This webinar, run by Carer Gateway and Holstep Health, focuses on carer counselling and how it can support people looking after a family member, partner or friend. Cassandra Allen, Team Leader of Counselling and Coaching at Carer Gateway – Holstep Health, explores the emotional challenges unpaid carers face, including stress, guilt, and feeling overwhelmed, and explains how counselling provides a safe, confidential space to talk and be heard.

Access the webinar here:  Understanding Carer Counselling – Holstep Health

Carer Coaching

This webinar, presented by Suzie Hogan from Uniting VicTas and Janneke Barber-Stevens from Grampians Health, explores how Carer Gateway’s free coaching service can support carers to reach your personal goals, whether that’s improving health and wellbeing, finding a new career path, or creating balance alongside the caring role.

Access the webinar here: Setting Goals with Carer Coaching – Holstep Health

The post Carer Counselling & Coaching webinars appeared first on FamilyCare.

Calling all young carers!

We’ve got some exciting news.

From 2 March to 31 July 2026, Carer Gateway is running the Young Carer Art Competition, and there are some huge prizes up for grabs.

Create a drawing, painting, photograph or other artwork on paper or canvas inspired by the theme ‘Your Art, Your Voice’. The best entries will be showcased at a Young Carer Art Exhibition later in the year.

How to Enter:

1. Register with Carer Gateway for free: Call 1800 422 737 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm) to start the registration process. Our Carer Gateway team will discuss how we can support your caring role.
2. Submit your artwork: Take a photo of your artwork and email it to CGcarerengagement@holstephealth.org.au, along with a short paragraph explaining your piece, before July 31st.

Who can enter: The competition is open to young carers aged 25 or under who care for a family member, friend or loved one, even if it’s only for a few hours a week. If this applies to someone you know – tell them to get involved!

How to win a prize: We’re taking submissions from all young carers, but if you want to be in the running to win a prize you will need to be registered with Carer Gateway (it’s free!). 

The competition is open across three age groups:

• 12 and under
• 13–18 years
• 19–25 years

Prizes for each age group:

• 1st prize: $500
• 2nd prize: $250
• 3rd prize: $100

Important Dates:

• Competition closes: 31 July 2026
• Winners announced: 31 August 2026 

We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Please note: You must be registered with Carer Gateway by 14 August to be eligible for prizes. Our team will contact you to understand your caring role and tailor free support just for you.

Not sure if you a young carer? Click here to find out more!

Whether you care for a family member or friend every day or just a few hours a week, you’re not alone. Carer Gateway offers free emotional, practical, and mental health support to help you. Call 1800 422 727 (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm) or visit carergateway.gov.au.

The post Young Carer Art Competition appeared first on FamilyCare.

In recent years, one particular presentation has increasingly captured my attention: the man who struggles to begin tasks—sometimes even those considered simple or straightforward by others. These are the men who understand the importance of getting things done, yet feel an invisible barrier preventing them from taking that first step.

Initially, I searched for familiar explanations: apathy, laziness, lack of care, or low motivation. But these assumptions failed to capture the full picture. What became imperative was considering the possibility of an underlying neurodivergent condition—diagnosed or undiagnosed—quietly shaping the individual’s behaviour, emotional world, and daily functioning.

Many adults grew up in an era with limited understanding of neurodivergence, where stigma or lack of awareness meant that signs were overlooked. Many have spent their entire lives navigating the world with internalised confusion, masking behaviours, or simply pushing through without understanding why certain tasks or environments felt so hard.

What I Observed in Practice

Through deep exploration of clients’ histories, common themes began to emerge:

• Disconnect from early schooling
• Feeling “different” or socially out of sync
• Struggling in traditional learning environments
• Difficulty keeping pace with expectations that came easily to others

Yet, what struck me equally were the strengths these same men developed—unique skills that allowed them not only to survive but often excel in structured, practical, or systemised workplaces, such as engineering, warehousing, or technical trades. Their capacity to thrive in order, routine, and hands-on environments was remarkable, even as they privately battled self-doubt, overthinking, or a tendency to overcomplicate simple tasks.

These observations compelled me to research more deeply. The following is a simplified snapshot of why task initiation can be so challenging for neurodivergent adults, and how we—as practitioners, colleagues, family members, and community—can support them toward better outcomes.

