“Resilience is the capacity to face, overcome, be strengthened and transformed by adversity. Never before, have parents needed the skills, the knowledge and the strategies to build resilience in their children as much as they do now."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Although all transitions are tricky, they’re also an invitation to grow. There may be occasions when your child may try to push your buttons, making you feel guilty and worry about them, but homesickness is a very human emotion."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“If you swear at someone, or about someone, you are actually committing an act of verbal violence. You transgress the usual rules of social interaction, impinging upon someone's self-image and their sense of dignity."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“As human beings, our brains haven’t evolved fast enough to adapt to the digital world that we now live in. This means that the overload of messages that we receive through ever-present media platforms often results in stress, anxiety, and overwhelm."

Dr Emma Woodward

“Parents can help instil hope by encouraging their kids to see life as it is. Human beings, particularly young ones, hate uncertainty and often their natural response is to exhibit varying degrees of fear and anxiety."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Since the pandemic, the number of young people presenting with eating disorders has increased significantly, with demand for services in New Zealand more than doubling since 2020. Essentially, eating disorders are serious mental health problems."

Dr Emma Woodward

“I’m seeing more depression and anxiety in all age groups, but in adolescents it seems to be on steroids. When they look into the future now, they’re looking at one that wasn’t what they envisioned before."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Mothers are the glue that connects and nourishes all of humanity. Recognising her unique role and supporting the contributions she makes to the family will go a long way towards making family life a little more harmonious."

Dr Emma Woodward

“All the transitions are important, but the transition to high school is unique due to the cognitive and emotional changes students are undergoing during this stage of their development. Starting high school can feel exciting and challenging, sometimes both at the same time!"

Dr Emma Woodward

“A formula in dealing with adolescents is force equals resistance. Sometimes it just isn’t possible to stop them doing whatever it is they want to do. Regardless of everything, all you want is for them to come home safe, so start the conversation today!"

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Children who spend more time with their fathers during adolescence, usually have better social skills and a higher self-worth than those who do not. Fathers need to get in there and be involved, even if they get pushed away. Being persistent and present is important."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“The Coronavirus has turned our lives upside down and asked us all to navigate a ton of uncertainty about what happens next. These changes are confronting, creating a perfect storm for a rise in anxiety, depression and substance abuse problems amongst young people."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Some young people remain in denial as to the seriousness of the situation, but the truth is, Coronavirus continues to present a risk to the whole community. There’s a concern that many young people think it is business as usual."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Whilst most children are resilient and seem to be demonstrating a remarkable capacity to manage this challenging time, others are not faring as well. This makes it really important for parents to be vigilant for any signs of distress."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Disappointment is a normal, though difficult, part of growing up and can be a tricky emotion to deal with at any age. How your children learn to respond to disappointment will determine its impact on their future achievement and happiness.”

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg