Wellbeing

Term 2 News

About Tuning in to Teens

Tuning in to Teens™ (TINT) is an evidence-based adaptation of the Tuning in to Kids® (TIK) parenting program, developed by Professor Sophie Havighurst, Ann Harley and Dr Christiane Kehoe. 

Tuning in to Teens™ has had two randomised control trials demonstrating its impact in improving parenting, parent-teen relationships and adolescent mental health.

In term 2 Wellbeing ran “tuning into teens” a program for parents.  It was a small group of parents who completed the 6 week program. That meant there were opportunities to share stories and challenges in a small non-judgemental space where parents also didn’t feel alone in their challenges. The program again next year at the school and interested parents are invited to reach out.  I am also happy to run the program with parents individually if they are unable to make a group time or don’t feel that the group space is for them.  You can reach out to me at  Rachael.millsom@education.vic.gov.au

Tuning into Teens - Feedback

“ I learnt to step back and not feel like I have to solve my teenagers issues they may be facing all the time.  Stop, pause and listen and maybe not solve everything.”  Year 11 parent

“eye opening sessions that not only help you learn and understand your child but your self too.  It is not so overwhelming and you are not alone”  Year 11 parent

Lunchtime Yoga

Lunch time yoga has continued into term 2 and is attended by a mix of students.  Sessions may explore building strength and/ or mobility in the body, sometimes relaxation is also offered.  Yoga sessions are relaxed and inclusive and students can join in or sit quietly and observe.  

Yoga practice builds awareness of body and breath which is important in understanding yourself and feeling comfortable to be with yourself both when you feel good as well as when in discomfort.  Yoga will continue into the first half of term 3 with student interest and will pause while the body project is happening (see below for more information on Body Kind for term 3).

Term 3 Events/Activities

Body Kind Month 

In term 3 the school will be participating in Body Kind Month (September). This will involve some activities and awareness raising at the school.  A 4 week program called the ‘body project’ will also be offered at the school for female students.  If you are interested in your daughter participating please let the school know.  

You can also sign up to be a body kind family. This is a free initiative run by the butterfly foundation, it is designed to boost parents confidence in promoting positive body image and responding to body image concerns in their teenage children.  You can find out more and sign up here https://butterfly.org.au/get-involved/campaigns/bodykindfamilies/

Referrals and support

If you feel your teenager would benefit from some individual or group support from the wellbeing team you can reach out to us at wellbeing@peterlalor.vic.edu.au.  We recommend if you do this to have a discussion with your teen about it first. Let them know your concerns and involve them in the process of reaching out for support.

The wellbeing team offers individual support, information or wellbeing related topics as well as referrals to other services.  The wellbeing team is also here for parents to support them to support their teens, so please reach out if you would like some support around that or are interested in participating in the next tuning into teens program (see above).