Cathrine Neilsen-Hewett

Cathrine is Associate Professor in Early Childhood Education, Early Start and School of Education at the University of Wollongong

As a mother of three children, understanding children's development and promoting positive approaches to parenting has become both a passion and a full-time career. Her parenting and child development advice is based on sound academic experience and research principles as well as extensive personal and field experience.

Research Interests

My research background reflects an interest in children's social relationships as well as a focus on contextual influences on children's socio-emotional adjustment in child-care and school.

Community Outreach

Cathrine has delivered workshops and invited addresses to parents, corporations and government bodies both in Australia and overseas. Her expertise includes development in early and middle childhood, the importance of positive peer relationships, bullying, childhood socialisation, parenting and the importance of play.

Cathrine is a regular contributor to online parenting and child development websites including Huggies, DryNites and Early Learning Centre as well as parenting and lifestyle magazines. She has appeared on Channel 7's, Mums and Bubs, the Today Show and A Current Affair and has been interviewed for numerous radio programs across Australia as well as newspaper articles both nationally and overseas.