Wellbeing 

Being different and what that brings for everyone

I’m a mum to four now-adult children and a grandma to seven grandchildren. One thing I’ve learnt – and I’m sure you have as well – is that babies are not the same, even at birth. Children can share the same genetics, same parenting, the same environment and yet they grow up to be SO different.

Every single student at our school is different. They look different to one another, they learn, think and behave differently. They also have varied interests and a different combination of strengths, skills and talents. 

A lifelong benefit for young people is when they develop an understanding that differences in themselves and others can bring a richness to their life and the lives of others too. As I write on this topic, I’m aware that perhaps I’m making it sound easy. However, I know from personal experience that isn’t the case. 

Online I’ve found a reference to what looks like a good book on this topic - ‘The Duck Who Flew Upside Down’. It is written by Russ Towne and illustrated by Josh McGill. On ‘goodreads’ it has a rating of 4.41. 

It is a story about a very odd duck named Wilbur Mallard: 

‘He is bright orange with purple spots and a great big bright purple thing-a-ma-jig on top of his head. Every time Wilbur tries to fly, that thing-a-ma-jig spins him upside down! When he tries to land, he always ends up bouncing, somersaulting and finally crashing or splashing in a heap. Ducks aren't built to fly upside down, so Wilbur has to work much harder than the other ducks to fly. Poor Wilbur! But these challenges and differences help Wilbur in many ways. Find out how as you join him on this great and exciting adventure that will make many warm memories and hearts of all ages smile.’

As with the odd duck, Wilbur Mallard, life for our young people isn’t always an easy journey. However, the rewards can ultimately make it worthwhile. Some people have pathways in life that appear to be fairly straight forward, whilst others encounter more bends than they’d like along the way. 

Sometimes it makes all the difference to have some additional information as well as support. It can be especially helpful to find out that you are not alone when undertaking a challenging journey – no matter what kind of challenges are being faced. This applies to young ones as well as those who care about them.

Two avenues where additional resources and information can be found are:

1. Yarra Ranges Family and Children’s Services team who provide webinars or information via the Yarra Ranges Families Facebook page.

                https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/community/Family/Family-Webinars

1. Anglicare Victoria provide free parenting groups, workshops, resources and training. ParentZone programs cater to all ages and seek to address many of the stages and challenges faced by parents.

https://www.anglicarevic.org.au/our-services/family-and-parenting-support/

To contact me direct, please leave a voicemail on 9726 9989 Ext 402 or email me at annelawrybhps@gmail.com.

Keep on taking care of yourself and your loved ones.

Anne Lawry

Chaplain