Wellbeing

Helping our kids develop their character.

Have you ever heard the term, "character building"? When I was a teenager I attended a youth group on Friday nights. At the time I was going through a difficult period at school making choices that were different from some of my friends at school. I stood out and got bullied as a result. I remember speaking to my youth leader and he was sympathetic and supportive. At the end of our conversation he encouraged me that as hard as it felt, that these difficult times are character building, my response at that time was, "I have had enough of my character being built!" 

As I became older and matured I realised the value of having a more resilient and developed character. Not only did it help me personally, but it also equipped me to support and help others. Over the next few newsletters I will look at different character traits that are important to support and develop in our children and ourselves. 

My guess is that all of us at some time have noticed an increase in anxiety, impatience, short temperedness, a lack of self control or kindness in our society. I see this play out at school sometimes where kids are mean to each other, gossip, experience anxiety, demonstrate entitled behavior and disrespect. Perhaps these are character traits you see at home. As parents and carers we need to stop and reflect on our character and what we are modelling to our children? My hope is that as a community we can all grow in character that incorporate the BPS values and beyond. 

Please feel free to reach out to me any time for support for yourselves or your children, or just a listening ear.

Lisa Osborne

lisa.osborne@education.vic.gov.au