Centapaeds Therapy Centre

07/02/2026

Austin Appelbee is 13 years old.

He recently failed his swimming assessment because he couldn't swim 350 metres continuously.

Last week, he swam about 4 kilometres through choppy ocean waters - where sharks are known to frequent - to save his family's life.

When their inflatable paddleboards drifted out to sea off the WA coast, Austin's mum - with her heart in her mouth and as a last-hope desperate prayer - sent him back in a leaking kayak to get help. When that failed, he ditched the kayak and then the life jacket (it was slowing him down) and swam.

For four hours. Through waves and wind. Who knows what was in the water. In open ocean.

He told himself, "Not today. I have to keep going."

When his legs buckled on the sand, he ran another 2km to call emergency services. His family was rescued just as darkness fell.

Police called his efforts "superhuman." (His swimming instructor probably wishes they'd seen this side of him.)

This is a heroic story. I love it. But I'm sharing this because:

Austin didn't become a different kid in that moment. The same determination, grit, and love that got him through those waters was already there. The crisis just revealed it.

I'm constantly reminding parents - you don't know you're resilient until you have to be resilient. And being resilient doesn't usually feel resilient. It feels like "I can't" far more than it feels like "look at me being awesomely resilient".

We spend so much time worrying about whether our kids are ready for life's challenges. Whether they're tough enough. Capable enough. Whether we've done enough.

Austin's story reminds me that kids have reserves we can't always see in the everyday moments. And that when it really matters, they'll find what they need.

What an incredible young man.

03/12/2025

Dear patients, our landline is down, please call or send a WhatsApp to me (Eileen) and I'll be able to help you. 0836581983

04/11/2025

15/08/2025

Our response to our children’s behavior can communicate that they are seen, that they are heard, that they matter, that they are safe, and that they are loved beyond measure or condition.

Or it can communicate our own pain, stress, struggles, needs, fears, and triggers, leaving our children to cope with their inner world alone or, worse, making them feel responsible for helping us to cope with ours.

So before you respond to the little person in front of you, pay attention to the little person inside of you.

Take an honest look at your own behavior.

Listen quietly to your own pain, stress, struggles, needs, fears, and triggers.

And parent that inner child tenderly, wisely, and peacefully.

Then do the same for the child in front of you.
- L.R.Knost
________________________________

📚Peaceful Parenting Resources: http://t.co/T8goym3P6Z 📚
________________________________
Please respect the work of authors, photographers, and artists. You are welcome to share provided you include appropriate credit and do not crop out author’s names from quote memes. Thank you. 🙂

www.LRKnost.com

Fighting a rare, incurable cancer, but I’m still here!💞 L.R.

14/07/2025

Important info!

📣 ‼️ Please check what WhatsApp channels your kids are following!! Please share with all parent friends ASAP

06/07/2025

We are beginning to understand what bullying does to the brain. And it’s not good.

Bullying is something far too many children and teens experience—and it leaves a mark on everyone involved. It doesn’t just impact the child being targeted. Those who engage in bullying and even those who witness it can also carry the weight of the experience. Research continues to show how bullying is connected to mental health challenges like depression, sleep issues, and even long-term emotional distress. It can shape everything from how kids feel about themselves to how they function at school and beyond.

That’s why understanding the full impact of bullying matters. New studies show connections between bullying and not only psychological issues, but also brain function and long-term developmental outcomes. Children who are bullied often face lower quality of life, a higher risk for self-injury, struggles with school completion, and ongoing mental health concerns. There’s even evidence that bullying is linked to changes in the brain regions that process emotions and social experiences.

The takeaway is clear: bullying isn’t just a social issue—it’s a public health concern. Catching it early and responding with support, empathy, and smart interventions can make all the difference in protecting children’s emotional wellbeing now and in the future.

References:
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2452266-were-starting-to-understand-what-being-bullied-does-to-the-brain/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37781982/

02/07/2025

📱👩🏽‍💻 Social media is where teens connect, express themselves, and grow — but it also has a deeper impact than many of us realise.

🧠 The teen brain, especially the prefrontal cortex — the area responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation — is still under construction. That means teens are more sensitive to likes, comments, comparisons, and online pressures.

✨ Combine that with the fact that:
🔹 95% of teens use social media
🔹 Nearly 1 in 2 are online “almost constantly”
🔹 Many report feeling anxious, excluded, or not “good enough” after scrolling...

… and we start to see why digital wellbeing is essential.

👣 This week, we’re breaking it all down in a series — with key stats, brain science, and practical tools for parents, teachers, and anyone who supports teens.

➡️ Follow us this week for insights on how we can help teens thrive online — not just survive.