Why Task Initiation Is Difficult for Neurodivergent Adults

When supporting a neurodivergent adult, difficulties with beginning tasks usually stem from neurological differences—not from lack of motivation or poor attitude. Understanding what happens beneath the surface allows for far more compassionate and effective support.

1. Executive Function Challenges

Many neurodivergent people experience profound differences in:

• planning
• sequencing steps
• initiating an action without external cues

They often know exactly what needs to be done but have difficulty converting intention into action.

How it may appear at work:

• staring at the task but unable to start
• completing it successfully once they’ve begun
• relying on prompts or structured steps

2. Ambiguous or Unclear Tasks

If expectations are not explicit, their brain may “stall,” leading to avoidance or anxiety.

Neurodivergent adults often need:

• specific instructions
• clear sequences
• defined outcomes

How it shows up:

• repeated clarifying questions
• overwhelm or avoidance
• “I don’t know where to start.”

3. Anxiety and Fear of Mistakes

High internal pressure is common. Many carry a lifelong pattern of perfectionism.

Observable behaviours:

• delaying tasks to avoid doing them “wrong”
• seeking reassurance
• starting only when absolutely certain

4. Difficulty with Transitions

Shifting from one activity to another can be neurologically taxing.

Examples:

• trouble moving from break back to work
• freezing after interruption
• difficulty switching focus

5. Cognitive Overload or Burnout

When sensory or emotional load is high, there may be no mental capacity left to begin a new task.

Signs include:

• shutdown
• slow processing
• fatigue
• irritability or blank staring

6. Motivation Differences

Many neurodivergent individuals rely on interest‑based motivation rather than pressure or deadlines. This is not defiance—it’s a genuine neurological difference in how the reward system activates.

Practical Ways to Support Neurodivergent Adults

Here are workplace-friendly, therapeutic, and everyday strategies that are highly effective:

✔ Break tasks into micro‑steps

E.g., “Open the file,” → “Write the heading,” → “Begin the first sentence.”

✔ Provide structure and predictability

Checklists, templates, visual guides, and clear instructions reduce cognitive load.

✔ Reduce decision-making

Fewer choices means less overwhelm.

✔ Offer “initiation support”

Being present while they start, or giving a simple verbal cue, can unlock momentum.

✔ Allow warm‑up time

Once engaged, many neurodivergent adults perform exceptionally well.

✔ Build consistent routines

Predictability dramatically improves task initiation.

Final Reflections

Working with neurodivergent men has reshaped my understanding of motivation, behaviour, and human complexity. What can appear as resistance is often a neurological barrier. What seems like a simple task can feel insurmountable without the right structure or support.

By recognising and honouring neurodiversity—diagnosed or not—we can create environments that empower individuals rather than misunderstand them.

If we meet these men with curiosity instead of judgement, and understanding instead of assumptions, we open the door to better outcomes, stronger relationships, and healthier lives.

The post Understanding Task Initiation Challenges in Neurodivergent Men: Reflections from the Therapy Room appeared first on FamilyCare.

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Recognizing the Signs: A Growing Awareness in Men’s Counselling

Men’s counselling services have increasingly encountered individuals who may be living with undiagnosed ASD. Sometimes these are subtle, but enough to disrupt certain areas of the individual’s life. Essentially, he is functioning ok, but not as well as he’d like.

These men often present with a unique set of challenges that, upon closer examination, align with common traits associated with autism. Some of the observed characteristics include:

• Discomfort in social situations and difficulty with communication
• Avoidance of eye contact due to physical discomfort
• Struggles with procrastination and task completion
• Compulsion to speak one’s mind while not considering consequences
• Challenges navigating issues in the workplace
• Deep, focused interests in specific subjects
• Heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as sound, light, texture, and smell
• Difficulty regulating emotions
• A persistent sense of not fitting into mainstream society

These traits, while sometimes subtle, can significantly impact daily functioning and emotional wellbeing. The growing recognition of these patterns has prompted a deeper exploration into the prevalence of undiagnosed ASD, particularly among adults.

A Shift in Understanding: From Mislabelling to Empowerment

Historically, autism was poorly understood and often mischaracterized. In the early 20th century, behaviors now recognized as autistic were frequently attributed to poor parenting or misdiagnosed as schizophrenia. This misunderstanding persisted for decades, contributing to stigma and reluctance around diagnosis.

