Pastoral Care Worker News
Last newsletter, we looked at ways to develop resiliency in your child, written by Wendy Mason. The first 3 Keys were -:
- Abundance of Love
- Building Trusting Relationships through Quality Time
- Giving Opportunities to Fail and Persist
This week we will add in the last two keys.
Doing for Themselves
In our fast paced world sometimes it seems easier to just do things yourself instead of allowing your child to pick up after themselves. It’s quicker, right? However, it is not always beneficial to your child. We gave an example last time, of carrying your child’s school bag for them. When kids have the opportunity to carry their own schoolbag, it not only builds responsibility for their belongings but it prepares them for the day ahead by ‘grounding’ them. A schoolbag is heavy physically and believe it or not, it actually is calming and settling for your child, whereas sitting them in front of the TV before school will switch their brain off.
Children actually love responsibility and when you give them small tasks to do then it is like you are saying, “I trust you” and it builds confidence and resiliency in the child so that they believe that they are capable.
Independent Play: Go Outside
Children learn from all experiences, routines, outings and interactions. When I was a child, my brother and I used to pack a sandwich and ride our bikes all day, go on hikes, build cubbies and go yabbying in the local stream (I grew up in the Adelaide Hills). Times have changed since then but children still need the stimulation of ‘being outside’ - in nature, in the fresh air and where they can let their imaginations soar. Our nature playground here at school is very popular with our students.
Wendy says, “Allowing children to partake in a combination of moderate and vigorous activities for at least 60 minutes each day gives them better balance, movement and co-ordination skills, helps develop friendships, improves sleeping habits, increases co-operation, builds teamwork and leadership skills and increase their confidence and happiness.” That is quite a list of benefits!! Susan says that all of these things will also reduce stress and anxiety and improve their concentration.
I am finding that a lot of our children are stressed and going to bed late which does not make their learning any easier. So encourage a walk in the park or the building of cubbies in your own backyard and allow the children to follow their own interests and fascinations without adult supervision (but obviously in a safe environment).
I hope that has been helpful. I will continue to give you excerpts from the “Raising Resilient Kids” book in the upcoming Newsletters.
Parent News
I will not be here this Friday (24/5) but the Conference Room will still be open for afternoon tea if you wish to attend. It is a great way to wind down after a long week.
Every Blessing,
Cherie Love, Pastoral Care Worker
