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In this latest podcast of the Child Wellbeing Series with Daryl Higgins, Director of Australian Catholic University’s Institute of Child Protection Studies, we discuss the issue of parents smacking their children. Daryl talks about the latest study which shows children who are smacked are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression later in life. He also provides strategies for parents who may feel guilty after smacking a child and are looking for a more harmonious household --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/figuring-out-families/message

In the second podcast in the Child Wellbeing Series with Daryl Higgins, director of Australian Catholic University’s Institute of Child Protection Studies, our discussion centres around ‘parenting interventions’ to address mental health issues in children. Daryl says the majority of mental health problems have their origins in childhood and adolescence which is why additional funding is needed to help families. The problem has been made worse by the pandemic and the prevalence of social media. While family income plays a part, Daryl offers some tips on what parents can do to help their children. He also says it’s better, if possible, if both parents are active in their child’s development. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/figuring-out-families/message

In this episode of our Parenting Sessions Series, we talk to Dr Rosina McAlpine who’s an author, parenting expert and CEO of Win Win Parenting. Rosina talks about how families can get back on track after the pandemic. The physical, emotional, social and mental wellbeing of people has been tested big time over the past two years and she says many families have also suffered big financial losses. Rosina provides some timely tips on what families can do to improve their lives and overcome the challenges caused by COVID-19. Visit www.majellan.media for more great podcasts on family, parenting  and relationships. Find out more about Dr Rosina and win-win parenting on her website here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/figuring-out-families/message

Research shows that financial hardship is the biggest cause of family breakdown. Many families have gone backwards during the pandemic and people feel embarrassed if they have money issues and this could happen to anyone and people should not feel shame but seek help. Serina talks about what to do if you have financial issue, how to identify the causes and talks about the types of things that lead to financial hardship. She also shares some simple tips for families if they feel like they’re going backwards. #familyfinances #money Author, podcaster and blogger Serina Bird, a former diplomat who has worked for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, offers her expertise to assist families who are struggling with financial problems. Serina provides advice and tips to help others on her own podcasts titled The Joyful Frugalista at: https://joyfulfrugalista.com/about/ Figuring out Families by Majellan Media aims to help families be the best that they can be. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/figuring-out-families/message

The mental health of young Australians is in the spotlight again with a recent newspaper poll showing one in four young people aged sixteen to twenty-four thought about suicide over the past two years and 15 per cent attempted self-harm. The Age poll reveals a staggering eighty-two per cent said the pandemic caused their mental health issues. Our new podcast series with Professor Daryl Higgins, director of Australian Catholic University’s Institute of Child Protection Studies is therefore timely. In this first Figuring out Families podcast with Prof Higgins, he says parents need quicker and more improved access to evidence-based support programs to address these rising mental health problems. And he believes primary and secondary schools are well equipped to help deliver the programs that will best meet the needs of young Australians. Professor Daryl Higgins is Director of the Institute of Child Protection Studies. His research focuses on public health approaches to protecting children and child-safe organisational strategies. He is a registered psychologist. For almost 30 years, Prof Higgins has researched a wide sphere of child health including: welfare and protection, family law, family violence and family wellbeing. He has published over 250 articles, papers and reports that have made a significant impact on policy related to child maltreatment, both in Australia and internationally. Before joining ACU, Prof Higgins was the Deputy Director (Research) at the Australian Institute of Family Studies, where he had responsibility for the research program, knowledge translation and exchange functions focusing on issues affecting families in Australia. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/figuring-out-families/message

In this new series of Figuring out Families titled The Financial Series, we aim to help families who are experiencing financial difficulties. Research shows that issues over money continues to be one of the biggest causes of relationship break-ups and COVID-19 has only made matters worse for many families. Author, podcaster and blogger Serina Bird, a former diplomat who has worked for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, offers her expertise to assist families who are struggling with financial problems. Serina provides advice and tips to help others on her own podcasts titled The Joyful Frugalista at: https://joyfulfrugalista.com/about/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/figuring-out-families/message

