EMPOWERING STUDENT WELLNESS

TOUCH TO NURTURE 

By Matt Edwards (Secondary Chaplain) 

One of the things that I have noticed post-covid, is that there is less physical contact between people. I even see a fear sometimes and a greater spatial distance that some people create too. Yet people are made to be together, and even made to have positive physical interactions with others. 

Specifically, kids need this from their parents to the point that it can actually emotionally damage them if they do not receive it. Let me rephrase. The benefits of hugs, shoulder massages, back scratches, head tickles (though tangibly immeasurable) are emotionally and mentally priceless for its effect on mental health. 

Despite what we may have been told, this doesn’t change as our kids get older either. It may be that its form changes, but its continued presence in our relationships with them is irreplaceable. 

For our boys: Physical contact can be seen as unmanly. But, it is not uncommon in Middle Eastern cultures to have two men walking down the street, while they hold hands. This is to say, that the link between masculinity and physical contact is seen differently in Australia compared to around the world. 

For our girls: Physical contact that is affectionate, and not sexual, helps them to understand that not all physical contact with others needs to be sexual in nature. Of course, this can be the same for our boys too.

Much can be expressed with physical contact by the way that it is done. Obviously, we know that physical contact can be used to scare and hurt people. But we can convey affection, care, support and love by the way we use it. This can also protect our kids, as it gives them something to contrast harmful physical contact by. 

Again, caring touch is an expression of love. They are intended to make our kids feel loved. Offering physical contact which they are willing to engage with, even if it is just a high five or a gentle hand on the shoulder can be of benefit to them. Your child might not be the physical contact type, so figuring out how to do this in a way that they receive may be challenging, but it is worth it.

Touch-as-love helps to build trust, creates a sense of security and it comforts. It even can give a sense of belonging. What a wonderfully powerful opportunity we have! In what ways can you do this today?

WELLBEING RESOURCES

We know that it can sometimes be hard to find the necessary resources in relation to mental health, bullying and family violence, especially when things are tough. For this reason, the School has a small webpage with links related to health and wellbeing resources. This can be found on the School's website under Other Resources or can be found here.