June 2010

 By Dr Francis Macnab

While everyone knows about the Three Bears and Bah Bah Black Sheep, few parents know the three most vital gifts for kids:

1. The mood of the mother
2. An un-stressed father
3. A happy teacher

Moods are very infectious and help children grow into emotionally mature, happy children. If a mothers’ moods are angry, frustrated and gloomy the whole family is affected.  If a father is over-stressed, trying to meet an overloaded work schedule and has no work-life balance, the whole family and work situation are affected.

A happy teacher brings a positive attitude to their job; is good to work with and brings out the best in kids.

Happiness is infectious. So is negativity.

Cairnmillars places a strong emphasis on positive moods, and works with patients to manage stress and build happiness into their work-life balance.

Positive emotions broaden our range of thoughts and behaviours, improve our problem solving ability and enhance our relationships. They have been found to reverse the stressful impact that negative emotions have on our internal organs and body systems.

Dr Macnab, Executive Director, Cairnmillar says the high number of people having difficulties and wishing their lives could be better indicates we should be doing more to prevent these difficulties. Treatment is the key.

Cairnmillar undertakes counselling sessions on moods, stress and constructing pathways to deeper happiness with:

• kindergartens
• school groups
• work groups
• parents

For further information and to talk to someone about developing strategies to manage moods and stress in your life, please contact Cairnmillar.