Mackay Youth Support Service Inc

Home | ausalert AusAlert is a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices.

There are so many good documentaries to stream if you want to change up movie night with your teens! Here are 18 of our favorites that are a little educational and a lot entertaining and are sure to get your teenagers thinking more deeply about the world around them.
Check them out at the link in our bio Parenting Teens & Tweens

Here are more ideas for targeting working memory: https://www.theottoolbox.com/how-to-improve-working-memory/

The way we see our children changes everything.
Their “big emotions” become communication. Their behavior becomes a clue instead of a battle. And the moments we once rushed through suddenly feel important. 🤍

Sometimes one simple perspective shift can completely change the way we parent.. with more patience, more empathy, and more connection. 💞

Which quote stayed with you the most? ⬇️

A child in meltdown is not being “bad”.
Their brain has gone into survival mode.

When children feel overwhelmed, scared, embarrassed, anxious or unheard, the thinking part of the brain can temporarily switch off. That is why shouting, punishments and lectures often make things worse - not better.

What they need most in that moment is a calm adult, safety, connection and time.

Too many children are labelled as naughty when they are actually distressed.

Every parent, teacher, carer and professional needs to understand this. It changes the way we respond to children forever. ❤️

Free WHAT HAPPENS IN A CHILD’S BRAIN DURING A MELTDOWN? POSTER

LIKE the photo and comment "MELTDOWN" and we will send you a message with a link to a free PDF of this resource.

A child who cannot put shoes on.
A child who explodes over homework.
A child who says “no” to everything.
A child who seems desperate to stay in control.

People often see bad behaviour.

But sometimes there is far more going on underneath.

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a term used to describe children who experience an extreme need to avoid everyday demands and expectations. For many, demands can trigger intense anxiety, overwhelm or distress - especially when they feel pressured, unsafe or out of control.

These children are often labelled manipulative, oppositional, rude, lazy or attention seeking.

But many are struggling far more than people realise.

The heartbreaking part?
The more pressure they feel, the harder things can become.

Too many families are judged.
Too many children are punished instead of understood.

Please note - PDA is not currently recognised as a separate diagnosis in diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-5 or ICD-11. However, organisations including the NHS, the National Autistic Society and PDA Society use the term to describe and support children who show this pattern of behaviours and experiences.

Free UNDERSTANDING PATHOLOGICAL DEMAND AVOIDANCE (PDA) IN CHILDREN POSTERUNDERSTANDING PATHOLOGICAL DEMAND AVOIDANCE (PDA) IN CHILDREN POSTER

LIKE the photo and comment "PDA" and we will send you a message with a link to a free PDF of this resource.