Wellbeing
"Learning isn't a way of reaching your potential, it's a way of building it." Anders Ericsson
Parent Helpful Hints
The following tried and proven tips and strategies are to support your parenting efforts:
- to develop self-control in your children, encourage them to make choices and accept the mistakes they make
- then support them to learn and try new ways to fix their mistakes to achieve what they set out to do
- this in turn will cultivate self-awareness in them to improve the choices they make
- it's about teaching your children to fail well, which is called autonomous supportive parenting
- these are important resilience skills to build your children's makeup
- setbacks, such as not being picked for a team, leadership position, or being left out of a group, can be painful experiences, but as long as you tell them these are normal parts of life, their self-control and self-awareness will grow
- don't focus on any one thing as being the most important, especially home learning or school; rather aim to develop a 'big picture' approach where everything your children are involved in is special to them and you
- set aside regular time to talk with your children about all the things they do. These conversations are the backbone of your relationship with your children because they know you care and love them
- avoid comparing them or what they do to other friends or siblings in their presence
- every evening ask them to share the good things that happened that they were grateful for
- every morning ask them what they are most looking forward to for the upcoming day
- encourage an organised approach to their lives; help them develop a home learning timetable
- enable them to make choices to follow a healthy balance of diet (especially breakfast), exercise, socialising, and leisure
- reach an agreement on screen time, in particular, social media and gaming; these can become a very difficult habit to break down the track
- every day, encourage your children to play outside
- keep an eye on their sleeping patterns; they are active and growing rapidly and need 9 to 10 hours of deep uninterrupted sleep
- no devices in their bedroom an hour before bed
- bring a healthy snack and drink to their room while doing home learning
- offer to read their books, stories, and assignments, help with their maths, etc if you feel confident enough
- celebrate their achievements with them, no matter how small
- let them know regularly that you love them and are proud of them; remind them of past successes and give them plenty of hugs
- always be watchful for changes in behaviours, attitude, and energy levels, which may indicate bullying issues
The main thing is to treat everything your children do as equally important. Encourage them to watch their favourite TV shows, train/practise their leisure or sporting activities, add depth to their home learning, laugh and enjoy life. Work with your children to develop the whole person and enjoy the journey.
Parent Help Line
132 289