Dr Kimberley O’Brien talks to five-year-old Katara and her mother Stephanie about what life is like when you’re labelled a gifted child. Stephanie says they started noticing their child was switched on when she was just a few months old. When Katara lost interest in day care when she was three because the older children she had connected with started school, Stephanie brought her in to see Dr Kimberley. While she was hesitant to find out whether Katara was gifted because she thought it might have been her own parental bias, she decided to go ahead with an IQ test. Dr Kimberley recalls that their main concern was whether Katara would be able to sit through the Stanford Binet (Early SB5) test at the age of three. But she did and the test revealed that Katara was, in fact, gifted. Although “gifted” is the term commonly used in IQ tests, Dr Kimberley clarifies that it’s rarely used in a clinical context. She explains that she prefers “high achiever” and focuses on finding ways to stimulate these children and extend their learning in the classroom. Stephanie says this capacity to meet Katara’s learning needs was a major motivator when they were deciding on a school for her. Several schools weren’t open to Katara starting early and others refused because they lived out of catchment, but Stephanie ended up finding a school that was very interested in Katara. They observed her at day care and put a lot of effort into ensuring they could meet her needs. Katara ended up going to that school and Stephanie couldn’t be happier. When Dr Kimberley asks Stephanie about some of the challenges they’ve faced, Stephanie explains that Katara has had to work on her expectations of being excellent at everything and on her social and emotional resilience because she isn’t as emotionally mature as her peers. Dr Kimberley ends by asking Stephanie how she thinks being younger than her peers will affect Katara when she graduates high school. Stephanie explains that they've been working with Katara on the notions of patience and perseverance - that good things take time. Both Stephanie and Dr Kimberley agree that starting school early was the best decision for Katara. What you will learn in this episode: • What being a gifted child or high achiever means • Which cognitive assessments (or IQ tests) can be used in young children • The benefits of finding out whether your child is gifted • How we can stimulate high achievers and extend their learning

In this instalment of Impressive, Dr Kimberley O’Brien speaks to mum Naomi and her daughter Yasi about what it feels like to deal with separation anxiety. Dr Kimberley kicks off by explaining that children often present with separation anxiety at Quirky Kid around the age of two and that it can reoccur when children start primary school or go to school camp or sleepovers. She says it can even occur again at the start of high school and children need a lot of care and support to get through it. Naomi reveals to Dr Kimberley that Yasi’s separation anxiety started around age two or three and affected her ability to enjoy daycare, participate in activities and go to birthday parties. She would stick by her mother’s side and be unable to participate even if she deeply wanted to be part of the fun. When Naomi explains that she ended up sticking around for birthday parties and her daughter would eventually float into the group, Dr Kimberley says that she uses techniques including role-playing and visuals in the clinic to slowly help children get comfortable with situations that cause them anxiety. Naomi and Dr Kimberley agree that the “dump and leave” approach doesn’t work with children who suffer from this level of separation anxiety. Dr Kimberley asks Naomi what techniques ended up working for her family. Naomi explains that finding the right psychologist, explaining the situation to Yasi’s friends and being persistent were the three things that helped the most. Because she has many years of experience working with children who have separation anxiety, Dr Kimberley shares some of her top techniques, including having a buddy system. Exploring the parents’ perspective next, Dr Kimberley asks Naomi how she feels when Yasi is experiencing separation anxiety and Naomi admits she sometimes gets very irritated and has to work hard to stay patient. She says she’s the main person who supports Yasi because her husband is less patient and Dr Kimberley points out that different parenting styles can make dealing with separation anxiety difficult. Naomi then shares that Yasi has found school camps and sleepovers challenging and that she needed to be encouraged to return to group activities after COVID. Dr Kimberley says these are common themes at Quirky Kid and offers advice. What you will learn in this episode: • What separation anxiety looks like • When separation anxiety can occur • Techniques that can help parents deal with separation anxiety • How a hardline approach may be unhelpful

