Wellbeing Centre Newsletter

Helping Children Build Resilience

As we approach the end of Term 1, the excitement and novelty of the new school year can begin to wear off. Many students are feeling a little more tired, routines are well established, and learning tasks are becoming more challenging. At this time of the term, it’s common to see some children finding things a little harder and needing extra support to manage frustration, setbacks or worries.

Resilience helps children cope with these challenges and keep trying when things feel difficult. At school, we encourage students to see mistakes as part of learning. Trying again, asking for help and supporting one another are important ways children develop confidence and persistence.

When children feel worried or frustrated about a learning task, subject or situation, it can be tempting to help them avoid it. While this may reduce uncomfortable feelings in the short term, it can make it harder for children to build confidence over time. As parents, our natural instinct is often to step in and make things easier. However, stepping back at times sends a powerful message that we believe they can handle challenges.

Three ways to support resilience at home:

·       Praise effort and persistence.

·       Guide rather than solve problems.

·       Remind children that challenges are a normal part of learning.

If you are interested in learning more about supporting children’s resilience, the following Australian websites offer helpful articles and practical strategies.”

• Raising Children NetworkA highly trusted Australian parenting website funded by the Australian Government and leading child-health organisations. It provides practical articles, videos and tips on children’s development, wellbeing and resilience. 
• Smiling MindOffers free resources and programs for families that help children build emotional regulation, social skills and resilience through short activities and guided learning modules. 
• Royal Far West – Resilient Kids ToolkitA free downloadable guide for parents with simple activities and strategies to help children understand emotions, manage challenges and develop resilience. 

Thank you for all the LEGO donations!  We have some very happy students at lunchtime creating some wonderful builds with all the bricks that have been donated.

Coming Up:

Harmony Week is 16-22 of March.  The Wellbeing Room will be running activities during lunchtime this week.  Students will be invited to wear a touch of orange on Wednesday 18th March to show their support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia.