Blog Category: Relationships
Reconnecting Absent Fathers With Their Children
There are ever increasing statistics of couples going through separation or divorce in Australia and globally which can have an emotionally huge impact on all children but especially the adult children who are caught in the middle of the break up. We were created to be born into families of mums and dads who support…
When Adult Children Don’t Take Responsibility
Raising our children to become independent responsible adults is the primary goal of most parents around the globe. But what happens when our adult children prefer to stay at home, play video games and sit on the couch all day, refusing to get a job or to take responsibility for their own lives? Many parents…
aifc Focus of Prayer – aifc Students & Relationships
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10 NIVUK aifc value – People & relationships Healthy relationships are foundational for every aspect of life. Valuing people is intertwined into the fabric of our learning communities and is modeled through our broader partnerships. Good morning aifc family, I hope you’re…
Aboriginal Children Being Scarred by Process
The landmark ‘Bringing Them Home’ report on ‘The Stolen Generations’ was delivered in Federal Parliament in 1997. The Report detailed the damage caused to Indigenous Australia when their children were forcibly removed from their families by the government to be placed elsewhere for education. Aboriginal Children living in ‘Out Of Home Care’ has risen significantly…
Forgiving The Unthinkable – Repairing The Breach
When tragedy strikes, we can find ourselves getting angry with God asking, “Why did this have to happen to me?” However, even in those most difficult times when we are angry we are called to be faithful as the bible tells us that even in our anger we are not to sin. “In your anger do…
How Forgiveness is tied to our own Mental Health
Most of us have done things in the past or have had things done to us that we’d rather not think about. These recurring images and thoughts can bring about mixed emotions. Numbing the pain with addictions and substance abuse in order to forget will just make us repeat or ‘groundhog day’ until the…
What is Animal Assisted Therapy?
Animals and pets have long being thought to bring out the best in us. Guide dogs have been and used for years to assist the blind giving them mobility. Now in Australia and abroad some mental health professionals are using animals as part of their therapy. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) involves the use of animals as a form…
Tips for Loving Yourself After A Relationship Break Up
Married couples enter relationships hoping it will last a lifetime. We work hard at establishing a genuine connection built on trust and unconditional love. Then suddenly it happens, he or she announces that they’re leaving and we just don’t know why or what we’ve done wrong. Feelings of powerlessness and rejection begin to overwhelm us…
Parents Be Vigilant About Protecting Children From Online Predators
Recently the ABC reported that a 16 year old Sydney girl was lured to the United States by a convicted 39 year old predator who allegedly groomed the girl on Snapchat. An international police operation rescued the girl from the basement of the accused man’s home. Unfortunately these are the times we live in and…
8 Steps for Empowering Children with Intrinsic Motivation
Of the many factors that can predict a student’s failure, the lack of intrinsic (self) motivation. This is the main reason why students fail.
Our Communities Rely On The Strength Of The Family
The strength of the family plays a vital role as the building blocks for the community producing a safer, healthier and more secure environment to live in.
Living With Chronic Pain Can Be Very Distressing
Chronic pain is common in Australia and all over the world. Carrying ongoing aches and pains places a huge burden on the body and on the mind causing fatigue. Regular daily tasks become an excruciating and exhausting exercise. Routines can easily become overwhelming and psychologically distressing for those who have it, making them prone to…
Allowing Ourselves To Experience Vulnerability For Personal Growth
Vulnerability is a difficult thing to master. Yet, it is in vulnerability that we cultivate courage within ourselves. I personally don’t like being vulnerable. There’s a creepy sense of transparency that makes me really uncomfortable. The shame of not being good enough or the dread of being judged by others is why I have avoided public speaking for…
Jesus Christ The Risen Lord Transforming Lives Today
Jesus died and rose from the dead at Easter offering himself as atonement for man’s sins. We often focus only on the death of Jesus at Easter, and while this is important, we can sometimes forget that 3 days later Jesus rose from the dead. In so doing Jesus conquered death and provided us all…
Parenting For Love Driven Obedience From Our Kids
In What do I do when my kids are driving me crazy? Allyson Evans, explains that there are ways that work to teach and discipline our children, and ways that don’t work. Allison points out that we need to pay particular attention not to lose the child’s heart in the process. What do I…
The Aftermath Of Domestic Violence Hurts Everyone
Recently a domestic violence homicide made news headlines around Australia when Lionel Patea admitted in court to killing his estranged partner Tara Brown in QLD in 2015 after she had dropped her daughter off at day care. He chased her at high speeds, ran her off the road, then while her car was upside down…
Massive Challenges Faced by Parents of Multiple Births
Kim Tucci from Perth in Western Australia made news headlines around the world when she gave birth to quintuplets in January. Ms Tucci also has a nine-year-old son from a previous marriage and two young daughters with her husband Vaughn totalling 8 children. According to the Daily Mail UK, the Tucci family are extremely busy…
Grant Hackett’s Family, Addictions & Mental Health
Almost 17 years after winning Olympic Gold Grant Hackett made news headlines for very different reasons. According to the Courier Mail report that mother Margaret & older brother Craig Hackett attempted a family intervention for Grant’s erratic behaviour. Later the family called the police after the former swimming champion disappeared. His Father Neville issued a public…
Symptoms & Causes Of Carer Burnout
Carers or caregivers, as they are also commonly known, are a very relevant and important part of our community helping seniors and those with a disability. Carers make a big difference in the lives of those whom they help by providing a range of services like companionship, conversation, meal planning and preparation, light housekeeping, personal…
Handling Children’s Mean Behaviour Towards Other Kids
How to Handle Children’s mean behaviour towards other kids What we can do when we witness mean behaviour towards other children by another child? In ‘Handling Aggressive Behaviour Toward Another Child’ – Dr. John Townsend explains. What should I do if my child is displaying mean behaviour toward other children? When do I intervene or…
The Strength of a Father’s Love – Daddy’s Here
Our journey through foster care has been a revelation of a gospel for the inglorious moments of life. We had not intended to care for children with special needs when we began this journey, but it would seem that God has had much for us to learn. Recently, our family has once again grown by one—a tiny…
Transition Feels Like Grief When A Child Grows Up
My son finishes school this week. I’m incredibly excited. I feel like I could burst with pride as I look at the amazing, self-reliant young man he is becoming and the opportunities that stretch before him. But amidst the happiness and excitement there is also something else going on. I am sad. I am nervous.…
A Snapshot of Australia’s Mental Health & Wellbeing
Good mental health is fundamental to our overall life satisfaction and wellbeing. Over the last three years, the number of Australians experiencing a mental or behavioural condition has increased by over 1 million people – with over 4 million Australians (17.5%) now reporting this. Anxiety related problems and mood (affective) disorders are the most commonly…
How Bullying Affected My Mental Health
Being bullied isn’t just something that kids get over with a snap of the fingers or a flick of the mental switch. Ultimately bullying is extreme rejection and the impact it has on young minds can linger for a lifetime. Charlie Kaplan explains how the effects of being bullied at school continued to affect her…
