Family
Reading with your child is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to spend time together. Whether you’re sharing a favourite bedtime story or exploring a new book, these moments help build language skills, spark imagination, and create connection. The good news is that there’s no right or wrong way to read together. The…
You want your child to feel confident, capable, and connected, at home, at school, and in everyday life. Occupational therapy can support your child’s development in areas like coordination, emotional regulation, and comfort in different environments. With practical strategies and playful, hands-on activities, we’ll support you and your child to build skills to grow and…
Our kids develop communication skills at their own pace, but there are key speech and language milestones to look for between 12 months and 5 years. From first words and gestures to forming sentences and telling stories, each stage builds on the last. These are some key language and communication…
When you look at your child, you might notice how quickly they are growing on the outside. What we do not always see is just how much growth is happening on the inside, especially in their brain. From before birth and right through childhood, your child’s brain is being built…
If you have started to notice that your child is struggling to be understood, using fewer words than expected, or becoming frustrated when trying to communicate, it can be worrying. Many parents spot these signs early but are unsure whether to “wait and see” or seek support. This was the…
Sam Campbell lives on a cattle station about an hour west of Cloncurry with her husband and three young children. Sam became concerned about her youngest son Henry when she noticed that his speech had dropped off significantly. A health check in Mt Isa, when Henry turned one, revealed that…
When floods, fires or other disruptions leave the ground soggy, buggy or unsafe, families often find themselves spending more time indoors. Even if you can’t head outside, connection and play don’t have to stop. In fact, these moments can be perfect for slowing down and enjoying simple inside play for…
The start of a new school year can feel both exciting and overwhelming, but these simple strategies shared by Outback Futures occupational therapist Georgie can help make the transition a little smoother for the whole family and help kids start school well. Find a routine Consistency is key when it…
Community leaders play a vital role in helping families prepare, respond and recover from disasters. Children, especially infants and very young ones, are particularly vulnerable during disasters as this is a critical time in their physical, emotional and cognitive development. Their early experiences, including any cumulative adversity, shape how they…
When disasters like floods, fires, droughts, or other community tragedies happen, children feel the impact deeply. Here’s how you can help kids before, during and after disasters to feel safe, connected and understood. Connection is protection: Be physically and emotionally available, warm, and responsive—your relationship is the most powerful buffer…