Championing Our Central Coast Kids
October puts children in the spotlight. It’s a good reminder to check in on the whole child — their growing body, mental health, development and safety. From asthma and vaccinations to anxiety, sleep and healthy development, your GP can help support your child through every stage of growing up.
Why are we celebrating kids this October?
Children’s Week is celebrated across Australia from 24 October to 1 November 2026. It celebrates children, their achievements and their right to grow up healthy, safe, included and heard.
October also brings several other events that focus our attention on children’s health and wellbeing, including Mental Health Month, World Mental Health Day on 10 October and Day for Daniel on 30 October.
Together, they’re a useful reminder that children’s health is about much more than treating them when they’re sick.
How do other countries celebrate children?
Australia isn’t alone in putting aside special days for children.
In Japan, Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) is celebrated on 5 May, with colourful carp streamers called koinobori symbolising children growing up healthy and strong.
In Mexico, Día del Niño is celebrated on 30 April, with schools and families celebrating children while also drawing attention to their wellbeing and rights.
Different traditions, same important idea: healthy children deserve our attention.
What does good children’s health look like?
Children grow and change quickly — physically, emotionally and socially.
Regular visits to your GP provide an opportunity to talk about any concerns you have about your child’s health or development. This might include growth, nutrition, sleep, allergies, skin problems, recurrent infections or other health issues.
It’s also important to keep childhood vaccinations up to date and make sure ongoing conditions are well managed.
Asthma is particularly important for Australian families. If your child has asthma, your GP can check their symptoms, medications and inhaler technique and help you keep their written Asthma Action Plan up to date.
What about children’s mental health?
Children can experience anxiety, low mood, behavioural difficulties, friendship problems, bullying and stress, just as adults can.
Sometimes the signs are less obvious. A child may become unusually quiet or irritable, have trouble sleeping, complain frequently of headaches or tummy aches, avoid school or stop enjoying things they usually love.
If something has changed and you’re concerned, you don’t have to wait until it becomes a crisis. Your GP is a good place to start.
How can we help keep children safe?
Health also means feeling safe.
Day for Daniel encourages families to talk with children about personal safety and teaches the simple message to recognise, react and report if something doesn’t feel right.
Today, safety also extends online. Age-appropriate conversations about gaming, social media, privacy, online friendships and what children are seeing on their screens can help children develop safer digital habits.
When should my child see a GP?
You know your child best. If you notice something that concerns you — physically, emotionally or developmentally — it’s worth asking.
Your GP can help with everyday childhood illness, asthma and allergies, vaccinations, growth and development, sleep, mental health and many of the questions that come with raising a child.
This Children’s Week, perhaps the simplest way to champion our Central Coast kids is to look at the whole child: body, mind and safety.
Further information and links
- Healthdirect Asthma in children – Healthdirect Australia
Useful for symptoms, when to seek medical help, treatment and Asthma Action Plans. - Raising Children Network – Mental health and wellbeing
Children’s mental health resources – Raising Children Network
Australian Government-supported, evidence-based information covering anxiety, depression, bullying, sleep, behaviour and child and adolescent wellbeing. - Children’s Week Australia
Children’s Week Australia
Useful as the primary source for the Australian Children’s Week celebration and children’s rights theme. - The Central Coast Child and Family Health Nursing Service provides free support for families with children from birth to five years. Services include growth and development checks, parenting support and referrals to other health professionals when needed.
- Daniel Morcombe Foundation – Day for Daniel
Day for Daniel 2026
Day for Daniel is on Friday 30 October 2026 and focuses on child safety education, including helping children recognise, react and report when they feel unsafe.
FAQs about children’s health
When should I take my child to the GP?
You know your child best. See your GP if you are concerned about changes in their physical health, breathing, sleep, behaviour, mood, development or general wellbeing. You can also see your GP for vaccinations, asthma reviews, growth and development concerns and preventive healthcare.
What are some signs my child may need mental health support?
Look for changes that persist or interfere with everyday life, such as ongoing worry, sadness, irritability, problems sleeping, school avoidance, withdrawing from friends or activities, or frequent unexplained headaches or tummy aches. A GP can help assess what is happening and discuss appropriate support.
Does my child with asthma need an Asthma Action Plan?
Yes. Children with asthma should have a written Asthma Action Plan that explains their usual medicines, what to do when symptoms worsen and what to do in an asthma emergency. It is also important to have your child’s asthma, inhaler technique and medicines reviewed regularly with their GP.
This article is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal health or medical needs. Please make an appointment with your doctor for the advice that’s right for you.
