Complete Children's Health

01/02/2026

Kids back at school? Here are some handy tips to keep the after-school conversation flowing!

This question "usually leads to a one-word answer," says Amy Morin, author of "13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don't Do." Here's what to ask instead.

30/01/2026

A strong start to the school year in 2026 is about more than just new pencils and packed lunches — it’s about their well-being, too.

👩‍⚕️ Make sure vaccinations and allergy plans are up to date.
🥦 Pack balanced lunches and stick to regular bedtimes.
🏃‍♂️ Encourage active play and limit screens before bed.
🧠 Check in on how they’re feeling — mental health matters just as much as physical health.
🤧 Teach them to wash hands, cover sneezes and stay home when sick.

Healthy kids learn, play and thrive — let’s give them the best start possible this school year! 💪🍎

29/01/2026

As the school year gets underway, children are spending more time outdoors during breaks, sport and school activities. In Australia, UV levels can remain high even on cooler or cloudy days, making sun protection important all year round – not just in summer.
Simple habits like wearing a hat, applying SPF 30+ sunscreen, using sunglasses and choosing shade during breaks can make a real difference. These routines help protect children’s skin now and reduce the risk of sun damage later in life.

Building sun-smart habits into the school day supports children’s health, comfort and ability to focus – and helps set them up with skills they’ll use for life.

☀️ Does your child take a hat and sunscreen to school every day?

❤️ Yes
👍 Sometimes
😔 We’re still working on it

27/01/2026

🖐️➕📚 Guess what? Letting children count on their fingers isn’t just cute — it might actually help them become maths whizzes! According to the APA, using fingers when first learning numbers appears to lay the groundwork for stronger mathematical thinking down the track.
So when you see little ones waving their digits around trying to figure out “2 + 2” (or “5 + 3” for the keen ones) — cheer them on! They’re not behind, they’re building foundations.
Here are a few tips:

Encourage finger-counting during early number play.

Then gradually help move from “fingers out” to “fingers in my pocket” as they feel more confident.

Make it playful — “Let’s count the jellybeans on your hand!” works better than “Why are your fingers still up?!”.

If they cling to finger counting too long (e.g., deep into later years), that might be a cue to gently introduce alternative strategies.

Let’s give those little digits the credit they deserve — they might be doing more heavy lifting than we thought! 🧠✨

25/01/2026

🚽💬 “Poop talk” might seem silly, but for some children on the autism spectrum it’s a signal, not just a giggle. A recent study found that children with autism are much more likely than their peers to have persistent gastrointestinal (GI) issues – like constipation, diarrhoea or tummy pain.
And yes: such tummy troubles can turn toilet training into a full-on saga. When the body’s uncomfortable, the brain’s busy too – so sitting on the potty becomes optional.
Here are a couple of friendly tips:
✔️ If toilet training feels blocked, don’t assume it’s resistance – check for tummy/gut cues.
✔️ Be patient and gentle – discomfort isn’t a behavioural delay, it’s a physical barrier.
✔️ Chat with a healthcare professional if you suspect persistent GI symptoms – easing those may smooth out so many other parts of life.

Let’s help the kids win the potty game without turning it into potty warfare. 🧻✨

25/01/2026

23/01/2026

🔐😅 Teaching home safety to little ones on the autism spectrum isn’t always glamorous. One minute you’re explaining “don’t touch the shiny colourful bottle under the sink,” and the next you’re starring in your own low-budget safety training video.

But here’s the good news: a recent study found that short video demos plus a parent helping out actually works. Kids picked up important skills way faster than you’d think — and without turning the house upside down.

So yes, you can teach safety… even if your child’s current hobby is running straight towards the one thing you told them not to touch.

Small wins. Big progress. Safer homes.

22/01/2026

Families with children turning four now have a new way to support their child’s school readiness, thanks to a program launched by Moonee Valley City Council this month.

Families with children turning four now have a new way to support their child’s school readiness, thanks to a program launched by Moonee Valley City

20/01/2026

😱🎉 Ever notice how much children love a bit of scary fun? A new study found that about 93% of kids enjoy at least one “recreational fear” activity – things like being play-chased, telling spooky stories, watching scary movies,climbing a wall or hurtling down a slide too fast.
Why? Because fear (in small, safe doses) can actually be fun – it gives them a thrill, helps them practise emotion regulation, and builds resilience.
Parents:
✔ Let them play games that include a bit of a safe fright (hide-and-seek jump scare kids love it).
✔ When they choose a “scary movie” night, make sure they’re comfortable, know it’s pretend, and you’re there if they need reassurance.
✔ Remember: enjoying scary fun isn’t weird – it’s totally normal, and totally human.

Let your little thrill-seeker giggle at the goosebumps – it’s all part of growing up. 🎬👻

18/01/2026

😂 Wondering why kids won’t stop talking about bums and poos?
Good news: it’s totally normal. Kids find toilet talk hilarious, it gets a big reaction… and it helps them make sense of their bodies (especially during toilet training).

So if your little one is narrating every trip to the loo like a sports commentator, don’t stress — it’s part curiosity, part comedy, and part “I’m learning how this whole toilet thing works”.

Hang in there… the poo jokes do eventually slow down. (Mostly.)

16/01/2026

Some autistic people speak few or no words — not because they don’t want to communicate, but because verbal speech isn’t always accessible.

Things like motor-planning challenges, sensory overload or shutdowns can make speaking hard. But silence doesn’t mean someone doesn’t understand.

Communication comes in many forms: writing, gestures, sign, AAC devices and more. Speech is just one option.

A good rule of thumb? Give people time, don’t assume disinterest, and stay open to different ways of connecting.

15/01/2026

🌪️ 8 ways to help kids manage big emotions — without punishments or time-outs
Modern parenting reminds us that emotional regulation isn’t about control — it’s about guidance. Here are eight ways to support your child:
- Help them name what they’re feeling
-Model calm behaviour yourself
- Practise calming techniques together
- Use visual aids such as emotion charts
- Encourage mindfulness and grounding
- Praise their efforts to self-regulate
- Role-play and problem-solve emotional moments
-Give them choices to build confidence
When we replace punishment with connection, children learn to understand and manage their emotions — and that’s how resilience grows. 💬