Growing Up: early years to teens
Understanding children and teens' brain development so you can respond to their changing needs with confidence.
What our teens need most from us
Independence, boundary testing, and mistakes are all part of healthy adolescence. Understand why connection and influence, not control, matter most, and how staying emotionally close helps teens grow into confident, capable adults.
What to do when I feel shut out by my teen? How to stay connected without chasing or pushing
Teens need closeness and independence at the same time, which can be tricky for parents to navigate. Learn how to adapt your approach to stay present, warm and connected without chasing or pushing.
What’s actually happening in the teen brain
Something important shifts in the adolescent brain. Understand how emotions, peer relationships, and brain development influence teen behaviour and decision making, and how parents can stay connected by stepping back from control and leaning into collaboration.
Why nagging doesn’t work, and what to do instead
Nagging often fuels resistance rather than change. Learn how the adolescent brain responds to repeated requests and practical ways to communicate expectations while supporting teens’ desire for autonomy, trust, and respect.
Why your relationship with your teen has to change — and how to stay close while it does
Parent–teen relationships are meant to change, and that can feel unsettling. Tension is normal but by respecting independence, holding boundaries with care, and collaborating with your teen, you can help future proof your relationship.
WEBINAR: Transition to Year 7
In September 2026, Craig Moore, Clinical Psychologist with Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle, presented a webinar for parents and carers titled Supporting your child's transition to Year 7. The webinar was designed to help families navigate the important transition from primary school to high school with confidence and optimism.
Starting high school is a significant milestone for young people and their families. Alongside the excitement of new opportunities, students often experience changes in routines, friendships, expectations and levels of independence. Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting their child's wellbeing, confidence and sense of belonging during this important stage of development.
In this recorded webinar, Craig Moore shares practical, evidence-informed strategies to help families support a smooth and positive transition to Year 7. He explores ways to foster independence and organisation skills, help young people manage anxiety, uncertainty and change, and navigate friendships and social challenges. Parents and carers will also gain practical insights into supporting resilience, encouraging healthy use of technology and social media, promoting help-seeking behaviours, and building strong school-family partnerships to support their child's success and wellbeing throughout the transition to high school.
WEBINAR: Transition to Kindergarten
In September 2026, Craig Moore, Clinical Psychologist with Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle, presented a webinar for parents and carers titled Supporting your child's transition to Kindergarten. The webinar was designed to support families as they prepared for one of the most significant milestones in a young child's life: starting school.
Beginning Kindergarten is an exciting time, but it can also bring uncertainty for children and their families. As children adjust to new routines, relationships and expectations, parents play an important role in helping them develop the confidence, resilience and sense of belonging needed to thrive at school.
In this recorded webinar, Craig Moore shares practical, evidence-informed strategies to help parents support a positive transition to school. He explores what school readiness really means, how to foster confidence and independence, and ways to help children manage emotions and adapt to change. Parents and carers will also gain practical ideas for supporting friendships and belonging, establishing routines that promote wellbeing, and helping their child approach the start of Kindergarten with confidence and enthusiasm.