Student Wellbeing

Michele Hedley

I wonder how I can help my child when they are feeling anxious?

Firstly, we need to remember that it’s normal for children and adults to worry.  A certain level of anxiety/worry / concern actually motivates us to care for ourselves and others and to perform at our best.  However, if our level of anxiety or worry is interfering with going about our normal daily tasks or stopping us doing something we want to or should do, then we need to seek help or support.

Therefore, we need to let children know that it is OK to feel anxious – that worrying about something is normal and give them ways to deal with their concerns.  It’s not about telling them they are silly to worry about something; it’s not silly to have a concern, but it may be silly to let it stop them doing something they like to do; eg., not going to a party because they don’t like their haircut.

CONFIDENCE – As part of our child safety policy, developed last year, we taught our students the importance of speaking up when they have a worry.  The students identified people they could trust to share their worries if they have a concern and of course parents and teachers were first on the list.  Confident people understand that it is normal to feel worried about something; they share their concerns and get help.

Therefore, it is important for us to listen when children are sharing their concerns.  It is equally important for us to monitor our own reactions so that children feel confident to share their feelings and they feel reassured.  You may be able to share feeling the same way at a similar age. Keep things in perspective, don’t let the concern become bigger than it needs to be and give some suggestions for a way forward.  Having a sense of hope is vital as it assures us things will get better.

When a child shares a worry or problem:

LISTEN

REASSURE

PUT THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE

PLAN A WAY FORWARD

Given recent tragic events in Melbourne and around the world, children may be feeling anxious and that is normal.  We need to listen when they talk and answer their questions as best we can.  We need to be mindful of what our children are overhearing so that they can keep things in perspective – one person did some very bad things but many, many people showed their care and kindness to others.  We often feel we want to do something; some people lay flowers, some donate money etc, children may feel like this too.  Encouraging children to say a prayer for those involved, as a way of doing something, can help children feel comfort and be their way forward.

As parents we want our children to have perfect lives.  We can’t create a perfect world but we can work to develop resilience and confidence in our children so that they are able to cope with whatever happens in life.  Having a sense of hope is extremely important to our wellbeing.  As Catholics our sense of hope comes through our faith and we should never underestimate the importance of faith in any challenging time.

Any parents wishing to chat further about these issues is welcome to meet in the school library 9 am  Thursday 9th February to share and listen to ideas and strategies that may be helpful.