By Dr Nosa Efeovbokhan
•
July 19, 2025
Nearly half (45%) of Australian children aged 5 to 12 have trouble with sleep, including difficulties falling asleep and waking during the night, according to the Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll. Many also use screens in bed (28%) or consume caffeine after lunch (11%), both of which can affect sleep quality. The Australian Early Development Census shows that more than 1 in 4 (28%) children in the ACT start school developmentally vulnerable, especially in areas like emotional maturity and social skills. Understanding what is typical and when to seek help can make a big difference for your child and for your peace of mind. At Molonglo Valley Medical Centre, we work closely with families and carers to support children’s health and development. This blog is based on real questions we hear from parents every day and offers practical support grounded in experience and evidence. Understanding What’s Normal and When to Seek Help As a parent, it is natural to second-guess yourself. You might wonder whether your child’s tantrums, sleep struggles, or food refusals are part of a typical stage or signs of something more. Early childhood includes a wide range of behaviours that are considered normal as children grow, test boundaries, and learn to manage emotions. For example, short-lived tantrums between the ages of one and four are common as children struggle with frustration and communication. Fussy eating often appears around toddlerhood, especially when children are asserting independence. Sleep disruptions can happen during growth spurts, transitions like starting daycare, or due to changes in routine. However, if certain behaviours are persistent, extreme, or affecting daily life—for instance, if tantrums involve harm to self or others, if sleep problems are ongoing despite a consistent routine, or if a child refuses entire food groups and is not gaining weight—it may be time to check in with a health professional. Understanding when to observe and when to seek help can make a real difference for your child’s wellbeing and your own peace of mind. Speaking with your GP can offer reassurance, identify any underlying concerns early, and help you access the right support for your child’s development. Feeding Difficulties in Kids: When to See a GP Fussy Eating in Toddlers and Young Children Around the age of two, many children begin asserting independence through food. Common behaviours include: Refusing to try new foods Eating only beige or “safe” foods Gagging or spitting out certain textures Demanding food prepared a certain way These are normal developmental phases, and most children outgrow them with patience and exposure. When It Might Be More Than a Phase According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, about 25% of children in Australia experience feeding problems in early childhood (AIHW, 2020). Speak to your GP if your child: Eats fewer than 10 foods Has difficulty gaining weight Appears distressed during mealtimes Frequently gags, coughs or avoids eating in social settings A child behaviour GP can help assess feeding challenges and, if necessary, refer your child to a dietitian, speech pathologist, or occupational therapist. Sleep Issues in Children: Normal vs. Concerning Babies and Toddlers Sleep disruptions are normal in infants and toddlers. Most babies wake during the night well into their first year. Sleep may also be affected by: Teething or illness Reflux or food sensitivities Growth spurts and developmental leaps Primary-School Age Children Older kids may resist bedtime, experience nightmares, or show signs of bedtime anxiety. These sleep difficulties can affect school readiness, emotional regulation, and attention. Up to 40% of Australian children experience sleep problems at some point, according to the Sleep Health Foundation (2022). When to Speak to a GP We recommend seeking advice if your child: Snores or stops breathing during sleep Is consistently overtired during the day Struggles to settle, even with routines Experiences prolonged night waking or anxiety Your GP can offer behavioural advice, assess for sleep apnoea or other conditions, and refer you to a paediatric sleep specialist if required. Understanding Tantrums and Emotional Outbursts What’s Expected All children experience emotional highs and lows. Common age-related behaviours include: Toddlers: Daily tantrums, testing limits Preschoolers: Fear of separation, frustration with rules Primary-aged kids: Mood swings, struggles with peer relationships When It May Be a Concern According to the National Mental Health Commission, 1 in 7 children aged 4–17 in Australia experiences a mental health condition each year (2021). Consider talking to a GP if your child: Has frequent, intense meltdowns Is withdrawn, anxious, or avoids social interaction Struggles to cope with transitions Shows signs of anxiety, ADHD, or developmental delays Our GPs provide early screening, practical advice, and referrals to child psychologists or paediatricians when needed. Why Parental Instinct Still Matters You don’t have to wait for things to get worse. If something doesn’t feel right even if it turns out to be typical development, your GP can provide reassurance and direction. Parents often say: “Everyone says it’s a phase, but I’m still worried.” “I’m not sure if I’m overreacting.” “I’ve tried everything, but it’s not improving.” Our job is to support your instincts with expert guidance and personalised care. Children’s Health Checks and Care Pathways Our approach is family-centred and step-by-step: We listen to your concerns and observations We assess your child’s development and environment We identify physical, emotional, or behavioural contributors We guide you with practical strategies We refer you to trusted local specialists when needed At Molonglo Valley Medical Centre, we offer: Child and toddler health checks Feeding and sleep consultations Behavioural and emotional assessments Developmental referrals to paediatrics, OT, speech, or psychology Care plans under Medicare (e.g. Mental Health Care Plan, CDM) When to Get Advice If you’re unsure whether your child’s behaviour, sleep patterns, or eating habits are within the expected range for their age, it’s appropriate to seek advice from a GP. Early support can be valuable, even if the concern turns out to be a typical part of development. A short discussion may help clarify whether monitoring, reassurance, or referral is the right next step. At Molonglo Valley Medical Centre, our doctors provide child-focused care and work with parents to assess concerns, offer guidance, and connect families with trusted local providers. 📞 Call 02 5110 3155 or book online to make an appointment.
