Counsellor's Corner

A warm welcome to all new students, parents, and families, as well as those returning in 2025! 😊

During the year, we will be using this space to promote all things related to wellbeing. If you have any ideas, community events, or areas you'd like our Saints family to be aware of, please send us an email at ruok@stphilips.nt.edu.au or get in touch directly with the school.

Today, we’ve included some useful information regarding your young person that may support both you and them in terms of communication. At the very least, having this on your radar can be very helpful.

We are here to support you and your family!

Communication

It can be difficult for a teenager to ask for help, as they are often trying to prove their independence. Part of helping your teenager develop into an independent adult is respecting their choices. This means the way you communicate with each other may need to change.

Here are some top tips for communicating with your teen:

• Make talking part of your routine.

  Try to start conversations with them at times when they seem most open to chatting. Accept that there will be many times when your teen won’t feel like talking.

   

• Be a good listener. 

  As a general guide, listen twice as much as you speak.

   

• Ask open and curious questions. 

  For example, “How did that make you feel?” or “What ideas do you have for what to do next?”

   

• Ask for their ideas or solutions to a problem first.

  This shows that you respect their opinion and helps meet their need for autonomy.

   

• Show respect for their opinions, even if you disagree with them.

  Try to notice and be responsive to their attempts to include you in their decision-making.

Reference: Raising a Teen and Mental Health - Beyond Blue