Wellbeing with Carly

I hope you all had a wonderful long weekend, and that you were able to stay nice and warm. I spent the weekend down in Warragul, in the middle of a paddock called Lardner Park, for most of the weekend. So I was a little bit cold, but the reason I was down there warmed my heart.

We were taking part in State Youth Games. It is a massive big weekend of sport, where youth groups, girls and boys brigade groups, and scout groups from all over Victoria come together to play sport against each other. Basketball, Netball, Ultimate frisbee, football, cricket... and so many more, even ten pin bowling! 

I think there were around 3,000 teenagers there, playing sport all weekend long. There will be some very tired teens at school this week! But it was a lot of fun. Yes it was freezing at times, but watching everyone play and get involved was so good. There were all sorts of sporting abilities, those who clearly played the sport each week. Those who maybe didn't play the sport but had some level of athletic ability, and then those who had no idea how to play the sport. All were accepted without judgement! 

Is your child part of a team? Do they do a team sport or activity? It doesn't have to be football or netball, it could be dance, choir, cub scouts... there are so many options. The team building and cooperation skills that I saw on the weekend was so heart warming. I even saw a very tall boy lift up a younger boy so that he could score a goal... ok so that rules down at State Youth Games might be a little bit more flexible that normal sports. 

But I really do think it is so good for a child to be involved in a team activity.

Did you know:

• Playing in a team helps children develop many of the social skills they will need throughout life. 
• It teaches them to cooperate, be less self focused, and to listen to other children.
• It also gives children a sense of belonging. 
• It helps them make new friends and builds their social circle outside school.
• An important part of playing in a team is accepting and following the rules. 
• It also helps them understand that they could be penalised for misbehaviour. 
• It teaches them to take directions from the coach, referees and other adults. 
• It also teaches them about self awareness, they way they react in a team setting. 
• In fact participating in a team can help to improve a child's overall emotional wellbeing.

According to https://www.healthdirect.gov.au, the benefits of participating in team activities go beyond learning new physical skills. It can help children develop better ways to cope with the highs and lows of life. When they're playing a sport, sometimes they will win, while at other times they will lose. Learning to accept both takes maturity and practice. Losing teaches children to overcome disappointment, cope with unpleasant experiences, and is an important part of becoming resilient.

Playing in a team helps children learn to control their emotions and channel negative feelings in a healthy way. It also helps children develop patience, and understand that it can take a lot of practice to improve their skills. Children can then apply skills like perseverance and resilience in other areas of their life, including in the classroom at school. 

I loved watching the team huddles before the game starts, the high fives when they would get a goal, the loud cheering from those waiting on the bench to sub in... and the best bit, win or lose, I love the hand shake and the compliments at the end of the game. 

I might have been a little crazy to head down to Warragul in winter, but watching all of the team spirit down at State Youth Games, well that was definitely a "winter warmer". 

If you would like to know some options for team activities in our local community, send me an email. I would love to help you find the right fit for your child. 

Well this term has flown by, I hope that you all have a safe and happy break over the holidays. Take care

Carly Cassidy – carly.cassidy@education.vic.gov.au

Pastoral Care for the BPS Community, available Thursdays and Fridays