It wasn’t until the 1990s that autism was formally recognized as a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), enabling better access to educational support for children. However, many individuals who grew up before this shift—now in their 40s and older—may have missed the opportunity for diagnosis and the accompanying support.

The Impact of an Undiagnosed Condition

Living with undiagnosed ASD can be a source of ongoing confusion and frustration. Individuals may struggle with everyday tasks that seem effortless to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy and isolation. Without a clear understanding of their neurological differences, they may internalize these challenges, affecting their self-esteem and mental health. This has been observed through the Men’s Counselling role.

As these individuals age, the lack of diagnosis can compound their difficulties. Social isolation, reduced confidence, and a sense of being misunderstood are common experiences. Recognizing and addressing these issues is crucial to fostering a more inclusive society.

Moving Toward a Strengths-Based Approach

Fortunately, contemporary understanding of ASD has evolved. Improved screening tools and greater public awareness have paved the way for more effective support strategies. Embracing a strengths-based model allows individuals with autism to be recognized for their unique talents and contributions.

Many people on the spectrum excel in fields that require precision, analytical thinking, and pattern recognition. In fact, some of history’s most significant scientific breakthroughs have been attributed to individuals with autistic traits.

Creating environments that support neurodiversity—whether in families, workplaces, or schools—can unlock the potential of those on the spectrum. This holistic approach not only benefits individuals with autism but enriches society as a whole.

Conclusion: Building a More Inclusive Future

This article aims to raise awareness about the diverse experiences of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly those who remain undiagnosed. By fostering understanding and compassion, we can create a society that values neurodiversity and provides the support necessary for all individuals to thrive.

Recognizing the invisible struggles of those on the spectrum is the first step toward meaningful inclusion. Through education, empathy, and advocacy, we can ensure that every person—diagnosed or not—is seen, heard, understood and supported.

The post Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Lifelong Journey Toward Inclusion appeared first on FamilyCare.

Stress seems to be an inevitable feature of our urgent, fast-paced, and technology-saturated lives. We may be familiar with stress as a reaction that prepares us for a short, intense flight-or-fight response to a perceived threat.

In moderation, stress can serve as a motivator, enhancing our performance and resilience.

However, toxic stress, which we can understand as chronic exposure to severe stress, has detrimental effects on both our physical and mental health.

What Is Toxic Stress?

Toxic stress is a form of chronic, long-term stress. It refers to the extreme, prolonged activation of the body’s stress response system in the absence of supportive relationships or protective factors (Shonkoff et al., 2012).

Toxic stress can lead to significant health problems and developmental disruptions. Toxic stress in adults may manifest as impulsivity, decreased interest in activities, and increased anxiety. Childhood toxic stress can cause abnormal development and permanent structural changes in the brain closely linked to cognitive impairment, severe mental illness and addiction, and a range of chronic health issues.

Symptoms of toxic stress may include:

• Muscle pain
• Headaches
• Gastrointestinal upset (such as stress-induced constipation)
• Increased heart rate, blood pressure, or respiration
• Sleep disturbances or nightmares
• Changes in appetite, eating, and weight
• Trouble regulating emotions
• Increased anxiety and irritability
• Depression or mood swings
• Impulsive, risky, or destructive behavior patterns
• Increased use of substances or alcohol
• Difficulty focusing, concentrating, or remembering things
• Inability to feel present or engaged in activities
• Impaired functioning in one or more areas of life
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Racing thoughts or negative thoughts about self and future

Signs of Toxic Stress

Recognizing the core signs and symptoms of toxic stress is crucial for timely and effective intervention.

Signs of Toxic Stress in adults may include:

• Persistent anxiety:
  A chronic state of heightened alertness and worry that is disproportionate to actual threats (McEwen, 2007)
• Sleep disturbances:
  Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep, often due to hyperarousal (Meerlo et al., 2008)
• Cognitive impairment:
  Problems with memory, attention, and executive function stemming from stress-induced changes in brain structure and function (Lupien et al., 2009)
• Physical health issues:
  Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and immune dysfunction, linked to prolonged stress hormone exposure (Sapolsky, 2004)
• Emotional dysregulation:
  Heightened sensitivity to emotional stimuli, frequent mood swings, and difficulty managing negative emotions (Davidson et al., 2000)
• Behavioral changes:
  Increased irritability, aggression, or withdrawal from social interactions, which can impact personal and professional relationships (Felitti et al., 1998)

Signs of toxic stress in young people may include:

• Dropping grades or poor work performance
• Increased behavioural outbursts and tantrums in children
• Reduced interest in social and recreational activities
• Aggressive behaviours or fighting in older kids/teens
• Increased defiance or rebellion
• Fidgeting, restlessness, or trouble sitting still
• Increased separation anxiety in younger children
• Bedwetting or toileting accidents in younger children
• Cutting or other forms of self-injury

Toxic Stress in Children & Its Effect on Development

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of toxic stress, which can interfere with their brain, emotional development, and overall wellbeing.

