Parent Wellbeing

Supporting Your Teen Through the End of the School Year

As the school year draws to a close, it’s natural for students and parents to feel a mix of emotions. Excitement for what’s ahead, pride in what’s been achieved, and, for many families, a sense of relief that another busy year is coming to an end. Whether your young person is finishing Year 12 or preparing for their final years of schooling, this time of year can also bring pressure and fatigue.

The final weeks of Term 4 are a good opportunity to help your teen reflect on their achievements, maintain healthy routines, and finish the year with a sense of balance and calm.

Encouraging Healthy Study Habits

Senior students often feel pressure to keep studying late into the night or cram before assessments. Gentle reminders about balance can go a long way. Encourage your teen to:

Plan study time realistically and take regular breaks to rest their mind.
Keep sleep a priority. A well-rested brain performs better than an overtired one.
Eat nourishing meals and stay hydrated. It’s easy to forget the basics when stress levels rise.
Move regularly. Even short walks or light exercise can reduce tension and boost focus.
Create a calm, distraction-free study space. Having a consistent area helps signal “study mode.”

It can also help to remind your child that effort and consistency are more valuable than perfection.

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing

The end of the year can heighten emotions: relief, anxiety, and exhaustion can all coexist. You can support your teen by:

Keeping communication open. Ask how they’re feeling rather than focusing only on outcomes.
Acknowledging their effort. A simple “I’m proud of how hard you’ve worked” can make a big difference.
Encouraging breaks and downtime. Balance study with rest, social time, and creative outlets.
Normalising stress. Let them know it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and that support is available if needed.

Remind your teen that wellbeing is not a reward for finishing work, it’s something to maintain along the way.

For Families of Year 12 Students: Celebrating Safely

If your young person is finishing school, congratulations! This is a huge milestone for the whole family. The end of Year 12 is an emotional time for students and parents alike. It’s worth discussing plans for celebrations early to ensure they’re both safe and enjoyable.

Some tips for families include:

Talk about safety and boundaries around travel, alcohol, and social media.
Encourage them to celebrate responsibly with friends they trust.
Plan ahead for accommodation and transport if they’re attending events such as Schoolies or end-of-year gatherings.
Celebrate as a family too. Mark the occasion in a meaningful way that acknowledges their hard work and growth.

Finishing school is about more than academic results, it’s about acknowledging resilience, friendships, and the transition into adulthood.

For Families of Year 11 Students: Rest and Reset

For Year 11 students, the focus now shifts to recovery and preparation for their final year. Encourage your teen to take time to rest and recharge before stepping into Year 12.

Allow for real downtime: time away from schoolwork is essential.
Reflect together on what worked well this year and what habits could support them next year.
Encourage independence: small responsibilities, casual work, or volunteering can build confidence.
Keep perspective: Year 12 will be challenging, but manageable with balance and support.

A well-rested student starts their final year with more motivation and clarity.

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up another school year, take a moment to celebrate not just your child’s achievements, but their growth, the resilience they’ve built, the challenges they’ve faced, and the person they’re becoming.

Your ongoing encouragement, reassurance, and belief in them make a significant difference, especially during stressful times. Thank you for the support you’ve shown throughout the year to your young person and to our school community.

We wish all families a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable break. May the holidays be filled with rest, laughter, and time together.

Looking for Support?

Talking Teens – 6 week program

In October Parentzone Eastern will be running Talking Teens, a free parenting workshops for parents of children aged 12 to 18 years. The flyer is attached and details are below. Please share with families in your school community.