In this episode of Impressive, Dr Kimberley O’Brien discusses encopresis, or faecal soiling, with toilet training educator Monica Ferrie. Monica kicks off the episode by explaining that encopresis occurs when there’s a build-up of poo and the bowel stretches until the rectum loses sensitivity. The child then doesn’t know when they need to poo until some of the impacted poo slips out. When Dr Kimberley points out that Monica is much more comfortable talking about this topic than the families who come to consult at Quirky Kid about it, Monica says embarrassment is a common theme surrounding encopresis. Families assume they’re the only ones dealing with this problem when it’s in fact quite common. With the encopresis fact sheet being the most popular one on Quirky Kid’s website and the number of families consulting for encopresis increasing, Dr Kimberley agrees it’s a much more common problem than people realise. Monica points out that encopresis isn’t deliberate and that the first line of intervention should be to deal with the constipation with plenty of fluids, fibre, sitting on the toilet and stool softeners if necessary. Both Dr Kimberley and Monica agree that a team approach involving the child’s psychologist, GP and teacher is key when treating encopresis. Dr Kimberley underlines the importance of getting help early and giving children independence and control over their toileting at home and at school. It’s also important for parents to have support and for a system to be put in place to deal with encopresis so it doesn’t affect the whole family. While encopresis isn’t always easy, families can overcome this issue and thrive with the right help and support. What you will learn in this episode: • What encopresis is • How to treat encopresis • The importance of a team approach in dealing with encopresis • Why the whole family needs support

In this episode of the Impressive podcast, Dr Kimberley discusses why parents should encourage their children to take risks with Daisy Turnbull, author of 50 Risks to Take With Your Kids and 50 Questions to Ask Your Teens. Dr Kimberley has always been a proponent of increasing children’s independence by encouraging them to do age-appropriate activities such as ordering at a cafe or riding their bikes to the shops on their own. She asks Daisy to clarify exactly what she means by risks and how parents can ensure their children stay safe while taking them. Daisy explains that parenting has become much more protective in the last few decades to the detriment of some children who have become overly cautious. In other cases, children take dangerous risks because they haven’t been given enough autonomy at home and they start to push back. To achieve the right balance, Daisy and Dr Kimberley agree that parents should build up their children’s self-confidence and self-esteem by allowing them to take measured risks. Daisy says children need to develop their own “risk profiles” and they can’t do that if their parents are always stopping them from doing anything risky. They become “all confidence and zero competence”. The two experts concur that the notion of “stranger danger” is outdated and parents should teach their children to trust their instincts about people. Dr Kimberley believes that, coupled with open communication and modelling risk-taking, this approach will turn children into confident and competent risk-takers. What you will learn in this episode: • Why protective parenting isn’t in our children’s best interests • The benefits of risk-taking for children • How parents can encourage their children to take risks in a safe manner • How parents can be risk-taking role models to their children

Dr Kimberley O’Brien speaks to Rose, the mother of a seven-year-old boy who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), about her journey to obtain a diagnosis and how she manages her son’s hyperactivity. Rose reveals to Dr Kimberley that she first noticed her son’s hyperactivity when he was 18 months old. “He just couldn't stay on task with anything,” she says. “He would bounce around from one thing to another and he couldn't sit still.” When Dr Kimberley describes children with ADHD who come into the Quirky Kid clinic as wanting to look at everything at once and emptying out all the drawers, Rose can relate. She explains that it took her a while to understand that her son was actually looking at everything and not just making a mess. Dr Kimberley asks Rose how she harnesses her son’s hyperactivity. Rose explains that he can focus on tasks he’s interested in, such as LEGO and his iPad, for hours. When it comes to getting him to focus on tasks he’s less interested in, breaking down tasks, giving him clear instructions and using visual aids helps. Next, Dr Kimberley asks Rose to share her experience with obtaining an ADHD diagnosis and deciding whether medication was appropriate for her son. Rose says that being diagnosed was the best thing for her son because it allowed him to start taking medication that has helped him focus and to start receiving the support he needs at school. With many years of experience working with children who have ADHD, Dr Kimberley explains Quirky Kid’s in-depth assessment process. Parents can find out more about the Conners 3 assessment tool and behavioural assessments that are used at Quirky Kid to diagnose ADHD. What you will learn in this episode: • How to have a child assessed for ADHD • How obtaining a diagnosis can help a child with ADHD receive the support they need • How to harness the hyperactivity of a child with ADHD • How Quirky Kid can help

