Wellbeing

Whittlesea World

Count those GOLDEN TICKETS - We have our Whittlesea World next week - (WEEK 5)

• F-2: Tuesday 20th May , 1st break (after-lunch)
• Years 3-6: Wednesday 21st May, 1st break (after-lunch) 

Connection Over Perfection: Family Time That Fosters Resilience

Daily life's busyness...with school runs, homework, work commitments, and a never-ending to-do list — makes it easy to feel like we're not doing “enough” for our children. But here’s the good news: it’s not about doing things perfectly. What matters most is connection. Research shows children develop emotional strength and resilience through consistent, meaningful relationships. That means small, everyday moments spent together — even five minutes at a time — have a lasting impact.

Tiny Moments, Big Impact

You don’t need to plan elaborate outings or perfect meals. What builds resilience is when children feel seen, heard, and valued. Some simple ways to connect:

• Roses and Thorns: At dinner or bedtime, ask each family member to share a “rose” (highlight) and a “thorn” (challenge) from their day.
• One-on-One Time: Spend 5–10 minutes with each child doing something they choose — colouring, kicking a ball, playing cards.
• Mindful Moments: Pause for a quiet cuddle, a story, or even a shared laugh. These moments calm the nervous system and build trust.

Connection Beats Correction

When your child is having a tough time, the most helpful response is connection. Before correcting behaviour, try a gentle moment of empathy: “That was hard. I’m here for you.” Regulation comes before reasoning, especially with little people.

Let Go of “Perfect”

You don’t need perfect words or calm voices all the time. What matters is the repair—going back to your child and saying, “I’m sorry I got upset. Let’s try again.” This model of resilience is better than any lecture.

🧡 A Challenge for Families

Pick one moment to pause and connect each day — no pressure, just presence. Give it a try this week!