During critical periods of growth, exposure to severe, chronic stress can disrupt and impair the formation of neural circuits in regions of the brain that are critical for learning, memory, and emotional regulation. This disruption can result in long-term cognitive deficits, emotional instability, and an increased risk of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety and other chronic health conditions.

Exposure to toxic stress in children may lead to long-term impacts, such as:

• Being in an abusive relationship
• Substance misuse
• Suicide attempts
• Developing heart disease or liver disease
• Chronic illnesses like asthma or auto-immune disorders
• Cognitive impairments affecting learning and memory
• Poorer executive functioning (i.e., planning, decision-making, etc.)
• Destructive habits like gambling or promiscuity

Protective Factors that can mitigate Toxic Stress

 Managing stress should be a priority for everyone. As previously mentioned, some stress can be healthy and motivating, but lasting, severe, and toxic stress is not. Practicing healthy coping skills, maintaining a balanced life, and setting goals can help you combat and prevent the effects of chronic stress.

Below are tips for coping with toxic stress: 

1. Focus on Things in Your Control –  Many different triggers and demands, some of which are beyond your control, can foster toxic stress. Focusing on the causes you cannot change will leave you feeling overwhelmed. Instead, address whatever factors are within your control, such as your responses to situations, outlook, or pleasurable activities. Take action to improve your situation by investing time and energy into positive actions.

2. Maintain a Healthy & Balanced Lifestyle –  People struggling with toxic stress more commonly fall into unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, or overeating. These unhealthy habits may provide temporary relief but can lead to long-term issues that worsen stress. Make your health a priority and do what you can to ensure you eat well, sleep enough, exercise regularly, and avoid drugs and alcohol.

3. Strengthen & Maintain Your Relationships – One of the greatest protective factors against toxic stress is support from people who care about you. Some tend to push loved ones away or isolate when stressed. However, social withdrawal only worsens the harmful effects of toxic stress. Make an intentional effort to reach out, respond, and attend to those you love.

4. Practice Relaxation Techniques – Numerous practices promote relaxation, and making these a part of your routine helps you reduce and manage stress. Many benefit from mindfulness, guided meditation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization exercises. Whatever route you take, stress management techniques are key to maintaining well-being and health.

6. Set Goals & Plan for Your Future –  Many experiencing toxic stress believe their situation will never improve, only increasing overwhelm and hopelessness. Goals and plans for the future provide you with direction, purpose, meaning, and optimism. These feelings are crucial when dealing with toxic and chronic stress. Access to mental health services
7. Access to Mental Health Services –  Timely access to psychological support and counseling can mitigate the effects of toxic stress (Kazdin & Blase, 2011).

Stress Management activities for children.

Stress management activities for children matter because they play a crucial role in promoting healthy development. They contribute to enhancing our children’s emotional regulation, academic performance, social skills, resilience, and overall wellbeing.

1. Mindfulness exercises
   Teaching children simple mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or guided imagery, can help them manage stress by promoting relaxation and present-moment awareness (Schonert-Reichl & Roeser, 2016).
2. Physical activity
   Encouraging regular physical activity, such as sports or play, can reduce stress levels and improve overall wellbeing (Strong et al., 2005).
3. Creative expression
   Activities like drawing, painting, or playing musical instruments can provide children with a healthy outlet for their emotions (Malchiodi, 2013).
4. Storytelling and reading
   Sharing stories and reading together can foster emotional connection and help children process their experiences.
5. Nature walks
   Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and enhance mood, making it an effective stress management activity for children (Kuo, 2001).

Incorporating stress management activities into a child’s routine, such as mindfulness exercises, physical activity, creative arts, and relaxation techniques, can have lasting positive effects on their development and quality of life.

