Neurodiverse children commonly face challenges with emotional regulation, executive functioning, self-esteem and belonging – all of which can be further impacted by divorce, affecting their sense of connection and belonging, according to DR QURATULAIN ZAIDI of MindNLife. Here she discusses how to navigate the effects of divorce on a family and more specifically parenting a … Read more
In today’s world, the power of social skills is essential for children to achieve success. It’s not just about academic performance – strong social skills give children valuable abilities. These help them build relationships, communicate well, and do well in different social situations. Social skills matter from the classroom to the playground, and into … Read more
It is common for people to stay together for their children. They fear that their child might come from a broken home. These ideas do make sense; divorce can be considered an adverse childhood experience. However, sometimes, getting a divorce is the safer option for your child. Domestic violence, abuse, neglect, and parental conflict can … Read more
Children are innately emotional. From a young age, they go through various emotions like happiness, curiosity, sadness, and fear. Emotions serve an important function; we need them to survive. Understanding and dealing with emotions is crucial for a child’s overall development and well-being. As parents, it is essential to create a supportive environment where children … Read more
Children are vulnerable and can easily be traumatised by various events in their lives. Traumatic experiences can have a profound impact on a child’s development and well-being, leading to a range of symptoms such as mood disorders, anxiety, somatic complaints, and other stress-related problems. Fortunately, there are several therapeutic approaches specifically designed to help children … Read more
Checking into quarantine is not an experience many look forward to. Often, quarantine can be exhausting, and we may feel drained, overwhelmed or anxious being away from our loved ones. Dr Quratulain Zaidi shares how new activities and having fun may actually boost productivity, making quarantine just a bit more bearable. Having fun during … Read more
The world hasn’t looked the same since early 2020. When life just started to return to some level of ‘normalcy’ in 2021, coronavirus showed us just how adaptable it could be with a new variant that brought with it different lockdown regulations here in Hong Kong. But the pandemic has also forced us to adapt … Read more
Three Differences about Child Therapy The process of child therapy has many distinct differences from that of adult therapy, and in order to better support someone going through child therapy, it is important to understand it. If you are considering child therapy, or your young person has asked to speak to a therapist, here are … Read more
DR QURATULAIN ZAIDI of MindNLife discusses bullying, an all-too-common phenomenon found in schools (and, indeed, the daily life of adults) around the world, including Hong Kong. What is bullying? Bullying is defined as repeated interpersonal behaviour, typically between children with unequal power, which is intended to do physical or psychological harm, and can lead to … Read more
Are your children anxious? Children as young as five are presenting for treatment showing signs of anxiety and stress. But how much of it is linked to behaviours exhibited by their parents? Clinical psychologist Dr Quratulain Zaidi of MindNLife Hong Kong looks at the issue in parents and children and some steps that can be … Read more
Mindful Parenting in Hong Kong: Raising Grounded Kids in a Fast-Paced City It’s easy to let our kids indulge in Hong Kong, what with all the access to shops, technologies, entertainment and attractions. Everything is practically within reach, it’s a challenge for every parent in Hong Kong to raise their grounded children. With the city’s … Read more
Do you belong to the 10% who have something in common with Kylie Jenner and Sylvester Stallone? What are phobias and why we get them No fame and fortune can shield these celebrities from a phobia. Kylie Jenner and Nicole Kidman share a fear of butterflies, while action star Sylvester Stallone reported fear of heights … Read more
Let’s talk about something that’s becoming impossible to ignore – our teenagers are struggling. You might be surprised to learn that the National Institute of Mental Health has found around 25% of teens between 13 and 18 are dealing with anxiety disorders. Without help, they’re more likely to have trouble at school, miss out on … Read more
Social Media ‘recovery accounts’ offering eating disorder support should not replace professional help – an expert’s advice From selfies and motivational quotes to photos and videos of meals and gym workouts, Instagram offers a variety of posts that support recovery from an eating disorder or ED. While a 2016 study showed being a part of … Read more
ADHD and Teens – growing up with this disorder presents some unique challanges for youth today. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. It’s a chronic condition marked by persistent inattention, hyperactivity and sometimes impulsivity. ADHD begins in childhood and … Read more
DR QURATULAIN ZAIDI of MindNLife discusses the learning challenges that can attend a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and suggests ways that you as a parent can help. — At a recent meeting of Special Educational Needs professionals, I was asked to host one of six round-table discussions, and the topic I chose was … Read more
Creativity sparks amongst the young and inspires us all. But how as parents, can we balance supporting bright ideas without putting pressure on our kids to succeed? And, how do we manage inevitable failures and stresses as ideas grow into reality. Things to consider for certain, but for now, the young Hong Kongers are off to … Read more
I was recently asked to talk to teenagers about the impact of social media on teens, and the affect that too much screen time might be having on them. One question I posed was this: “In one hour, how much time do you spend working on your device, and what do you do for the … Read more