Parents are often the first to notice when something feels harder for their child than it seems to be for others. Sometimes it is physical. Sometimes it is emotional. Sometimes it is a quiet sense that their child is working very hard just to keep up. When parents start reading about primitive reflexes, they are usually looking for understanding, not a label…

As a child and adolescent psychologist, one of the most common things parents say to me is: “We’re here because of the behaviour.” That might mean meltdowns. Big emotions. Aggression. Shutdowns. School refusal. Defiance. Constant anxiety. Explosive reactions that seem to come out of nowhere. And while behaviour is usually what brings families through the door, it’s almost never the actual problem…

Parents of neurodivergent children are often exposed to a large amount of information very quickly. Some of it is helpful. Some of it is confusing. And some of it can feel unintentionally alarming. Primitive reflexes are one of the topics that frequently enters the conversation around ADHD and autism, often without enough explanation…

“Neurodiversity-affirming” is a phrase that gets used a lot. Let’s first talk about what it actually means. In simple terms, a neurodiversity-affirming perspective recognises that brains naturally develop in different ways. Autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodivergence are not illnesses to be cured or behaviours to be trained out of a child...

When parents first hear that chiropractic care may support children with retained primitive reflexes, it often raises valid questions. How does the spine relate to reflexes? Is chiropractic actually working on reflexes themselves? And is this type of care safe for children These are important questions, and they deserve clear, thoughtful answers…

Many families hear the terms “high functioning” or “low functioning” early in their journey. They’re often offered as a way to quickly explain what a child might need, how much support is required, or what to expect long term. At first, these labels can feel helpful…

Primitive reflexes are something many parents hear about for the first time after a Google search, a school conversation, or another practitioner mentioning it in passing. Often without much explanation. Let’s talk about what they actually are…

It’s one of the simplest things we use every day - yet one of the most overlooked parts of spinal health: the pillow. Whether you’re an adult waking up with a stiff neck, a teenager spending more time on screens, or a child whose spine is still developing, your pillow plays a vital role in how your body rests…

As parents, you want the best for your child's growth and development, especially when it comes to their health. Gut health plays a vital role in your child’s overall well-being, affecting everything from their immune system to their brain function and behaviour…

Major life changes, such as moving to a new home or transitioning to a different school, can be incredibly stressful for children. Unlike adults, children may not have the coping mechanisms to process these shifts, making it essential for parents to step in and offer the right support…

As a parent, watching your child grow and develop is one of life’s greatest joys. But, along with the excitement, comes the responsibility of ensuring your child is meeting key milestones in their growth. Developmental milestones are a set of functional skills or age-specific tasks that…

By the time mid-year rolls around, many families start feeling the strain of their busy schedules. Between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, work commitments, and social obligations, it’s no surprise that burnout can creep in. Mid-year burnout affects not just adults but also children…

As the seasons change and the days grow shorter, many of us feel a shift in our energy and mood. For children, these seasonal changes can sometimes lead to what’s commonly referred to as the “Winter Blues.” While we often associate this phenomenon with adults, children can also…

Teenagers are often full of energy and enthusiasm, diving headfirst into sports, training sessions, and competitions. While physical activity is crucial for their health and development, it’s not uncommon for active teens to experience discomfort or injuries along the way…

Friendships are a vital part of a child’s development, providing emotional support, boosting self-confidence, and teaching important life skills like empathy and communication. However, for some children, making friends and navigating social situations can be challenging…

As parents, it’s natural to want to ensure your baby is developing and growing as they should. The first year of life is an exciting time, filled with rapid changes and growth milestones. But with so much happening, it can be difficult to know whether your baby is on track. That’s where regular infant growth checks come in…

The teenage years are a time of profound growth and transformation. As teens navigate physical changes, emotional development, and increasing independence, they may also encounter challenges that impact their mental health. For parents, understanding these challenges and...

Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it’s not without its challenges. Whether you’re experiencing the early signs of pregnancy or nearing your due date, the physical and emotional changes can take a toll on your body. As your body adapts to support a growing baby…

As new parents, it’s only natural to want the very best for your baby—from their first coo to their first steps, every moment is precious. But along with the joy of parenthood comes the worry: Is my baby developing as they should? Are they reaching milestones? What can I do to give them the best start in life? If you’ve found yourself asking these questions, you’re not alone…

Every child learns in their own unique way, but for some children, the path to understanding and mastering new concepts can be more challenging. Learning differences, often referred to as learning disabilities or disorders, affect how a child processes, retains, and applies information…