Wellbeing Officer

2021 came with many challenges for families and one focus area of wellbeing this year has been re-connecting students with their peers. Often as parents we can be of the opinion that play is easy, but for many students engaging in play can be difficult. It may seem like a simple concept to us and we can be heard telling our children to just go and ask if you can play. But for children this is a question that can cause anxiety and stress. They may be small but their feelings are big. I had a conversation with a parent several years ago and she was expressing her concern about her child as he would not play with other children at the park. I asked her if she initiates conversations in social settings herself and she replied that  she is confident in social settings. I then asked if she entered a function and didn't know anybody would she walk up to strangers and initiate a conversation. Her reply was a very adamant no,  that she wouldn't and would often use her phone until she found someone she knew in the crowd. Children can feel the same way when we place them in social settings, even if they know the other children. As parents we can help our children initiate play by having open and ongoing conversations. Talk about their worse case scenario and role play the interaction as if you were a child  talking to them at the park or school. With preparation and gentle encouragement children will find their friendships and although they can come with it's own set of challenges, this experience will provide a foundation for adult friendships.

With only a little over two weeks until Christmas most of us have not begun to consider the new year but with some preparation and planning you will be off to a great start. Once January rolls around we will find ourselves buying lunchboxes and school uniforms once again and before we know it, school has returned. In all of the rush we need to remember that for some children, they stopped socialising with their peers when school finished and they could be feeling nervous about returning to school. Again, conversations and talking through your child's concerns with them can help prepare them for the year ahead. If you have time, take them to the school to play, arrange for a friend to come along and focus on the positives that school brings.

I am here this year until the last day of term and return to the role from January 10th so please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns about your child or are seeking further support. 

Wishing you a very relaxed holiday season.

Nicole Agius

Wellbeing Officer

nicole.agius@crosswaylifecare.org.au