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From the Principal's Desk

A Litany of Thanksgiving 

 

For loving families and true friends.

We thank you, God.

For food, clothing and shelter.

We thank you, God.

For the beauty of our world. 

We thank you, God.

For opportunities to learn and develop our skills. 

We thank you, God.

For invitations to grow in our faith. 

We thank you, God. 

đŸŒ± Empowering Your Child: The Power of Not Always Rescuing

As parents, we’ve all felt that gut-wrenching moment when we see our child struggling — whether it’s a disagreement with a friend, a tough homework task, or a moment of disappointment. Our instinct is to step in, to protect them, and to make things better. After all, we love our children deeply and want to spare them from hurt or rejection.

But what does it really mean when we rescue our kids?

 

Rescuing often comes from a place of love — but also from fear or anxiety. It’s that inner voice whispering, “They can’t handle this,” or “If I don’t step in, they’ll get upset.” When we take over too quickly, we unintentionally send the message that our children can’t solve problems on their own. Over time, this can make it harder for them to develop resilience, confidence, and the ability to cope with life’s ups and downs.

 

The truth is, children can handle disappointment, conflict, and frustration — and learning to do so is one of the most valuable skills they’ll ever gain. These experiences help them grow stronger, more adaptable, and better equipped to navigate challenges later in life.

 

So how can parents start letting go of the “rescue reflex”? Here are a few gentle tips and strategies:

  • 💬 Pause before stepping in. When your child faces a problem, take a moment before intervening. Ask yourself, “Is this a situation they can learn from?”
  • 🧭 Set clear boundaries and expectations. Explain that it’s okay to make mistakes or feel upset — that these moments help us grow.
  • 💡 Encourage problem-solving. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think you could do about that?” or “How might you handle this next time?”
  • 👐 Offer guidance, not solutions. Be nearby for support, but resist the urge to fix everything. Help your child think through their options instead.
  • ❀ Acknowledge their emotions. Let your child know it’s normal to feel disappointed, sad, or frustrated — and that these feelings will pass.

  • 🌈 Celebrate effort and independence. Praise your child for trying to solve a problem, not just for the outcome.

     

Letting go of the rescue impulse is a powerful act of love. By trusting in your child’s ability to handle challenges, you’re helping them build strength, self-belief, and the resilience they’ll need to thrive throughout life.

 

So take a deep breath, step back, and remember — you’re not abandoning your child when you let them face challenges. You’re empowering them to grow.

 

We invite you to contact us if you are unsure about how to best support your child in learning or wellbeing.

 

All the best,

 

Jane Dunstone

PRINCIPAL