In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find information about: 

• helping your child adjust to the arrival of a new sibling 

• supporting your child to build connection and belonging 

• what children and young people think about self-care. 

We also celebrate Wear It Purple Day by sharing tips on how you can communicate with and create safe spaces for your sexually or gender diverse young person. 

Emerging Minds recognises that families come in all shapes, sizes and forms.

In our resources, the term ‘parent’ encompasses biological, adoptive, foster and kinship carers as well as individuals who have chosen to take up primary or shared responsibility in raising children. 

We share information about the needs and experiences of children from birth. We acknowledge that every child is unique and has different strengths, vulnerabilities and experiences that shape their health and development.

How to help children adjust to a new baby in the family

In this podcast episode, host Nadia Rossi talks with returning guest Gen Muir, a social worker, parent educator, founder of Connected Parenting and mum of four. Gen brings her professional insight and lived experience to this conversation and shares practical, reassuring ways to understand children’s big feelings during times of change, such as when a new sibling arrives.

Listen to the episode now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or the Emerging Minds website.

Supporting your child to build connection and belonging

In a world that’s more connected than ever, many children and young people still face loneliness or feel like they don’t belong.

Loneliness Awareness Week earlier this month (3–9 August) served not only as a reminder to check in on our young people and loved ones, but also prompted us to reflect on the meaningful connections that help us feel less alone.

You can help your children nurture connections by encouraging them to explore their interests, spend time with people who make them feel good about themselves and get involved in communities where they feel a sense of belonging.

To learn more about supporting children to build connection and belonging, read Feeling connection and belonging outside our families.

Self-care is health-care

To celebrate National Relaxation Day (15 August), we are re-sharing Self-care is Health-care, from our 'Youth voice' video series.

Emerging Minds Families worked with children and young people from South Australian Youth Arts (SAYarts) to identify aspects of mental health and wellbeing that are important to them, including messages for those who support them in their journey into adulthood.
 
In this video, they explore what self-care can look like for them and remind us that looking after yourself is an important part of everyday life.

Supporting gender and sexual diversity in children and young people

This Wear it Purple Day (28 August), the theme of 'Colours of Courage' commends the bravery LGBTQIA+SB young people show every day in speaking up, standing out and creating change. But courage also looks like living authentically, coming out, asking for support, standing beside someone, or choosing pride and hope in spaces where being yourself might not feel very easy.  

Many parents struggle to navigate gender and sexual diversity with their children and young people. If you could use some tips on creating safe spaces for your courageous young person to talk and be themselves, you might like to start by listening to Supporting gender and sexual diversity in children and young people. In this episode of the Emerging Minds Families podcast, host Nadia Rossi speaks with Jason Tyndale, who offers advice to parents on creating a safe space for your child to communicate their diversity with you.  

Listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or the Emerging Minds website.