Speaking in front of his class was incredible for Billy. He went from not wanting to be away from me to talking to anyone and making more eye contact, sharing his achievements and his passion. 

Children who don't sleep well are more likely to behave poorly and are less effective learners. The flow on effect to the family is also significant with much higher rates of maternal depression in mothers whose children are poor sleepers.

Dr Amy Whittaker writes about new research that highlights the impact a father’s mental health has on the development and behavior of his children.

"Dads need to be reassured that parenting can be stressful and if their moods are impacting on their relationship with their child they should ask for help, not suffer in silence."

What impact is too much screen time having on children? Leading Steps’ Paediatricians discuss the impact on their own families and share suggestions for balance.

What happens when your child outgrows their paediatrician?

Associate Professor Lionel Lubitz is studying how to improve the experience of moving to adult care.

Childhood weight gain can be approached from a different angle - looking at behaviours that families can more easily change.

Is it time for an alternative “facetime” intervention?

Many parents have happy memories of Christmas from their own childhoods. Beach shacks and icy poles, warm mornings dawning with the prospect of untold adventure, bike riding, swimming in the sea, playing outdoors late into the evening before drifting to sleep to the tap of a sprinkler and the grit of sand in the sheets.

It's a good time of year to reflect on what memories our children might have from their own childhood Christmases.

Advice from a paediatric physiotherapist - tips for a strong start for baby

Measles - What you need to know

Rare Disease Day Stories

“Soon after Bailey’s birth it became clear something was seriously wrong. He had dislocated shoulders and was floppy and a blood test showed his CPK was off the chart, indicating dangerous muscle wasting. He was too weak to swallow properly. We were advised to have him christened if we wished, and to take him home. Each morning we were not sure if he would live through the day,” Bailey’s mum

This Tuesday 28 February is World Rare Disease Day, created to raise awareness among the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and the impacts they have on those affected personally and their families.

Over 400,000 children in Australia have a rare disease (affecting less than 1 person in every 10,000), many of which are chronic and debilitating.

This Rare Disease Day we are sharing the stories of some Gold Coast families who live with Rare Diseases.

Combining specialist medical training with family life is a challenge at the best of times. When Leading Steps Paediatric Registrar Dr Victoria Matheson returned to full time work six weeks after giving birth to her son she worried that breastfeeding was “doomed to fail”.

Vicky wrote about her experience for World Breastfeeding Week 2015.

Congratulations to Dr Pincus - and her dad!

his month Leading Steps Paediatric Clinic congratulates Queensland's Healthy Hearing program celebrating 10 years of service.