Wellbeing

Wrestling with Change!

Welcome back to Term 3! I hope the holidays provided an opportunity to connect with your kids and enjoy some time together. I'm sure there were some relieved sighs as Monday came around this week. Over these school holidays my family celebrated two special milestones, both of which left me feeling a mixture of joy and excitement but also a tinge of nervousness and a bit unsettled. At first I couldn't quite figure out why but as I reflected and chatted with some friends it made sense.

As a Mum of 5 kids I have had the privilege of watching them grow from being totally dependent on my husband and I, to mature young people. They are more independent and more responsible for their own choices. We are not perfect parents by any means, however, I feel like we have done the best we could. I love being a Mum and Foster Mum and feel so grateful. 

On the first weekend of the holidays, one of my sons Lachlan turned 18yrs old and got his driving license and the following day my older son Josh got engaged! Like I said, both of these milestones are so exciting and I am so proud of both the boys. What surprised me though was realising that things are changing in our family. Letting go, trusting you have taught them all they need to know to become well adjusted adults, but still wrestling with wanting to protect them.

Literally watching Lachlan drive off into the sunset in my car did fill me with some nerves. Thinking about Josh getting married, moving out and starting a new chapter also left me a bit unsettled. Change is not always easy, I have to adjust to this new stage of life and embrace it. 

I wonder if you have ever felt uneasy with change, or struggled to let go.

Helping our kids embrace change is really important. Whether your child is in Foundation, Grade 6 or anywhere in between, becoming comfortable with change is preparing them for all that life will bring. Change helps with the following:

• Personal Growth:

  Change forces us to adapt, learn new skills, and evolve as individuals. 

• Resilience:

  Embracing change builds resilience, allowing us to better handle setbacks and navigate future challenges. 

• New Opportunities:

  Change can open doors to new possibilities, career paths, and personal growth. 

• Innovation:

  Embracing change fosters creativity and innovation, both in our personal lives and in our workplaces.

   

  As parents and carers, we understand that change will happen in our lives, perhaps its a relationship or a job, the loss of someone or something, moving house etc. It takes effort to work through change but what I have been reminded of these holidays, is that we don't have to be scared of it. 

   

  How to Embrace Change:

• Develop a Growth Mindset:

  Believe that your abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. See challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. 

• Practice Mindfulness:

  Stay present in the moment and acknowledge your feelings about the change without judgment. This can help you to process your emotions and adapt more effectively. 

• Seek Support:

  Don't be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or colleagues for support and encouragement during times of change. 

• Set Small Goals:

  Break down larger changes into smaller, more manageable steps. This can make the overall process less daunting and more achievable. 

• Focus on the Positives:

  Try to identify the potential benefits and opportunities that the change may bring. 

• Learn from Setbacks:

  View setbacks as learning experiences and opportunities to refine your approach. 

• Be Patient:

  Change takes time, so be patient with yourself and allow yourself the time you need to adjust. 

• Celebrate Successes:

  Acknowledge and celebrate your progress and achievements along the way.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you would like to chat about any support needs for you or your child. My email is lisa.osborne@education.vic.gov.au or my mobile is 0409559059