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Dr Michael Nagel

Dr Michael Nagel

As part of First Five Years’ commitment to evidence-based content, contributing experts are invited to author content that shares their knowledge and experience.

Associate Professor, School of Education, University of the Sunshine Coast

Dr Michael C Nagel is an Associate Professor at the University of the Sunshine Coast where he researches and teaches in the areas of child and adolescent development, behaviour and educational psychology. A prolific author, Dr Nagel has written seventeen books related to human development and education with particular interests in the developing paediatric brain, behaviour and learning. Along with being a contributor to a number of textbooks used in over 20 countries and in undergraduate and postgraduate education courses throughout Australia, Dr Nagel has been nominated as Australian Lecturer of the Year each year since 2010 and has been an invited expert on TV New Zealand Breakfast, Sunrise, A Current Affair and The Project. When he is not busy professionally, he spends his time learning the important lessons of life from his own children, Madeline and Harrison. 

Questions answered by Michael

Rough and tumble play with girls

My husband plays very rough with my 3-year-old daughter. But one day I wanted to see him amusing my little daughter and find him swinging her upside down by the ankles, I got a little nervous when I saw her hanging like that, but I smiled when I saw that she was enjoying it and hearing her laugh, so I did not say anything, but whenever he plays with her, he hangs her upside down surprising her at some point. She loves it but I don't know if that's okay.

When is rough play too rough?

My 5yr likes to engage in rough play but it seems to turn into him on the ground with the others boys focusing on him eg light kicking or putting their foot on his arm. I think this is too rough and looks vindictive and mean. When my husband stepped in and said it was getting too rough our son was extremely upset to stop the situation saying he wanted to continue. I am confused I am worried the other boys are turning on him and it is a form of bullying? Any ideas?

My baby is not getting enough sleep

I’m worried my baby is not getting enough sleep, or proper awake time. Night time sleep is going ok. Not so much in daylight hours though. We spend hours trying to go to sleep, then have to get up for the next feed without having slept at all. He doesn’t really cry when put in bed, mostly grizzles. I try patting, rocking, white noise, dim lights, wrapping. Then he gets over tired and sometimes frustrated. Help!

See all questions answered by Michael

Articles by Michael

Little boys having fun with their father at home

Child Development

Tips for raising boys during a pandemic

Raising boys isn’t always easy! Add a global pandemic and this task becomes much more challenging. Indeed, there is mounting evidence that as the COVID crisis continues, parents in many countries are struggling to keep their sons healthy and occupied.

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Family walking in the park wearing masks

Child Development

Masks and isolation: Impact on children

Children across Australia are dealing with a very unnatural situation and Dr Michael Nagel says this might lead many parents to wonder how isolation, social distancing and masks may hinder their child's social development and mental health.

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Child Development

Helping your children cope with stress

One of the most troubling trends we are seeing in many western countries is a growing number of anxious children. Anxiety is linked to stress. What is well known, is that stress is incredibly detrimental to the brain and a child's healthy development.

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