Highlights Thumb sucking in infants is common. Most children stop sucking their thumb (or fingers) by themselves. Some children who continue thumb sucking as they get older can have problems with their teeth. There are strategies for helping your child…

Highlights Temper tantrums are outbursts of screaming and other challenging behaviours when your child loses control. Tantrums are normal in toddlers and typically occur up to age 3. Children may have tantrums when overwhelmed by feelings, such as frustration or…

Highlights Sibling rivalry is common in most families and has many causes. Children need help developing skills to resolve conflicts fairly. It’s important to establish clear family rules and intervene before fights escalate. Age and temperament influence the intensity of…

Highlights Separation anxiety in children is a fear of being separated from their parent or carer. It’s common for babies and young children to be upset when someone they love leaves, even for a short time. Separation anxiety usually starts…

Highlights Self-esteem is a child’s overall sense of worth or personal value. A child’s self-esteem is shaped by how they see themselves and how others treat them. Encouragement helps children develop self-esteem. Constant criticism can damage self-esteem. Learning to cope…

Highlights Many children have an imaginary friend, which might be a made-up person or creature that seems real to them. Imaginary friends are a way for your child to be creative and develop social skills. There are things you can…

Highlights Making friends is important for children’s development, but it isn’t always easy. How your child makes friends will change as they grow up. There are ways you can help them to make friends and be a good friend. In…

Highlights Emotional development in children is complex and starts in infancy. Strong emotional development may help your child develop resilience and good emotional wellbeing. You can help your child learn how to manage their emotions by teaching them ways to…

Highlights Many children may be sensitive or fearful in new situations. Most children learn to cope with these feelings. If anxiety prevents your child from participating in activities, extra support may be needed. There are ways to help your child…

Highlights Emotional trauma can be caused by one-off events, things that happen many times, or the accumulation of many things. If your child has emotional trauma or is grieving, you may notice a change in their feelings and behaviors. Emotional…