In 2006, July was established as “National Make a Difference to Children Month” as part of a grass-root child protection campaign in the United States of America. This period is used to raise awareness about the vulnerabilities faced by children who do not have a guardian and/or role model in their lives. In observance of this month, we take this opportunity to share three ways in which you can help to make a difference to children and youths in T&T. Educate Others About Child Protection Issues Education and sensitisation play a major role in influencing societal change. You can help to m ..read more

Communication is a vital skill that humans have developed since the beginning of time. It influences how we interact with each other and how we shape our history and culture. As parents, communication is also essential for creating healthy and supportive relationships with our children. When we communicate well with our children, we help them feel secure, confident, and cooperative. We also reduce the risk of them developing mental health issues related to poor parental bonding. In this article, we will share some communication tips that every parent/guardian can apply to enhance their commu ..read more

This article was written in recognition of International Child Helpline (ICH) Day. ICH Day is dedicated to celebrating the work of child helplines and takes place on May 17th every year.   Have you ever wanted a safe space where you could anonymously share your concerns without fear of judgement or being told that your worries are not important? Helplines, not to be mistaken with ‘hotlines’ were developed just for this purpose. In Trinidad and Tobago, ChildLine’s helpline is the only resource where children and youths can access 24/7 support, care and guidance for any mental health ..read more

Parenting is not easy an easy job. Sometimes, it may be extremely stressful, and at other times, incredibly fulfilling. But no matter which side you may relate to more, all parental decisions must be focused on the protection, well-being and best interest of your child. In this article, we will give you information that every parent/guardian should know to prevent one of the most widespread issues affecting children in the world today: Child Abuse. Parents/Guardians should be mindful of the following when raising a child: You are responsible for protecting your child from harm According to ..read more

Disabilities come in many forms, some may be obvious (e.g. persons with spinal cord injury) or not so obvious (e.g. persons with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD]). The need for disability awareness has become more prominent over the recent decades. Not only does disability awareness help break down harmful societal mindsets, it also helps to create a more positive and inclusive society for all. Here, we will provide you with 3 ways to improve your disability awareness so that you can be a part of the change toward a ‘zero discrimination’ society.  Number 1: Unlearn myths ..read more

What is an STI? A Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) or Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) is an infection which has been transmitted among humans through sexual activity such as vaginal sex, anal sex and oral sex. However, some STIs are spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area or improper hygiene such as the shared use of needles/syringes.    Different types of STIs There are many different types of STIs. These include: Syphilis Pubic Lice (also known as Crabs) Gonorrhoea Herpes Chlamydia Hepatitis B Genital Warts   Syphilis Syphilis is a STI caused by bact ..read more

When used wisely, words like “yes” and “no” can be empowering enough for you to communicate what you will and will not tolerate from others. In this article, we will discuss how to set healthy boundaries that will empower you to take charge of your life and reduce the risk of being exploited or taken advantage of. What are healthy boundaries? A person with healthy boundaries: Understands their personal needs and wants and know how to communicate them; Establishes relationships with others that are balanced and mutually beneficial and; Are able to deny others’ requests and accept when others s ..read more

We’ve all heard about how important it is to do things that improve your mental and physical health, so much so that in 2020, Google reported that the number of searches for “self-care” was at an “all-time high”. Having an effective self-care routine can produce a number of health benefits. Some of these include reductions in anxiety, depression and stress, as well as increases in feelings of happiness. In this article, we will provide you with some simple but effective tips that can elevate your self-care habits and/or routines. TIP #1: Sleep More (7+ hours of sleep) Sleep plays an important ..read more

Everyone gets angry, however, how an individual chooses to express their anger is important. After the revision of the 2022 COVID-19 regulations, physical schooling in Trinidad and Tobago resumed. However, with the resumption of face-to-face classes, a notable and alarming rise in fights between school children was observed throughout the nation. With school violence at an all-time high, how can parents and guardians prevent and reduce instances of rage-induced violence? In this article, we provide you with 3 ways to manage physically aggressive behaviour in children. Set Consistent and Appr ..read more

Ever since its inception in 1983, many people around the world have come to accept that the internet has both its advantages and disadvantages. Nonetheless, the internet’s potential to negatively impact a child’s mental and physical health and safety remains a global concern.  Here are some internet safety tips that every parent or guardian should know. Control when and how your child/ward can access their devices Set house rules which determine the hours that your child/ward will have access to their personal devices. When the cut-off time has been reached, ensure that their personal ..read more