Assistant Principal's Report

Resilient Children 

In 2024, The Resilience Project has been a great addition to our whole school approach to student wellbeing at Glen Waverley Primary School. We are really excited to continue our partnership with TRP in 2025 as we continue to support the mental health of the children in our care. As I reflect on the importance of this program and the growth we have seen in our students throughout the year it leads me to a couple of quotes I read recently from Dr Justin Coulson, a father of six children and an author of nine books about families and parenting, “Life is hard. Full stop. End of story” and “People are resilient. It’s in our nature. We are designed that way.” 

These quotes was from an article titled, “15 Ways to Raise Kids Who Bounce Back: No Fluff, Just Grit”.  Please read below his guide;

1. Forge Unbreakable Bonds: Kids need to know they’ve got a corner in this crazy world where they’re safe, loved, and unconditionally accepted. That’s the foundation for everything else. The best research tells us that this is numero uno. They need to know you’re there for them no matter what. (But that doesn’t mean you’ll do everything for them!) 

2. Give ‘Em the Reins (Sometimes): Let them make choices, even small ones, so they learn to trust their gut.

3. Feelings Aren’t the Enemy: Teach them that it’s okay to feel ALL the feels. But also give them the tools to navigate those emotions without getting swept away. Emotions come and go, just like waves on the beach. Help them learn to recognise and ride those waves… the good ones and the not so good ones. 

4. Celebrate the Climb, Not Just the Summit: My eldest daughter and I hiked a huge hill in the Rocky Mountains. It was exhausting. After an hour of climbing I stopped and stared at the summit. She started to tell me it was too far. I spun her around and asked her what she could see. “We’ve come a long way huh? That view is amazing.” She turned to face the mountain and kept walking up it. 

5. Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: A well-rested, nourished kid is better equipped to handle stress. Teach them healthy habits, and model them yourself. And remember, no health habit supports resilience better than getting enough sleep.

6. Asking for Help is a Superpower: Create an environment where they feel safe expressing their needs. Make it clear that asking for help isn’t a weakness, it’s a smart move.

7. Set the Bar... But Keep It Reachable: Break down big goals into bite-sized chunks. Celebrate progress, and help them see that even small steps matter. 

8. Be Their Resilience Role Model: Share your own stories of overcoming challenges. Let them see that setbacks are part of life, and bouncing back is possible. The dinner table is the best place for these chats. Or the car. Or walking the dog. Or on the trampoline. Or anywhere! Just have the conversations. 

9. Laughter is the Best Medicine: Inject some fun and silliness into everyday life. Teach them to find the humour in situations, even tough ones. 

10. Let Them Explore Their Passions: Encourage curiosity and support their interests, even if they seem quirky or unusual. It’s about finding their spark.

11. Roll with the Punches: Life throws curveballs. Help them see change as an opportunity, not a threat. 

12. Find Their “Why”: Help them discover what matters to them, what lights their fire. A sense of purpose fuels resilience. This will be most helpful for older kids. 

13. Turn Problems into Puzzles: Teach them to approach challenges with curiosity and creativity. Brainstorm solutions together, and let them take the lead when possible. 

14. Build Them Up, Brick by Brick: Focus on their strengths, their unique qualities. Remind them of their wins, big and small. A strong self-image is a powerful shield. 

15. Routine Creates a Safety Net: Predictability provides a sense of control, especially during turbulent times. Establish healthy routines, but allow for flexibility when needed. 

Remember, building resilience is an ongoing process. It’s about nurturing a mindset, not checking off a list. Be patient, be present, and most importantly, be the safe harbour your child needs to navigate life’s choppy waters. 

*Dr Justin Coulson is the parenting expert and co-host of Channel Nine’s Parental Guidance, and he and his wife host Australia’s #1 podcast for parents and family: The Happy Families Podcast. For further details visit happyfamilies.com.au.

Please see some pictorial examples of GWPS students being resilient.