Junior School
Fostering Resilient Children
As parents, we want the very best for our children. We long to see them happy, successful, and thriving in every aspect of life. However, life is full of challenges, disappointments and failures. If we always shield our children from hardship, they miss the opportunity to develop resilience – the ability to bounce back from challenges with strength and faith.
Dr James Dobson, a renowned Christian psychologist and founder of Focus on the Family, emphasises the importance of building resilience in children. He warns against the temptation for parents to rush in and fight every battle for their children. Instead, we must equip them with skills to navigate life’s difficulties with wisdom and perseverance. In his books, Dare to Disciple and Parenting Isn’t for Cowards, Dobson highlights that children learn best when given the opportunity to struggle and overcome obstacles, developing perseverance and inner strength in the process.
Here are some practical ways parents can foster resilience in their children:
- Encourage Problem-Solving: When children face difficulties, instead of immediately solving the problem for them, ask the guiding question: What do you think you could do? or How might you handle this situation differently next time? This teaches them to think critically and develop problem-solving skills. Dobson, in The Strong-Willed Child, emphasises that allowing children to wrestle with challenges strengthens their decision-making abilities and prepares them for adulthood.
- Let Them Experience Failure: Failure is not something to be feared but an opportunity to learn. If a child does not make the team, forgets their homework or struggles with a subject, use it as a teachable moment. Remind them of Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Encourage them to try again, seek support and develop persistence. In Bringing Up Boys and Bringing Up Girls, Dobson stresses that failure is an essential part of growth, helping children build confidence in their ability to persevere.
- Model Resilience in Your Own Life: Children learn by watching us. When we face challenges, whether big or small, we should model faith, patience and a positive attitude. Show them how you pray for strength, seek wise counsel, and trust in God’s plan even when things do not go as expected. Parenting Isn’t for Cowards reminds us that parents play a crucial role in demonstrating resilience through their own responses to adversity.
- Teach Emotional Regulation: Children need to learn how to manage emotions like frustration, sadness or anger. Help them express their feelings in healthy ways and remind them to turn to God in times of distress. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7. Dobson’s teachings encourage parents to guide children in managing emotions with self-control and reliance on God’s wisdom.
- Pray With and For Your Children: One of the most powerful ways we can equip our children for life’s challenges is through prayer. Pray together for courage, wisdom and strength. Remind them that God is their ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
Building resilience in our children is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. As parents, we are called not to remove every obstacle from their path but to walk alongside them, pointing them to Christ and equipping them with skills to navigate life’s ups and downs.
Parent Teacher Interviews
It was a wonderful opportunity to hold Parent Teacher Interviews last week. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all parents and guardians who took the time to attend. Your commitment to your child’s education and willingness to engage in meaningful conversations with teachers is invaluable. The partnership between home and school plays a crucial role in student success, and we appreciate your ongoing support in fostering a positive and enriching learning environment.
ROAR Awards
At our Week 5 Chapel service, we had the joy of recognising and presenting the ROAR award to some outstanding students who have demonstrated Respect, Obedience, Acceptance or Resilience. As a special reward, these students enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea with Mrs Liddle and Mrs Kirby-Beach. Congratulations to our ROARsome students:
| Class | Student | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Prep A | Mia S | Acceptance |
| Prep N | Isaac P | Respect |
| 1CB | Nathaniel N | Respect |
| 1G | Martin T | Respect |
| 1JB | Jordan C | Resilience |
| 2B | Joanna W | Respect |
| 2M | Zahra F | Resilience |
| 3D | Connor S | Acceptance |
| 3K | Arnav S | Obedience |
| 4D | Klara T | Respect |
| 4OW | Lachlan W | Obedience |
| 5M | Olive H | Obedience |
| 5T | Ellise B | Resilience |
| 5W | Elly E | Resilience |
| 6B | Xander M | Respect |
| 6D | Aparna S | Respect |
Dates to Remember
There are still many events to occur before we finish Term 1.
- Students in Years 3 and 5 will continue to participate in NAPLAN in Week 8.
- Year 4 students will attend camp during this week from Monday to Wednesday followed by a rest day on Thursday.
- Our Year 3-6 Athletics Day will be held on the Oval on Tuesday 25 March.
- The Year 2 Strings Open Lesson will be held on Tuesday 1 April.
- In the final week of term, Year 6 students will head to Canberra for an amazing week of learning and relationship building.
- At the end of all these events, students, staff and parents will look forward to a well-deserved Easter Break, with Term 1 concluding on Friday 4 April.
Amy Liddle
Head of Junior School