Parent Wellbeing

Nurturing Well-Rounded Teens

The Power of Encouraging Hobbies

As parents, we strive to provide our teenagers with the best possible opportunities to grow and thrive. Amidst the hectic pace of school, extracurriculars, and digital distractions, it's easy for our teens to overlook one critical aspect of their development – hobbies. In this article, we'll delve into the significance of encouraging hobbies in teenagers and explore practical ways to foster their interests.

Balancing the Busy

In the hustle and bustle of the teenage years, it's crucial for adolescents to find balance. Hobbies offer a constructive way to achieve this equilibrium. They provide a delightful escape from the pressures of academics and extracurricular activities. Encouraging hobbies can help teens manage stress and maintain a sense of overall wellbeing.

Unleashing Creativity

Teenagers are often brimming with creativity waiting to be unleashed. Hobbies like painting, writing, music, or even cooking act as a blank canvas for self-expression. By exploring different hobbies, teens can discover new outlets for their creative energy, fostering their artistic, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.

Fostering Independence

Teens are on the cusp of adulthood, and one of our primary goals as parents is to prepare them for the journey ahead. Hobbies provide an excellent platform for nurturing independence. Whether it's managing their time, learning new skills, or making decisions about their interests, hobbies allow teens to take ownership of their passions and pursuits.

Building Confidence

Teenage years can be tumultuous for self-esteem. Encouraging hobbies can act as a powerful confidence builder. As teens make progress in their chosen hobbies, whether it's mastering a musical instrument or excelling in a sport, they gain a sense of achievement and self-worth. This newfound confidence can spill over into other areas of their lives.

Fostering Connection

In an increasingly digital world, face-to-face connections can sometimes take a backseat. Encouraging hobbies that involve group activities or classes can help your teen build meaningful real-world relationships. Whether it's joining a book club or a sports team, hobbies can provide opportunities for your teen to connect with like-minded individuals.

Practical Tips for Encouraging Hobbies

• Open Communication: Start by having an open and non-judgmental conversation with your teen about their interests and passions. Listen actively and show genuine curiosity about their hobbies.
• Lead by Example: Share your own hobbies and interests with your teen. When they see you enjoying your passions, they're more likely to be inspired to pursue their own.
• Provide Resources: Offer access to resources and materials related to their chosen hobby. This could be art supplies, musical instruments, or books, depending on their interests.
• Encourage Exploration: Encourage your teen to explore different hobbies. It's perfectly normal for interests to change, so let them try various activities until they find something that truly resonates.
• Respect Their Choices: While it's okay to gently nudge your teen toward productive hobbies, it's essential to respect their choices. Don't impose your preferences on them.
   

Encouraging hobbies in your teenager is a gift that keeps on giving. It's a powerful way to help them balance their busy lives, unleash their creativity, foster independence, build confidence, and forge meaningful connections. By supporting your teen's interests and passions, you're not only nurturing their wellbeing but also preparing them for a well-rounded and fulfilling life ahead.

Youth Workshops in Knox: https://www.knox.vic.gov.au/our-services/children-family-and-community-services/youth-and-teenagers/engage-workshops

Youth Services in Whitehorse:

https://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/living-working/people-and-families/young-people

Information on the benefits of volunteering for young people: https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/entertainment-technology/free-time-activities/community-activity

Lego Club - Donations Required

Our Inclusion and Wellbeing teams are running a Lego Club for our students to help build social connections across the College amongst peers. We are offering a safe and inclusive space where students can engage in projects of interest amongst like-minded peers. 

To make this project a success, we are after any donations of Lego that you can give. So, dig out those old Lego tubs, unstack those dust gathering storage boxes, and take back that space that was once yours…

Please contact Courtney Moran or Talea-Jane Simpson to organise this, or to offer any support that you can.

Courtney Moran

cmo@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au

Talea-Jane Simpson

tsi@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au 

Parent Support Services

Parentline: 13 22 89

If you would like further ongoing support, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your family General Practitioner (G.P.) where you can discuss the concerns that you may behaving. The G.P. will then be able to make the appropriate referral for ongoing support as required.

Student Wellbeing Team

Email: wellbeing@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au

Guiseppe Relia – Wellbeing Coordinator 

Talea-Jane Simpson – School Counsellor

Lea Marrison - Mental Health Practitioner

Tajinder Wulff - Mental Health Practitioner