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FamilyCare’s Gift trees provide the opportunity to create a direct and personal impact, bringing joy and spreading the true spirit of Christmas. It is a wonderful way to involve others and make a collective difference.

Below are some questions and answers that may help you make the most of the gift trees and thank you very much for your support of this great initiative.

FamilyCare is also recruiting volunteers for the Shepparton Marketplace Gift Wrapping Station, commencing 12 December through to 24 December.  All funds raised come back to FamilyCare!  Click here to register your interest.  Download the flyer here.

How will the Gift trees work?

Please take a gift tag from the tree. The tags represent specific ages and genders of children who we would like to give a gift to this year. Participants can purchase corresponding gifts and place the unwrapped items under the tree. FamilyCare will then arrange to distribute the gifts to those who need them most.

Where can I find a FamilyCare Gift Tree?

The post Christmas 2024 appeared first on FamilyCare.

In the unfortunate event of a workplace injury or other acquired injury, medication dependence often finds it’s birthplace. Men are often prescribed powerful medication to manage their pain.

This powerful medication is designed to be utilised for short-term use, yet it becomes anything but.

A physiological and psychological dependence can develop whereby the man struggles to consider life without such drugs, where the positive effects of substance use, or the unpleasantness of withdrawal, become insurmountable barriers.

To have a holistic understanding of prescription medication, we must acknowledge the positive benefits.

Medication can relieve us of pain – why wouldn’t it be appealing?

Medication can relieve us of stress and troubled thoughts through numbing our brain and body – again, why wouldn’t that be appealing?

Medication, through it’s positive effects, creates a powerful urge to use them again….and again.

The fact that medication can be so appealing, yet in some circumstances, so addictive is what potentially what makes it so catastrophic. It’s that ‘double edged sword’ we’ve all heard of.

A compounding risk factor is where there is a lack of monitoring through the GP or prescribing source.

If medication reviews are too irregular (or non-existent) to properly understand the way you are responding both physically and psychologically, the management of medication becomes more and more the accountability of the individual. The battle vs the brain begins.

The reality is that GP’s are busy, often pushing through clientele to meet the demand. This makes it easy for a bloke to ‘channel’ the appointment in a ‘preferred’ direction – the man is in a prime position to maintain, or even ‘up’ the medication regime based upon the information he may ‘choose’ to share with the GP.

And then there’s ‘Denial’.

Denial is a psychological defence in which a person is faced with a fact that is too uncomfortable to accept and rejects it instead, insisting that it is not true despite what may be overwhelming  or what others around them observe and share. It’s a strategic tool the mind can employ when things get tough. It protects us from uncomfortable thoughts and helps keep us safe.

While ‘denial’ can keep an individual safe, it can also hurt the individual when it involves addiction or abuse. These problems affect everyone in a family and can lead to unhealthy patterns that get passed down from one generation to the next.

Dependence and/or addiction can become the priority, the obsession – often without the conscious knowledge of the individual.

Medication essentially can become the ‘love affair’, the one thing you will do anything for, the one thing you sacrifice other areas of your life for…….. the priority of your existence.

The unfortunate aspect of this, is that the dysfunction is often suppressed from the conscious stream of thoughts as it brings with it shame and decisions that are too hard to make.

It manifests itself.

Here are some symptoms of being addicted to medicines:

• needing to use it regularly, or in larger amounts to cope with everyday life
• using more of the medicine than was prescribed
• cravings, or a strong desire to use the medicine
• feeling anxious about not being able to get your medicine
• spending too much time getting, using or recovering from the medicine
• finding it hard to cut down or stop using the medicine
• continuing to use the medicine, even when you know you have a problem
• having withdrawal symptoms — unpleasant feelings of illness if you stop taking it regularly
• feeling judged or ashamed when your pharmacist or doctor wants to discuss how much medicine you are taking

Important Note: There is no judgement in expressing the above-mentioned information. Medications are an important part of recovery but are also a trap all too many individuals have fallen into. The intent of this written piece is to bring awareness to this issue and encourage self- reflection.

Upon self-reflection, the challenge would be HONESTY with SELF.

Beyond this, the choice to take ownership and take measures to be the desired version of yourself is the opportunity that awaits.

Please consider speaking with your G.P or local service provider for support.

