Counsellor & Well being News

Blended or stepfamilies, come in all shapes and sizes. Today, the term “blended family” is more commonly used as opposed to “stepfamily”. Although their original meanings differ slightly, today both terms are used interchangeably. This is mostly due to some of the negative connotations associated with fairytale characters such as the evil stepmother or stepsister.

The blended family is the fastest growing family dynamic in the world with one in five families now being a ‘step’ or ‘blended’ family. However, when families “blend,” it rarely progresses smoothly. Some children resist change, and parents become frustrated when the new family doesn’t function in the same way as the previous one.

For many step-parent’s, the greatest challenge lies in determining what their role is within the family. The process can be both rewarding and challenging. Children affected by the union of a new couple may not be excited at the prospect of becoming part of a new family.

Although blending families requires adjustment and patience from everyone involved, in this edition of SchoolTV, parents will be given some guidelines of real expectations that can help their new family work through the growing pains. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to this month's edition https://mccww.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/blended-families

Exam Stress - Special Report

With the final school exams looming around the corner, I thought it would be timely to remind you all of the Special Report available on ‘Year 12 Exam Stress’ on School TV. It offers advice and guidance for parents supporting students through this stressful, but important, time of the year

Students in their final year of school are considered a high-risk group for depression and anxiety. Sleep deprivation, diet and social media are some of the biggest issues faced by this group of teens. Therefore it is vitally important that a student's mental health is looked after as well as their physical health.

Keeping things in perspective for students and parents alike, can help prevent everyone getting overwhelmed. Although this final year is important, it is not necessarily the most important year of your child's life.

There are many strategies that students can implement to help themselves. Parents can provide support, not only emotionally, but also practically by keeping their child well-nourished and encouraging physical activity.

In this special report, you will find useful tips during this often stressful time. I hope you take time to reflect on the information offered here and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information.

Here is the link to your special report https://mccww.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/year-12-exam-stress-special-report

Finally I would like to wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday. See you in Term 4

Karen Surian

College Counsellor/ Social Worker