The Anchor

From the Leadership Team

Over the last few weeks I have been watching, off and on, the TV series Parental Guidance and, while there are elements of the show’s format that I disagree with – making parenting styles competitive, for example – the fact that parenting complexities are being discussed on prime-time television is wonderful. 

If you have not watched the show, there are a range of parenting styles portrayed and families go through a series of challenges where those styles are showcased and critiqued by other parents. Parenting expert and friend of Endeavour College, Dr Justin Coulson, also offers a range of well-informed and measured advice as situations unfold. 

 

Time and time again, the show reinforces for me of a few key ideas: 

  • That parenting is complex and dynamic and one size does not fit all. 
  • That parents today have more access to parenting information than ever before, some of it amazing and some of it misleading. 
  • That a blend of all parenting styles is likely to be the most effective. 
  • That parenting is hard work. It should be as our kids are a big investment. 
  • That great parenting is filled with reflection and humility.

As a father of two, each age and stage of parenting has been both challenging and rewarding. It has also been filled with investments from many others in my children’s lives; extended family, friends, coaches, mentors and of course, teachers and schools. 

Please know that we are here for you and we wish to work alongside you. A complex world often needs complex solutions, and these are formulated best when we work together to create them. 

 

This short article is also a shameless plug for our upcoming evening with Dr Justin Coulson hosted next term. 

Please look out for more information coming soon. Having listened to him on TV and at the evening he hosted at Endeavour last year, I can promise you the investment of your time will be worth it. 

 

Happy parenting. 

 

Peter Pearse 

Deputy Principal 

 

Proverbs 22:6 

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”