Wellbeing Centre Newsletter

Welcome back to Term 4! It’s always an exciting time of year, but it can also be a busy one, full of change and mixed emotions.

With so much happening as we head towards the end of the year, it’s important to look after our own wellbeing and support our children with theirs, too. October is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is a great reminder that looking after our mental health is just as important as looking after our physical health.

As parents and carers, there are lots of little things we can do each day to help our children understand their feelings, build resilience and develop healthy ways to look after themselves. It’s also a good opportunity to pause, reflect and think about how we can navigate the busy months ahead together.

This year’s Mental Health Month theme, Together We Thrive, reminds us just how important connection and belonging are to our wellbeing.

For children, feeling connected often starts with the little things: taking the time to listen, chatting about their day, celebrating successes and working through tricky moments together. These everyday conversations help children make sense of their feelings, build resilience and learn how to manage life’s challenges.

I recently heard about a family on the radio who share their Rose, Thorn and Bud at 

the end of each day, and I thought it was such a lovely idea!

Rose: Something positive that happened during the day

   Thorn: Something tricky or challenging.

    Bud: Something interesting or something they’re looking forward to

You could share these around the dinner table, in the car or at bedtime. It’s a simple way to connect, hear about each other’s day and make time for meaningful conversations. You could also try asking questions like, “What are you grateful for today?” or “How did you help someone today?” You might be surprised by where these conversations lead!

These little moments are about so much more than just talking through problems. They give us a chance to celebrate our children’s efforts, encourage resilience and empathy, and help them explore healthy ways to manage their feelings and navigate tricky situations. Most importantly, they remind our children that they are heard, supported and never alone when things get tough.

Why not give Rose, Thorn and Bud a try with your family? Sometimes, it’s the little conversations that make the biggest difference! 💚