Tanya Forster Psychologist

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Dubbo, NSW
Tanya Forster Psychologist

Tanya is a Psychologist and the CEO of Macquarie Health Collective

29/01/2026

Whether it is starting big school for the first time, transitioning to high school, or just starting the new school year, transitioning back to school after the holidays can be really tricky for so many kids.

I don’t know about you, but my head is currently a jumble of thoughts trying to ensure I have remembered everything and have everything organised for the new school year.

Have I got their shoes ready? Have I ordered enough school supplies in the Woolies order? Have I remembered everything off the checklist school sent home? Have I completed all the paperwork for after school care? The list goes on.

No wonder our kids feel overwhelmed. After 6 weeks at home, it is a big change to get back in the rhythm of school.

Here are a few of my top tips to help you transition your child back to school in 2026.

Want to know more? Check out my latest blog. Link in bio.

25/01/2026

Absolutely not!

Of course, I completely celebrate when they do, but my days are absolutely NOT filled with these moments. Especially in times like school holidays!

Sibling rivalry is very normal, and as much as I would love them to get on more often and have these fairytale-read-to-my-little-sister-and-be-so-divine moments a little more often, I also know that the moments of tension and conflict are natural and actually important!

Want to know more?

Head to my blog to check out the latest edition in my school holiday sibling rivalry mini-series.

Link in bio.

22/01/2026

If your kids seem to fight more when they’re home together all day, it doesn’t mean their relationship is broken.

It usually means:
• more time in close proximity
• fewer natural breaks
• more competition for tired parents
• nervous systems stretched by change

Sibling conflict often increases during holidays because children are spending more time together without the structure and space that usually protects them.

This is situational, not a reflection of your parenting or their bond.

You’re not doing anything wrong ❤️

Want to learn more? Check out my latest blog. Link in bio.

This is part one of a multi-part sibling rivalry series I am releasing this week. Make sure you are signed up to my newsletter so I can drop the next part straight into your inbox!

12/01/2026

Holidays can sometimes be harder for neurodivergent children, even when they’re enjoyable.

Holidays typically involve more noise, more people, more unpredictability, fewer routines, and fewer recovery breaks.

For many neurodivergent nervous systems, this level of stimulation is exhausting.

Big emotions, shutdowns, or increased meltdowns aren’t a failure to cope - they are signs that regulation is being pushed beyond capacity.

Nothing about this means your child is “too much”.
It means the environment is a lot.

You have a good kid having a hard time, and you are a good parent having a hard time ❤️

10/01/2026

Holidays with kids are often sold as “relaxing”.

But for many parents they actually mean:
• less routine
• more noise
• more needs
• less space

If parenting feels harder right now, that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

It usually just means the conditions are harder.

You’re not failing - you are just surviving a demanding season ❤️

09/01/2026

If you are not loving the holidays as much as you thought you would - please know this is incredibly common!

The pressure to enjoy this time can actually make it feel heavier and harder.

Despite what Instagram often tells you, you don’t need to feel grateful, joyful and present all the time to be a good parent.

You are allowed to just survive today ❤️

08/01/2026

Even positive change is still change.

Later nights, new places, more people, more stimulation - it all adds up in a child’s nervous system.

When kids are more emotional or reactive during holidays, it’s not because they’re ungrateful or misbehaving.

It’s because regulation is harder when everything feels different.

It doesn’t make it easy, but it can help us to understand.

And remember, parenting is tough, be kind to yourself ❤️

07/01/2026

You are allowed to loosen routines over the holidays.

You are allowed to choose easy meals.

You are allowed to say no to activities.

You are allowed to let your kids get bored.

You are allowed to rest instead of “making memories”.

Children do not need perfect holidays. You are not ruining your child. You deserve rest too! Cut yourself some slack and remember, you are still a good parent ❤️

05/01/2026

My latest blog is up ✨

Summer holidays can be beautiful, slow and full of connection - and they can also be long, loud, and incredibly dysregulating for everyone.

When routines drop away, nervous systems (both big and small) can feel stretched.

These simple, practical strategies aren’t about doing more or creating perfect days - they’re about supporting regulation, reducing overwhelm, and getting everyone through the holidays with a little more calm.

Most importantly, just remember, it’s ok to not love every moment. You are still a good parent, and you’re doing better than you think ❤️

31/12/2025

And that’s a wrap ✨

Of course, like everything on Instagram, this is just the highlight reel. 2025 was filled with plenty of hard for me both personally and professionally.

I’m a big believer though that it is important to pause and celebrate the moments before we race through life and onto the next thing.

So here is to 2025, celebrating the moments, and being in bed by 9pm 🥂

Bring it 2026!👊

#2025

22/12/2025

December is big - big emotions, big expectations, big schedules.

As a Psychologist, it is a very busy time of year for me. Here are 5 things I wish every parent knew this month ❤️

1. Your kids don’t need a magical month. Children remember connection, not perfection. The small, calm moments together matter more than elaborate plans or perfectly curated holiday experiences.

2. Behaviour can look “bigger” this month. It’s usually overwhelm, not “naughtiness”. Late nights, sugar, visitors, excitement, anxiety.. it all adds up! A dysregulated child isn’t giving you a hard time, they are having a hard time.

3. You are allowed to protect your capacity. Not every event needs to be attended. Not every tradition needs to be upheld. Your kids will benefit from a parent who is resourced not depleted.

4. Rest isn’t optional. It’s protective. You do not need to earn rest this month (or ever). Pausing, slowing down, and doing “nothing” helps your nervous system reset - and it models healthy boundaries for our kids.

5. Connection beats correction. When emotions run high, connection is the fastest way back. Regulation first, teaching second. Whether it’s a meltdown, sibling conflict, or holiday hype gone rogue, your presence and calm nervous system are the best tools you have.

Most importantly, you are doing better than you think ❤️

17/12/2025

It has been a LONG time since we have opened our books to this.

We are thrilled to be offering an assessment clinic these school holidays.

The waiting list is filling quickly. Hit the link in bio to register ✨

Address

165 Brisbane Street
Dubbo, NSW
2830

Website

http://www.tanyaforster.com.au/

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