Alternatively, allowing yourself to be vulnerable and share your struggles with a loved one, may open the path for care and compassion and inspire movement toward services that will be best equipped to support you in your desired goals.

The post Men, Meds and Workplace Injury appeared first on FamilyCare.

We often wait for special occasions or when our children are unwell before we intentionally put effort into showing love for them. We get busy and sometimes simply overlook the more fundamental – and important aspects of parenting.

In other circumstances, we can lack the confidence or commitment to applying fundamental parenting, falling into the trap of assessing oneself that we are not good enough parents or not doing enough for our children. We can develop a self-resentment for the acts, we are unable or un-willing to do.

But let’s not underestimate how powerful the simple applications of parenting can be.

Felling loved is a means of emotional survival. Feeling loved develops security, creates safety, helps the child to be seen, comforted, valued and supported.

In human development, it’s been well documented that a child comes into the world with the vital primary needs of safety and security, and gets these needs met through responsive and attuned attachments caregivers.

Essentially, the thousands of small moments of love you show your child throughout their early life, build the foundation for their emotional health and future relationships.

“These moments of positive connection that parents can develop with their kids are, as an affective neuroscientist described, like fertilizer for the brain. They support brain development and social skill development. One of the most important things we can give to our kids is that caring attuned attention.”  Barbara Frederickson.

Developing an attuned relationship with your child assists them with the following:

• meets your child’s basic need for safety and security
• improving confidence
• decreasing stress
• improved academic performance
• better parent-child communication
• healthy emotional developmental
• more positive social interactions
• increases empathy

Showing kids love doesn’t have to be elaborate or fancy, and in fact, it can most definitely happen in the small moments of daily life.

Here are some ways you can show love for children (and boost their emotional well-being).

Showing love for children doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional. This list will help you remember how important small daily acts of love are to your child, and just how you’ll be able to make them happen.

• Apologize when you mess up
• Tell them a story about your childhood
• Really listen to them – eye contact
• Take a 1:1 walk around the block 
• Join in theirplay
• Clean their room for them
• Ask about their day. You could ask about any positives or negatives.
• Offer to help with their school work
• Let them express their emotions
• Send a joke in their lunchbox
• Be brave together and try a new activity
• Make time to watch their favorite show (even if you hate it!)
• Read to them – this is a BIG one!!
• Dip fruit in melted chocolate
• Frame a picture of you together for their room
• Give them a massage or back scratch
• Blow bubbles – create your own mix with detergent and straws.
• Include them in a typical ‘grown-up’ job
• Limit screen time
• Bake or cook together
• Give them your absolute undivided attention 
• Ask them their opinion on something important 
• Meditate or pray together
• Fold their laundry for them 
• Write them a letter about how amazing they are
• Send them an un-expected email
• Grow something together – plant seedlings in the garden
• Make a combined song playlist
• Teach them a new card game
• Write them a poem
• Pick or buy them flowers 
• Create a scrapbook with them
• Read a bedtime story
• Tell them a make-believe story
• Watch a show from your childhood
• Explore positive affirmations together. Find something that resonates with each of you.
• Genuinely compliment them
• Complete a puzzle together
• Buy or check-out from the library a book you think they’d love
• Add 20 seconds to your morning hug
• Set goals with them – Make them Small, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic & Time framed (SMART)
• Help them pursue their interests
• Notice and comment on their strengths
• Let them pick the music in the car
• Ask your child what they’d like to do together!
• Have dinner as a family
• Make a picnic on the floor with a blanket
• Pick-up a new game to play together at an opp shop
• Volunteer together or do something to help others
• Do each others hair/nails
• Sing together – use the playlist you created!
• Look at your child’s baby pictures with them
• Make a fort with blankets and pillows

The post Ways to show your children love appeared first on FamilyCare.

“Use your birthday as your trigger date to get an annual health check-up”.

Best advice I have received with an ageing body. This is not only beneficial for those who are stacking up the years but also for the young and middle-aged men in our community who often neglect their health.

The benefits of developing good habits around self-care can be the difference between quality in life or not, between life and death in more extreme circumstances.

So here is your prompt to value who you are and what you are to others and find the time to look after yourself. A great starting point is an appointment with a GP – doesn’t have to be a family GP – it can be any GP.

Note: While the emphasis is often on our physical health, please nurture your Mental Health also.

You know the Nike slogan?

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