Student Wellbeing 

Life’s a journey 

A new year comes with new opportunities, exciting experiences and BIG emotions. Although it is a new year with new goals we sometimes still experience the same old emotions.  Despite our best efforts to combat these emotions, life can still throw some curveballs, such as fear of failure, uncertainty of the future, or pressure to meet expectations. As we guide our children through the journey of growth and development, one of the most valuable skills we can impart is the art of self-awareness. Self-awareness involves understanding one’s own thoughts, emotions, strengths and weaknesses. By helping our children to develop self-awareness, we empower them to make informed decisions, set realistic goals and cultivate healthy relationships.

There are a few ways that we can help develop self-awareness in our children.

Open communication

Create a safe environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their emotions and discussing their experiences. Encourage open communication by actively listening to their concerns, validating their feelings and offering empathy and understanding.

Setting realistic expectations

Help your child set realistic goals and expectation for themselves by encouraging them to break their larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. Ensure that you celebrate their efforts and progress rather than perfection.

Encourage self-reflection

Foster self-awareness in your children by encouraging them to reflect on their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Ask open-ended questions that prompt self-reflection such as “How do you feel about that?” or “What do you think you could do differently next time?”.

Problem-solving skills

Teach your children problem-solving skills to help them overcome challenges and setbacks. Encourage them to brainstorm potential solutions, weigh the pros and cons and take proactive steps to address the issue. Offer guidance and support as needed, but also empower them to find their own solutions.

"Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; 

but a man of understanding will draw it out" Proverbs 20:5 (NIV)

Self-awareness is a skill that takes time to master. Proverbs 20:5 emphasises the complexity of the human heart and the depth of our inner thoughts and motivations. It suggests that gaining insight into our own hearts requires diligent effort and introspection. Similarly, as parents we can encourage our children to explore the depths of their own hearts; to reflect on their desires and intentions and to cultivate self-awareness. By helping them develop insight into their own thoughts and motivations, we empower them to make wise choices and live a life filled with joy and integrity.

As you navigate this year with your child, may you both journey together with hearts open to growth, minds filled with curiosity and spirits guided by love and compassion. Embrace each moment as an opportunity to learn, to grow and to deepen your bond with one another. And remember, through the challenges and triumphs, you are not alone, Jesus is walking this journey with you.

Blessings, 

Georgia Akiki

Junior School Counsellor