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Hearing your child or teen talk about wanting to die, or discovering self-harm, can feel instantly frightening and overwhelming. Many parents freeze, panic, or avoid asking direct questions because they’re afraid of making it worse. In this practical webinar, we explain what suicidal thoughts and self-harm can mean, how to spot warning signs early, and what to say (and what not to say) in the moment. You’ll leave with a clear first-response plan, a simple family safety plan template, and confidence about when to escalate and where to get help.
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In this section we will explore Robert Nideffer’s theory of focus styles and explore the different styles of focus and identify the most appropriate focus style for a variety of situations. You will be invited to analyse scenarios and review helpful focus styles through case examples and then relate them to your own performance. Using the different focus styles you can better manage distractions during training or performance.
Focus and attentional control is a complex area but very important when planning for long term sustained performance. It can be used in combination with other aspects of performance psychology, like imagery for example. By completing and practising this section you will likely be able to:
Robert Nideffer’s (1976) Theory of Attentional and Interpersonal Style can be a complex theory to learn and best done in a visual and dynamic fashion, drawing on your experiences. This means that you will need to practise and try to activate the different focus styles over a period of time. Watch this video several times to help you along the way.
Welcome to Chapter 1, where we delve into the world of Separation Anxiety—a common and emotionally distressing challenge faced by children and parents alike. Led by Dr. Kimberley O'Brien, Principal Child Psychologist at Quirky Kid, this chapter provides a comprehensive understanding of the triggers, symptoms, and prevalence of Separation Anxiety.
Understanding the impact of Separation Anxiety is crucial in navigating your child's journey through this challenging phase. By gaining insights into the necessity of independence, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to support your child to effectively manage farewells and separations.
In this chapter we clarify the traits of Separation Anxiety Disorder—a diagnosis reserved for children aged six years and above who experience daily fear of abandonment for at least four weeks consecutively. Additionally, we discuss its prevalence, particularly among children starting daycare, where farewells can be particularly challenging.
To offer a relatable perspective, we present a real-life case example of Kate, a four-year-old who struggles with extreme clinginess and distress during preschool farewells. Through Kate's story, we highlight the emotional impact that Separation Anxiety can have on children and their families, providing empathy and understanding.
This chapter emphasises the significance of establishing a positive relationship with the school environment. Exploring the school surroundings, understanding classroom spaces, and becoming familiar with playground areas can help alleviate anxieties and fears during school drop-offs.
Understanding the different perspectives—both from the child and parent—also plays a crucial role in addressing Separation Anxiety. By exploring how children perceive farewells and understanding parents' concerns, we foster empathy and effective communication, building a foundation for supporting our children through this challenging phase.
Join us as we continue this transformative journey in Chapter 2.
Suicidal thoughts and self-harm in young people are more common than many families realise, and they can show up in many different ways — from “I wish I wasn’t here” comments to cutting, scratching, hitting themselves, or risky behaviour. These experiences don’t always mean a young person intends to end their life, but they always signal distress and a need for support. In this webinar we’ll break down the key differences between self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts, using parent-friendly language that reduces panic and increases clarity.
You’ll learn the most common warning signs and risk factors (including recent changes in mood, sleep, peer relationships, school stress, bullying, trauma, neurodiversity-related overwhelm, and substance use), as well as protective factors that reduce risk over time. We’ll teach a step-by-step conversation framework for asking about safety directly, without interrogating or escalating the situation. We’ll also cover what to do in the first 24 hours after a disclosure or incident, how to reduce access to means, how to create a practical family safety plan, and what to expect if you attend emergency services. The session includes realistic examples, scripts you can use at home, and Q&A.
By the end of this webinar, parents will be able to:
Safety Conversation Practice + “Tonight Plan”
Parents will complete a short worksheet during the session:
Join us for a clear, supportive, evidence-informed session that helps you respond with calm leadership when things feel scary — and gives you a practical plan to keep your young person safe and connected.
This workshop has been subsidised by Quirky Kid is is only $15 to attend.
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