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Emotions & behaviour

Mental illness in children

The World Health Organisation estimated that worldwide up to 20% of children and adolescents have a mental health disorder serious enough to require professional attention.

Adolescents vulnerable to suicide

In South Africa, research has indicated that one in five teens thinks about harming themselves, with 7.8% of these youths actually attempted suicide before.

Read this and understand your child

Ever wondered why children of certain ages have the same issues, such as the well-known terrible two's or adolescent rebellion? They are stages of psychological development.

What makes Tourette's tick?

Mild tics are quite common in children and usually resolve spontaneously. However, in some people, tics become chronic and interfere with daily life.

Toxic childhoods, raise sick adults

A troubled home life can literally make children sick - even after they become adults.

Is your child depressed?

Does depression manifest differently in children? What should parents look out for?

Tips to stop child biting

Does your toddler go around biting other people? Many young kids bite for reasons ranging from frustration to curiosity.

Take action against teen suicide

There has been an increase in the number of children and teens who commit or attempt suicide. Learn to identify the warning signs and how to respond to someone who is suicidal.

Boost from poverty helps kids

Climbing out of poverty significantly reduces the likelihood of childhood mental illness, says a new study.

Men: Postnatal depression?

Children whose fathers experienced postnatal depression face increased risks of behavioural and emotional problems in early life, a new study finds.

Children and trauma

How do children react when exposed to traumatic events? And how can you help?

Stutterers: shamed and shunned

Speech problems are common and they can be a source of misery. But help is at hand.

Young champions need your help

A recent life skills development workshop held in Alexandra by Women and Men Against Child Abuse found a significant lack of role models within the community.

Angel or rebel?

Do you have a golden boy or girl in the family? Or a troublemaker? A solitary soul or a carefree kid?

Toddlers and teens

Men may be from Mars and women from Venus, but it sometimes it feels like toddlers and teenagers come from another universe altogether.

ADHD: What now?

There is so much conflicting information nowadays on how to treat a child who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). What are the latest treatment trends?

Choosing a child-friendly therapist

Several health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, and psychiatric nurses offer treatment for anxiety disorders in children.

Depressie in kinders

Moenie dink depressie is slegs ‘n siekte waaraan volwassenes ly nie, maar die tekens van depressie by ‘n kind word dikwels misgekyk, het ‘n Kaapstadse kindersielkundige gesê.

Stigma: parents do not seek help

The incidence of mental illness amongst children and adolescents is on the increase. Yet, the majority of children don’t receive treatment.

The depressed child

Does depression manifest differently in children? What should parents look out for?

Violence in kids: the signs

Are your toddler’s temper tantrums so severe that you worry? Does your child come home with bruises from a fight? We list the warning signs for potential violence in children.

When hugs are not enough

A once light hearted child becomes withdrawn, or a bully on the playground. These are symptoms that may prompt a parent to ask: "Does my child have a mental illness?"

Divorce: how it affects your child

Two out of every three marriages in South Africa end in divorce which means that an increasing number of children are growing up in so-called "broken homes".

Dad and kids' mental health

Fathers' mental health problems may take a toll on their children's psychological well-being, particularly that of their sons, a new research review suggests.

Mom's mood influences foetus

Depression during or after pregnancy can have a negative impact on a baby's development.

Autism drug cuts aggression

The antipsychotic drug risperidone is a safe, effective treatment for children with autism characterised by tantrums, aggression and/or self-injury, concludes a new study.

Depression tricky in kids

Treating depression in children and adolescents can be problematic, with little in the way of scientific evidence to guide the use of antidepressants, a report finds.

On the autism spectrum

Children suffering from Asperger's Syndrome are often misunderstood and seen as "difficult" children. A child psychiatrist explains more about this syndrome.

Horses as a therapy tool

The use of horses in the therapeutic treatment of children with psychological, mental, emotional, physical and learning problems is becoming more popular. But does it work and how?