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Parent Wellbeing 

Rest, Recharge & Reconnect

As we head into the Term 3 school holidays, it’s the perfect opportunity to slow down, catch your breath, and spend some quality time together. While holidays can be exciting, they can also bring the challenge of keeping children entertained, balancing routines, and finding affordable things to do.

 

Here are a few ideas to help make the break enjoyable, low-stress, and full of meaningful family moments.

 

Keeping the holidays simple (and affordable)

  • Plan a few anchor activities

  • You don’t need to fill every day. Choose two or three activities your family is genuinely looking forward to and leave space for relaxed days at home. Children often enjoy having downtime just as much as busy outings.

  • Experiences over expensive outings

  • Some of the best memories come from simple moments: a picnic at the park, baking together, visiting the local library, or exploring a new playground. These activities are often low-cost and just as rewarding.

  • Set a holiday budget

  • If you're planning day trips or activities, setting a small budget beforehand can help reduce financial stress and make it easier to enjoy the holidays without worrying about unexpected costs.

     

Looking after everyone’s wellbeing

  • Keep a gentle routine

  • A flexible routine can help children feel settled. Regular sleep, meals, outdoor time and a little quiet time each day can make a big difference for everyone’s mood.

  • Share the load

  • You don’t have to do everything yourself. If you have family or friends nearby, consider sharing playdates, park visits or childcare where possible. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

  • Lower the pressure

  • The holidays don’t need to be perfect. Messy craft, rainy days, and changing plans are all part of family life. Often, it’s the imperfect moments that become the most memorable.

 

Healthy family holiday ideas

  • Nature walk adventure

  • Explore one of Knox’s beautiful parks or walking trails and let each family member take photos of something interesting they discover.

  • Kitchen challenge

  • Choose a healthy recipe together and let everyone help prepare lunch, snacks or a favourite family meal.

  • Living room movement break

  • Put on a playlist, have a dance party, create an obstacle course, or try a family-friendly workout video together.

  • Backyard or lounge room movie night

  • Grab some blankets, make homemade popcorn, and enjoy a cosy movie evening together.

  • Neighbourhood scavenger hunt

  • Create a list of things to find birds, colourful flowers, interesting letterboxes, or different types of leaves and see what your family can discover.

 

Local support for Knox families

If things feel overwhelming during the holidays, support is available.

  • Knox Community Health offers health, counselling and family support services for local families.

  • Knox Infolink provides information about parenting services, community programs and free local activities.

  • Ask Izzy is a free online directory that helps connect people with nearby support for food, housing, health and wellbeing.

 

The Term 3 holidays don’t have to be packed with expensive activities to be meaningful. We hope your family finds time to rest, reconnect, and enjoy the simple moments. 

 

Wishing everyone a safe and refreshing break, we look forward to seeing our students back next term!

Resilient Youth Survey

We are asking parents/carers from every family to please participate in the Resilient Youth Survey.

Link: https://research.orima.com/parent

Pin # - 955368

 

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Parenting Workshops

There are a number of upcoming parent workshops and online sessions available to parents:

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Need Support?

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EACH - Health Services 1300 003 224

These services are free or low-cost. 

93 Boronia Rd, Boronia

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Youth Mental Health Services 9298 8469

headspace 1800 650 890

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre 1800 015 188 (24 Hours)

1800 Respect 1800 737 732 (24 Hours)

www.1800respect.org.au 

Nurse on Call 1300 60 60 24

The Butterfly Foundation  9822 5771

FriendLine 1800 424 287

 

24/7 Mental Health Hotlines:

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Lifeline - Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online. 

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au 

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

 

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Student Wellbeing Team

Email: wellbeing@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au

 

Chelsea Collings - Leader of Wellbeing

Guiseppe Relia – Wellbeing Counsellor

Sanela Avdic - Wellbeing Counsellor

Talea-Jane Simpson – Wellbeing Counsellor

Tajinder Wulff - Mental Health Practitioner 7-8