In this special episode of Figuring out Families we look at the difficulties many families have faced with home schooling during the pandemic. Star of the Sea College co-captains, Lucy Corcoran and Charlotte McCormack, who have spent much of their final 2 years of schooling working from home, explain the challenges of not being able to interact with their friends and teachers. They both say their families have played an important role in keeping them calm and on track. Despite the obvious difficulties of not being physically present at school, they have managed to cope and are looking forward to a bright future in their respective careers. Lucy and Charlotte also have some handy tips for other students who are preparing for final exams. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/figuring-out-families/message

In the final session of our marriage preparation series Andrew and Veronica wrap up the key points couples need to consider when preparing for the 'big day'. Marriage preparation is not about having all the answers but exploring the differences and having an opportunity to talk about these differences. Veronica and Andrew share some of the many varied situations they have come across in their 16 years of being with couples preparing for marriage and outline the key points all couples should be aware of when in a relationship. Listen to the Podcast then get the book! The book Your Wedding offers useful advice to engaged couples who want to marry in the Catholic Church. There is information on discussing future expectations with your partner, how to plan your wedding and what to expect on your wedding day. There is also a section with answers to questions that you may have wanted to ask but didn’t feel you could. Suitable for Catholics, those planning a mixed marriage and those wanting to get married in a Catholic Church.  Click here for more information --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/figuring-out-families/message

In the third session of our marriage preparation series Andrew and Veronica outline how to identify and address the differences couples may have coming into a relationship.  Some differences of opinion are small while others may be more impactful.  The usual areas of difference are financial  views, culture, religion and beliefs and family backgrounds.  Identifying the potential problem areas are important to ensure harmony in the relationship is maintained. Listen to the Podcast then get the book! The book Your Wedding offers useful advice to engaged couples who want to marry in the Catholic Church. There is information on discussing future expectations with your partner, how to plan your wedding and what to expect on your wedding day. There is also a section with answers to questions that you may have wanted to ask but didn’t feel you could. Suitable for Catholics, those planning a mixed marriage and those wanting to get married in a Catholic Church.  Click here for more information --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/figuring-out-families/message

We continue our Marriage Preparation sessions with Veronica and Andrew Schoenmaekers. In Session 2 we cover key issues that couples need to consider and discuss prior to their marriage. Topics covered include dealing with extended family, traditions, finances and the importance of communication. In particular Andrew and Veronica explain how couples should approach differences in opinion and values. A must listen for those preparing for marriage and a great refresher for all couples that have been together for some time. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/figuring-out-families/message

Pre-marriage education programs aim to help couples build stronger relationships as they prepare for marriage – and a lifetime together! They are designed to help couples to put relationship theory into practice and learn how to: explore their relationship’s strengths and differences find ways to grow their friendship build skills to navigate and manage conflict discuss the challenges that they may face and plan positive ways to respond think creatively about a vision for their future and the marriage they want to build In these Preparing for Marriage Sessions Andrew and Veronica Schoenmaekers who have been married for 42 years share their experience as facilitators of the FOCCUS marriage preparation program for over 16 years. These podcasts are a great resources for anyone considering marriage. You can also view a great pre-marriage resource here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/figuring-out-families/message

In this podcast, Dr Robyn Mills talks about the benefits of positive thinking and how to free ourselves from the shackles of past negative influencers. Robyn has worked in the health field for 47 years in areas such as psychology, nursing, and natural medicine and is a grandmother of six. She says some people spend a lifetime thinking they are hopeless at certain tasks, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Robyn says it’s important for people to take on a different mindset and set challenges for themselves. She says if a particular family member’s behaviour is such that it affects the whole family, there are things that person can do to improve themselves which will lead to a more harmonious household. She reminds us we can achieve anything we set our minds to. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/figuring-out-families/message