The Impressive podcast is back for a second season! In the first episode, Dr Kimberley O’Brien talks to Jade, whose nine-year-old son Logan is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Jade shares the long and winding road her family embarked on to obtain an ASD diagnosis. Dr Kimberley discovers that Logan was bothered by things like food textures and grass from a young age. As he grew older, he struggled to speak clearly and started having emotional outbursts, so Jade sent him to a speech therapist followed by an occupational therapist. Jade reveals to Dr Kimberley that she didn’t get the results she hoped for with these therapies, so she decided to have Logan assessed for ASD. After completing an ADOS-2 assessment, including input from his psychologist and OT, Logan was diagnosed with autism. While the diagnosis wasn’t easy, Jade tells Dr Kimberley that it was a turning point for Logan because he could obtain NDIS funding and the support he needed in school. Since then, he has been much more well-adjusted and successful. Jade now receives phone calls from Logan’s school to tell her how well he’s doing and even that he recently won a technology award. Dr Kimberley explains that a holistic approach that involved Logan’s parents, teacher, OT and psychologist from the get-go would have benefited him and helped his family obtain a diagnosis earlier. This holistic method is how Quirky Kid approaches any ASD assessment. In addition to using evidence-based assessment tools, Quirky Kid psychologists interview important people in a child’s life to complete a full picture of their behaviour and challenges. Parents can find out more about the ASD assessment process on our website. What you will learn in this episode: • The challenges some families face in obtaining an ASD diagnosis • How to have a child assessed for ASD holistically and efficiently • How an ASD diagnosis can improve a child’s wellbeing thanks to NDIS funding and school support • How Quirky Kid can help

204557 Parenting in the digital age is akin to deactivating an explosive device. When screen limits are enforced after a period of flexibility, children react. Parenting in these circumstances takes a special kind of know-how. In this episode, Kimberley responds to listener’s questions about toddlers, tweens and teens on the topic of screen time withdrawals. Listen up as we explore: 1. How to help children to prepare for a digital detox 2. What parents can do to minimise screen withdrawals 3. How to help your child expand their interests outside the home If you liked this episode of Impressive, click ‘Subscribe’ and ‘Review’ in your podcast app. Impressive is a weekly podcast for parents who like to find answers faster, do things differently and take their families further! To apply for an on-air consultation, email: support@quirkykid.com.au

How much is too much communication with a teacher, and what’s best for children when it comes to discussing their education? In this episode, Kimberley shares her tips to establish the positive and regular feedback between parents and teachers about school-related issues. Listen up as we explore: 1. How to initiate a conversation with your child’s teacher 2. What questions to ask and what to expect in return 3. Why regular communication between carers is important for children If you liked this episode of Impressive, click ‘Subscribe’ and ‘Review’ in your podcast app. Impressive is a weekly podcast for parents who like to find answers faster, do things differently and take their families further! To apply for an on-air consultation, email: support@quirkykid.com.au

Creating an attitude of gratitude in children is an attribute parents will be proud to have fostered. In this episode, Kimberley responds to listener’s questions about how to encourage appreciation in toddlers, tweens and teens. Listen up as we explore: 1. The importance of promoting gratitude in young people 2. Child-friendly daily rituals for ages 2-14 year 12 3. Why we often forget to be grateful If you liked this episode of Impressive, click ‘Subscribe’ and ‘Review’ in your podcast app. Impressive is a weekly podcast for parents who like to find answers faster, do things differently and take their families further! To apply for an on-air consultation, email: support@quirkykid.com.au

How do you keep kids entertained for hours while they’re confined in a car? Parenting on a road trip has it’s challenges and the age of your co-travellers is a significant factor when considering: How often should we stop? For how long should we stop? And, where should we stop? In this episode, Kimberley responds to listener’s questions about toddlers, tweens and teens on the topic of long-distance car trips with kids. Listen up as we explore: 1. How to prepare children for a road trip 2. What will help children to cope with a long haul in the car seat 3. How to resolve conflict between family members on the go If you liked this episode of Impressive, click ‘Subscribe’ and ‘Review’ in your podcast app. Impressive is a weekly podcast for parents who like to find answers faster, do things differently and take their families further! To apply for an on-air consultation, email: support@quirkykid.com.au

