The Kids First Blog

Kids learn ethical values by watching the actions of adults they respect. So how can parents instill good values in their kids? Child psychologists from Sydney share tips …

It may not surprise you to know that, if we want our children to be kind, moral and caring people, we need to raise them that way. According to the team at Harvard University’s Making Caring Common Project ¹, there are three key ways to encourage your child to show kindness and care. 1. Make […]

The past couple of years has been tricky for many kids (and their families!) We recently asked teachers what they would like you to know as the 2022 school year begins for kids around Australia. Here are some of the tips they shared … 1. Build a positive partnership with your child’s teacher Teachers and […]

  A psychologist who works with children on Sydney’s northern beaches says that while it is normal for children to occasionally become bored with one another, time spent with siblings is an important part of building family relationships and teaching kids to co-operate, respect, and compromise with others. According to psychologist Linda Gilford from Kids […]

Managing mean kids in the playground can be easier when your child knows what to say. Teacher and Kids First Children’s Services founder, Sonja Walker, shares 10 easy responses to teach your child to make handling the politics of the playground easier. When a child is being bullied, it’s easy for adults to tell them to […]

Worried about the way your 2-3 year old speaks? This parent-friendly guide gives the 5 most common signs that your child might need the support of a speech therapist. This professional advice is given by children’s Speech Pathologists from Kids First Children’s Services in Sydney’s northern beaches. Toddlers often mispronounce words and have trouble putting […]

Children’s friendship needs and skills change as they grow. Their ideas about what friendship actually is also changes as they develop. There are 5 stages that children go through as they learn to make and keep friends. Kids First’s Child Psychologists often refer parents to this 5 step framework by Robert Selman that helps families understand developmental […]

When a child is defiant, angry, and emotionally overwrought, the decisions you make and the response you give will not only impact your relationship with your child but also affect the chances of that behaviour happening again. While seems obvious that most children respond well to a home where clear boundaries, consistent routines and calm […]

Worries and fears are a normal part of child development. It’s typical for children to be a little anxious and fearful, especially when they face new experiences, people, or situations. Most children learn to cope with their fears and worries, but for some sensitive children, anxiety not only affects how they feel but also how […]

At preschool, your child probably has one teacher and a couple of other staff that they know well. The daily routine is very structured, and your child has comforting routines that are predictable and certain. Next year, your child’s classroom will probably have strong routines too, but they will not be the same as the […]

Is your child starting ‘big school’ soon? School readiness is about more than ABC and 123 and there are some big switches ahead for you and your child. To start with, the ratio of adults to children in preschools is usually about 1:10, but in most Kindergarten, Prep, and Reception classrooms, numbers are usually higher. […]

Every parent wants their child to have the very best chance of being happy and successful at school, and you and I are no different. Choosing the right school is important for every child, but when your child has unique needs, that choice does take on extra significance. I know you’re probably keen to start […]

Meltdowns and tantrums are as exhausting for children as they are for parents. Sometimes, it can be hard to understand why your child is so upset, and for kids who go from zero to 100 in a nanosecond, predicting or preventing a tantrum can seem as impossible as picking the winning Lotto numbers. Psychologists say […]

Food pouches are one of the latest trends in feeding hungry kids and it’s easy to see why they are so popular. But speech pathologists at Kids First have issued a warning to parents about the impact that food pouches can have on children’s feeding skills and the dangers they pose to children who are […]

As the parent of a child with unique needs, you’ve probably lost count of the hours you’ve spent being their personal therapy assistant. ‘Practicing’ the skills your son or daughter has learned in their weekly speech or occupational therapy sessions can be time consuming and difficult. You’ve sourced fantastic therapists, you know that doing the […]

The first day of school is one that you and your child have possibly been looking forward to for a long time. But starting school isn’t always as easy as it may seem, so here are some top tips from teachers to help you and your child make a happy and memorable start to school. […]

The exciting opportunity you’ve been waiting for Are you currently studying occupational therapy at university? Are you keen to develop your knowledge and skills by working closely with an experienced multi-disciplinary team of paediatric professionals? Would a permanent part-time role at the Northern Beaches most awarded multi-disciplinary children’s practice be a helpful stepping stone for […]

Are you an experienced OT who is ready to take the next step in your career? This is a great opportunity to showcase your skills and mentor others along the way. You will be experienced in delivering occupational therapy exclusively to children, however, what is most important is to be a team player and to […]

Ever heard the saying ‘we have friends for reasons and friends for seasons?’ This might sound completely rational for a grown adult whose friendship with another person might have recently cooled, but for kids, losing a friend can cause anxiety and distress. Childhood friendships fracture for many reasons, but when they do, children with hurt […]