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

• how to support girls to develop body appreciation

• the importance of understanding child development

• fatherhood and the challenges of being a new parent.

We also celebrate Mindfulness Day by delving into the importance of mindfulness and some practices you can try at home to support your child’s self-awareness, emotional regulation and resilience.

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.

Body positive: Supporting girls to grow up confident and proud

In this new episode of the Emerging Minds Families podcast, host Nadia Rossi speaks with the founder of Pippin Girl, Emma Tabacaru, about how parents can support their daughters to grow up feeling confident, worthy and proud of who they are. They discuss the messaging girls get in the media about their bodies and how parents can support them to strive for ‘body appreciation’ instead of ‘body perfection’.

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

Supporting your child to practise mindfulness for mental health

Mindfulness Day (12 September) is our annual reminder to stop, take a breath and be in the present moment. But for some of us, especially kids, it’s not as easy as it sounds, especially when we are experiencing anxiety or navigating difficult challenges. Luckily, there are some simple mindfulness strategies you can use to support your child (and yourself!) that can help them relax and manage stress.

In our short article Why practise mindfulness with your child? you’ll read about some simple techniques your child can practise to shift away from thoughts and bring awareness to what they are experiencing and feeling in the moment.

You might also like to check out Creative healing practices to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, our podcast episode about Wayapa Wuurrk. The first internationally accredited Indigenous wellness program, Wayapa Wuurrk combines earth mindfulness, narrative meditation, physical movement storytelling and earth reciprocity to create a holistic wellbeing program for children.

Understanding child development

When we understand children’s developmental journeys we can nurture and respond to children in ways that match their age and capabilities. It can give you clues about:

• what a child might be feeling and thinking about the world around them

• what a child is likely to be able to do, and what they probably can’t do yet

• why a child might be behaving in a certain way.

This understanding and awareness can help you respond to your child and support their development and learning in ways that are right for their age and individual needs.

Understanding child development is a collection of Emerging Minds resources for parents and other adults caring for children between birth and around 12 years of age. They describe the main developmental experiences for children at different ages and offer ways you can support your child’s healthy development and wellbeing.

Adjusting to parenthood: Fathers and non-birthing parents

Becoming a parent is an amazing experience that can also bring lots of changes and challenges. The first year of your child’s life is a time of great joy but also a big adjustment for both you and your partner.

This resource offers fathers and non-birthing parents information and advice to help you navigate the changes and challenges of being a parent. It also aims to help you understand your baby’s needs and learn what you can do to support their mental health and wellbeing.