This Q & A episode responds to a listener’s question about how to empower an early adolescent to make a difference in the world. Developmentally, most 12 year olds are trying ‘not to stand’ as they navigate the transition from primary to secondary school. Yet, some adolescents are impressively politically active. Most young people are guided by their parents or teachers when it comes to practicing empowerment. Why not inspire the next generation to “Be the change you want to see in the world? “ (Ghandi) In this episode, Kimberley shares tips for parents to model empowerment with the aim of motivating young people to take action for the greater good. Listen up as we explore: 1. How to inspire young people to make a difference in their school community 2. Why it’s important for school leaders to survey students to gain their perspectives 3. What types of activities can parents and children do to feel empowered If you liked this episode of Impressive, click ‘Subscribe’ and ‘Review’ in your podcast app. Impressive is a weekly podcast for parents who like to find answers faster, do things differently and take their families further! To apply for an on-air consultation, email: support@quirkykid.com.au

Would you like to pack up your life and live abroad for a year with your family? Somewhere different...culturally diverse, challenging and memorable!! In this episode, I interview, Rachael Mogan-McIntosh, an author and mother of three about their family adventure in the South of France. Rachael shares the challenges they faced as parents watching their children initially struggle in an unfamiliar school with a different approach to playground politics. Listen up as we explore: 1. What to expect if you’re considering an international school transition 2. The challenges children may encounter and how to help them cope at school 3. What are the benefits of moving your family outside of their comfort zone. Listeners can also read Rachael’s published articles and blog posts at: www.mogantosh.com If you liked this episode of Impressive, click ‘Subscribe’ and ‘Review’ in your podcast app. Impressive is a weekly podcast for parents who like to find answers faster, do things differently and take their families further! To apply for an on-air consultation, email: support@quirkykid.com.au

Family mealtimes are a challenge for most children under 5 years...and their parents! In this on-air consultation, Leadership Team Advisor, Janna Lundquist seeks tips to encourage her children to stay at the table longer during mealtimes. Listen up as we explore: How to change dinner time dynamics When to use rewards at the table Why we shouldn’t negotiate with children in relation to food Listeners will learn about recommended resources to extend children’s mealtimes at the table, such as: www.timetimer.com To find out more about Founder and CEO of Janna Lundquist Consulting, a specialist in productive teaming within large organizations, see: https://www.jannalundquist.com/about/ If you liked this episode of Impressive, click ‘Subscribe’ and ‘Review’ in your podcast app. Impressive is a weekly podcast for parents who like to find answers faster, do things differently and take their families further! To apply for an on-air consultation, email: support@quirkykid.com.au

Healthy child development is fuelled by good nutrition. In this episode, Nutritionist and Holistic Health Coach, Steph Meades shares her personal journey as a mother navigating the impact of preservatives on her son’s behaviour and it’s influence her career. Steph has built a thriving online and in-person business coaching families, educators and individuals on how to transition to real foods, as opposed to the processed variety! Listen up as we explore: 1. The most toxic preservatives for toddlers. 2. How to recognize common reactions to processed food. 3. Where parents can find support to change family eating habits. Listeners also receive a discount for Steph’s “Real Food Reboot” online program. Use the discount code: ‘quirkykid’ at: www.lifewellnessco.com If you liked this episode of Impressive, click ‘Subscribe’ and ‘Review’ our weekly stories about parents who find answers faster, do things differently and take their families further! To be part of the conversation, you’re invited join the ‘Impressive podcast’ group on Facebook or to apply for an on-air consultation with Kimberley email: support@quirkykid.com.au

