The Victoria Department of Health issued an update regarding the ongoing outbreak of Hepatitis A in Victoria. Since March last year 190 cases have been identified.

Possible signs of Hepatitis include: fever, generalised aches and pains, nausea, lack of appetite and abdominal discomfort. Dark urine is usually the first specific sign of acute Hepatitis A, followed a day or two later by yellowing of the skin and eyes (aka jaundice) and pale coloured bowel motions.
If you are unwell or think you have been exposed please see your GP.

Helping Your Anxious Child: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
By Ronald Rapee, Ann Wignall, Susan Spence, Vanessa Cobham & Heidi Lyneham.
Professor Ron Rapee is Founding Director of the Centre for Emotional Health at Macquarie University and the original developer of the Cool Little Kids evidence-based parenting group program – see below. 

Websites

Raising Children
www.raisingchildren.net.au
A “one-stop-shop” including topics for all age groups from baby to teen.

Online Programs

BRAVE (free)
For those aged between 8-17 years old.
A evidence-based program developed by University of Queensland. Each program includes 5-6 online sessions to take about 60 minutes to complete. An optional program for parents (available even if child not enrolled). A “booster” at 1 month and 3 months is offered after completing the program.

http://www.brave-online.com   or  https://brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au

COOL LITTLE KIDS ($160.00)
Aimed at parents of 3-6 year olds.

8 x online lessons for parents to complete, additional phone sessions with an experienced psychologist are available for $110/ 30min.

What you will learn:

• How shyness and anxiety develop
• How to gradually and gently teach your child to face their fears
• How to use rewards to increase your child’s bravery
• How to reduce unhelpful parenting strategies
• How to help your child become more independent
• How to keep your thoughts accurate
• How to prepare for future challenges

COOL KIDS ONLINE ($100 + $570)
Aimed at parents and young people aged between 7-12 years old.

8 x online lessons for parents and children followed by 4 x 30 minute telephone sessions with a psychologist.

Topics covered include:

• Learning about feelings and anxiety
• Fighting fear by facing fear (stepladders)
• Detective thinking, and learning to think more realistically
• Building assertiveness and dealing with teasing
• Helpful ways of coping when upset

CHILLED OUT ONLINE ($100 + $775)
Designed for parents and young people aged between 13-17 years old.

8 x online lessons for parents and children followed by 6 x 30 minute telephone sessions with a psychologist.

Topics covered include:

• Learning about feelings and anxiety
• Building confidence and independence
• Learning to think realistically
• Developing assertiveness and problem solving skills
• Helpful ways of coping when upset