Bad Behaviour or Mental Health?

As parents, it’s important to recognise that what may seem like “bad behaviour” could actually be a sign that your child is struggling with their mental health. Kids often express their emotions through actions, and these can sometimes be misunderstood as misbehaviour. Here are some signs to look out for:

Signs Your Child Might Be Struggling

• Mood Swings or Irritability: If your child’s mood changes quickly or they get angry easily, it could indicate emotional distress.
• Withdrawal: A sudden loss of interest in activities or isolating from friends can signal anxiety or depression.
• Sleep or Appetite Changes: Difficulty sleeping or changes in eating habits are often linked to stress or anxiety.
• Trouble in School: Falling behind in school or avoiding school may point to emotional struggles.
• Physical Complaints: Frequent headaches or stomach-aches can indicate anxiety, especially when there is no physical cause.
• Acting Out: Defiant or aggressive behaviour may be a way for children to cope with overwhelming emotions.

Dr. Billy Garvey’s Connection Over Correction

Dr. Billy Garvey is a developmental paediatrician who works with families and children to better understand challenges in childhood. In his recent appearance on the All in the Mind podcast, "Bad Behaviour or Just Misunderstood? What to Know About Kids' Mental Health," Dr. Garvey talks about the importance of connection over correction. Instead of punishing children when they act out, he encourages parents to focus on connecting with their child to understand the emotional struggles behind the behaviour. When children feel heard and supported, they’re more likely to open up and work through their feelings, rather than acting out in frustration.

How You Can Help

• Listen and Talk: Create a safe space for open conversations. Ask how your child is feeling without judgment or interrupting. Try asking open-ended questions.
• Stay Calm: Respond with patience and understanding instead of frustration.
• Seek Support: If struggles continue, consider reaching out to a psychologist or counsellor for extra help.
• Maintain Routine: A stable routine can help your child feel secure and less anxious.
• Model Coping Skills: Show healthy ways to manage stress, like talking openly about your own feelings, taking breaks, exercising, and eating well. Don’t forget to build in some self-care for yourself.

Charlotte | Student Wellbeing Program – Psychologist

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1. Visa, MasterCard or PayPal
2. Cash – complete the envelope supplied and return it to our photographer on photo day

You can also visit: www.advancedlife.com.au and enter the online order code: H8K N7Z FAD

School photography information:

• Online orders - do not require an envelope returned to your school.
• Sibling Photos - Don’t forget to pre-order your sibling photos online up to 24 hours before photo day. We provide your school with a list of sibling orders right up to the day of photography, so no one misses out. If you miss the online order deadline, you can submit a completed sibling order envelope first thing in the morning of the day of photography, so your school is aware you want the photo taken and can bring your children together in time for it. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at your school. Please note not all schools offer sibling photos. 
• Late fees - a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately.
• Package delivery - School photographs will be returned approximately 6 weeks after the day of photography. Please note this delivery timeframe is dependent on proofing and additional photography days at your school.
• Previous Years’ photos - Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available to order under the “previous years or group photo” tabs at your school’s advancedorder site when you click on the “Order School Photos Here” button. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9 digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past.