Parenting an Award Winning Young Scientist requires a particular type of attitude. Just ask 16-year-old Bio-Plastic Inventor, Angelina Arora, who created an industry-grade bio-plastic from prawn shells and the cocoons of silks worms at the age of 15. In this episode, Angelina share insights into how she is parented, educated and the personal beliefs that helped her win BHP’s coveted 2018 Science and Engineering Awards. Now, Angelina is preparing to blitz her University Entry Exams with the support of her friends and family. Her next plan is to study Medicine! Listen up as we explore: 1. How Angelina’s parents supported her passion for science and inventing. 2. How to seek out a support network of teachers, professors and mentors to make your dreams a reality. 3. How to find friends who are equally passionate about their own endeavours, while balancing schoolwork with international research. To find out more about Angelina Arora’s research and awards, go to: https://www.csiro.au/en/News/News-releases/2018/students-shrimp-bioplastic-a-big-splash-in-USA https://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/australia/the-16-year-old-changing-the-world.aspx https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/punjabi/en/article/2018/03/08/indian-origin-student-wins-australias-top-science-and-engineering-award If you like this episode of Impressive, click ‘Subscribe’ and ‘Review’ our weekly stories about parents who find answers faster, do things differently and take their families further! To be part of the conversation, you’re invited join the ‘Impressive podcast’ group on Facebook or to apply for an on-air consultation with Kimberley email: support@quirkykid.com.au

Design Expert and Entrepreneur, Rachel Peachy and her family travel internationally to photograph playgrounds. They are paid to collaborate as a family on projects exploring playground culture, and how different communities interact and engage with in play spaces. Listen up as we explore: 1. How to seek out family-friendly international gigs 2. The pros and cons of hiring a babysitter while working abroad 3. A three month stint of homeschooling away from homebase. To connect with Rachel, about photography, exhibitions, graphic design, webpages and more, go to: www.racket.net.au To be part of the conversation, you’re invited join the ‘Impressive podcast’ group on Facebook or to apply for an on-air consultation with Kimberley email: support@quirkykid.com.au

New-York-based Amanda Berlin is a high-achieving entrepreneur with a thriving PR consultancy and popular podcast, Empowered Publicity. Amanda and her ex-husband live in the same street, parenting their 5-year-old daughter across two homes. In this on-air consultation, Amanda is seeking tips to help her daughter express her frustrations, without feeling overwhelmed, and advice to manage her own impatience when her daughter is reluctant to persevere to learn new skills. Kimberley shares practical resources to help children develop their emotional vocabulary (https://therapeuticresources.com.au/products/face-it) and explains parent-child drawing techniques to help children reflect on ‘what triggered’ their behaviour and how to brainstorm better alternatives for the future. Kimberley also mentions Amanda’s Empowered Publicity podcast (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/empowered-publicity/id1091429020?mt=2) and her soon to be aired on-air coaching session about the challenges of launching a podcast! To be part of the conversation, you’re invited join the ‘Impressive podcast’ group on Facebook or to apply for an on-air consultation with Kimberley email: support@quirkykid.com.au

Today Kimberley talks with Lan Mu and her son, Zach Mu who has won awards for public speaking. How Lan Mu created such a humble and down to earth, yet high achieving young boy in Zach. Lan will also be sharing the details about the Timor community and how she brought everybody together so that Zach has some great mentorship and family

Todays episode Kimberley talks with Michael Peachy, the CEO of Seasoned Family Traveller. Listen to how Michael Peachy moved out of the CEO lifestyle into travelling and spending more time with their kids. Here are the links to todays resources: Jobs for Families Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/562910430729199/ Tim Ferriss "Four Hour Work Week" - https://www.booktopia.com.au/summary-epicread/prod9781725892927.html The Family Travel Podcast - Your Kids and Long-Term Travel: A Child Psychologist’s View - https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/the-family-travel-podcast/id1384516997?mt=2&i=1000420963938

Here are the recommended resources to support a 3 year olds exhibiting: Rigid thinking Sensitivity to change Issues with emotional regulation Melt downs I recommend social stories and visual timetables to introduce more structure. For parents: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-highly-sensitive-child-helping-our-children-thrive-when-the-world-overwhelms-them-elaine-n-aron/prod9780007163939.html?source=pla&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxsyB0Nqb3gIVTSUrCh2FGwfQEAQYASABEgIRcvD_BwE https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-highly-sensitive-child-helping-our-children-thrive-when-the-world-overwhelms-them-elaine-n-aron/prod9780007163939.html?source=pla&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxsyB0Nqb3gIVTSUrCh2FGwfQEAQYASABEgIRcvD_BwE For toddlers: https://www.bookdepository.com/Your-Emotions-I-Feel-Angry-Brian-Moses/9780750214032?ref=bd_ser_1_1