the key features of eczema and its management. I will be meeting an expert in the field, Jemma.   Jemma is a registered nurse and nurse practitioner. She has post-graduate studies in child health and allergy nursing and a Master of Nursing. She has over 20 years of experience, mostly working with children. She has worked in the children's hospitals in Perth, NSW, and Victoria. She currently holds a position in the Department of Dermatology, Immunology, and Allergy at the Perth Children's Hospital.  Her role includes seeing and treating children with eczema, establishing a new rapid eczema allergy support service for infants and young children, developing and implementing Eczema Health Pathways for improving GP referrals and other eczema resources.   It is crucial to know the best information when managing eczema. A great, evidence-based website to review is the ‘Nip Allergies in the Bub' website which we have already mentioned in our allergy podcast. You can review it again here: https://preventallergies.org.au  

Separating from a loved one can be an overwhelming experience for some children. It can be quite normal for children to experience these emotions. It actually reaches a peak at around 18 months when a child is still adapting to strangers and new people. If it persists beyond this age, or if it starts to create avoidant behaviour such as missing school, we might call this a separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is one of the most common causes of anxiety in children. About 4% of pre-schoolers and school-aged children develop a separation anxiety disorder. In this podcast, Maddison Pike, a paediatric psychologist, will expand on the common signs of separation anxiety disorder and the management principals to make this process easier and less traumatic. She will also discuss the role of psychology in helping children overcome their fear of separation

We are all driven by emotions such as worry, stress and even anxiety. They help to drive us with the many tasks our lives face. As our lives get busier, it is likely these feelings will also increase. In this fast-paced busy world, it is possible that anxious feelings are becoming stronger and more problematic in our children. Children with an anxiety disorder can become disrupted in their schooling or avoid specific fear-provoking experiences. They can have more frequent meltdowns at home due to poor regulation of their emotions. The fear becomes out of proportion with the activity whether it be going to school or even leaving the house. There are many different types of anxiety disorder. This podcast will outline how anxiety affects children, the different types of anxiety disorders and how they can be supported. I will explore simple strategies through to the more complex treatment options.  Today we are talking to Maddison Pike, a child psychologist who specialises in anxiety. She offers some very practical approaches to this big topic. Further episodes will look at each of these types of anxiety in turn.  Be sure to check out our new website http://www.thekidshealthnetwork.com for more useful resources on this topic and all of our topics!

Paediatric ENT surgeon, Mr George Sim, is the perfect person to ask about chronic ear and throat problems that can affect children.  We will explore why some children get more ear infections than others and when treatment is needed. Can a child lose hearing from repeated ear infections?  Repeated throat infections can also be important to manage. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids could be involved. These can cause ‘sleep disordered breathing' which is an important symptom to recognise (symptoms such as snoring, mouth breathing, choking, restlessness at night).  This can lead to other developmental or behavioural problems due to the poor quality sleep. If in doubt seek support from your GP to decide if it is worth pursuing advice from an ENT specialist.

What causes ADHD? How do I know if my child has this?  This interview with a developmental paediatrician, Dr Colin Derrick who specialises in ADHD, should help parents understand this tricky yet important condition. Not every child with difficulty concentrating or impulsiveness has ADHD. There is also no test, it requires careful assessment and evaluation by your doctor and probably a referral onto a paediatrician. If it is diagnosed, the child needs careful support and management. I will explore the current situation in Australia and whether we are in fact seeing a rise in children with ADHD. I will also discuss treatment options and therapies. If we get it right, it can be a rewarding condition to treat, with a dramatic improvement in a child's ability to engage with home and school life. 

In this episode, paediatric GP, Dr. Lauren Johnson will explore the causes of unsettled babies and some simple strategies to help. Often, the first step is to look after yourself and seek help when you need it. What is reflux? How does it differ from colic? How do I help my baby to feel better? We also look at when it might be important to ask for professional help.

Many parents are impacted by children with peanut allergy. There has been a general rise in allergies in Australia over the last 20 years. It has changed the way we live. Schools have put bans on peanut butter sandwiches to avoid cross-contamination between children. Parents have been seen giving the first dose of peanut to their children in hospital car parks or outside medical clinics. This podcast looks at who is at risk of peanut allergy and the best tests available along with prevention strategies that parents can consider. Dr. Michael O'Sullivan is a leading consultant immunologist in Australia who works at the Perth Children's Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital. He has been involved in a number of clinical trials related to peanut allergy and worked with countless families inflicted by this condition. There is a fantastic new resource available online - https://preventallergies.org.au/ This has been developed by ASCIA and the National Allergy Strategy.

85 percent of parents feel their young children are fussy. It can be stressful. Some kids won't eat any healthy food at all.  So what is it about children's tastebuds and attitude that makes them so adverse to good foods and what are some practical strategies to help them? Dr Kyla Smith is a paediatric dietician who specialises in fussy eating. Kyla has over 10 years experience working with children and parents who are finding mealtimes challenging.  Kyla is passionate about helping parents and children to experience positive mealtimes, without stress and worry.  

Meet Dr Huu Kim Le, child and adolescent psychiatrist and one of Australia's top experts in the world of gaming addiction. He has presented a TED talk on the issue and sees families via teleconferencing from all around Australia. How do you keep up with gaming and social media use in your children? What are the benefits and risks of using games? Where do you turn for help? I will be asking him all these important questions. 

If a child fears the doctor's office, health visits can be a challenging experience for the whole family. Kids are naturally scared of the potential for injections or painful procedures. The first question they often ask is ‘am I having an injection today?'. And kids' distress is contagious. A recent survey found that nine percent of parents said they have sometimes avoided raising concerns or asking questions because their child was so up set during a doctor visit. This can lead to avoidance such as delaying immunisation or even cancelling the appointment altogether. Listen to my five top tips for getting your child through the front doors without a screaming meltdown. How do we reduce that anxiety and make healthcare a positive experience!