Kasey Lloyd

Have you ever thought about the importance of demonstrating positive relationships to your child? We know how a regular bank account works: we make regular deposits (and withdrawals), and hopefully put enough aside for a rainy day. But, what is an emotional bank account? Dr Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, using the metaphor of an emotional bank account to describe how parents can build – and break down – relationships with their children.

Why do some children find it easy to converse with family friends, professionals, and strangers while others struggle to whisper ‘hello’? Some researchers suggest we are born with different temperaments, while others suggest that early attachment and parenting style can impact one’s sociability.

Stress is an individual’s response to pressure. A little stress is a good thing – it helps us realise the importance of something and assists us to perform at our best. But too much stress is detrimental to both performance and our physical and mental health. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to stress during assessment periods, when assignments are due and exams are closing in. What does stress look like? School stress manifests differently in different people.