Respectful Relationships

In Respectful Relationships sessions, students are currently learning about the topic of Positive Coping. Learning activities in this topic provide opportunities for students to identify and discuss different types of coping strategies. When children and young people develop a language around coping, they are more likely to be able to understand and deliberately utilise a range of productive coping strategies and diminish their use of unproductive coping strategies. Students learn to extend their repertoire of coping strategies and benefit from critically reflecting on their own choices and being exposed to alternative options.

Students are also introduced to the concept of self-talk and practice using positive self-talk to approach and manage challenging situations. Positive self-talk is a key strategy for coping with negative thoughts, emotions and events. It is associated with greater persistence in the face of challenge, and can be learnt or strengthened through practice. Encouraging your child to talk to themselves in a kind and positive way can help improve their wellbeing and help them manage stress.

When you hear them speaking about themselves that is not kind, you can:

• bring it to their attention

• ask them if what they are saying is true

• get them to think of a more helpful thought

• encourage your child to ‘speak’ to themselves the way they would speak to a best friend

• regularly remind your child of their strengths and accomplishments.