Mental Health & Wellbeing Student/Parent Support 

SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH ADHD

Strategies for home

It’s often easy to focus on the negative aspects of a child’s behaviour, and you may feel that at times your child's behaviour is out of control. Their behaviour at home is likely to improve through a combination of rewards and reinforcement for positive 'good' behaviours, and consequences for negative behaviours.

• Consider implementing a positive behaviour system in your home. A reward chart for younger children or token economy for older children can add incentive for your child to increase desirable behaviours. Change the rewards frequently so that your child doesn’t get bored. This strategy can help switch your focus to times when your child is behaving well. 
• Have a set of family rules that are written down. Be explicit about what happens when these rules are followed (e.g. rewards) and what happens when they are not (e.g. consequences) and try to be consistent with this approach.
• Try to ‘catch’ your child being helpful, friendly or respectful and give them positive attention and praise for this behaviour. Make sure you are specific about what behaviours you really like and want to encourage. It is important for different caregivers to use the same set of rules.
• Ignore common minor attention-seeking behaviours. Turn away from your child or walk away, and respond only when they speak appropriately. Constantly attending to negative behaviours can teach a child that this is the best way to get your full attention.
• Use logical consequences for poor behaviours, e.g. homework should be completed before television, and if they take too long to complete the homework, they may miss out on watching their favourite show.
• Try to keep any consequences immediate, and ensure that they are consequences you can follow through with. For younger children, consequences should be linked to something happening that day, not on the weekend. If consequences are removal of privileges, ensure it is short-lived and the child is aware when it will be returned to them.
• Set aside small, regular sessions of one-on-one time with your child doing an activity your child wants to do. This helps to send the message that you love them and enjoy spending time with them.

Key points to remember

• Acknowledge and reward achievements and positive behaviour often.
• Attend to learning difficulties as soon as possible.
• A quiet place without clutter is important for homework.
• Talk with the child about the consequences of their actions.
• A positive behaviour system at home can help increase desirable behaviours.
• Ignore smaller negative behaviours, and use logical, immediate consequences for poor behaviours.

For more information

• Kids Health Info fact sheet: ADHD
• The Incredible Years: Parents, teachers and children training series
• ParentWorks
• Triple P: Positive Parenting Program

11 FREE SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES IN MELBOURNE FOR WINTER

If you are wondering ‘What do you do in school holidays with no money?’ This article lists 11 things to do this winter that are all FREE! Who doesn’t love a free day out?! A cultural museum visit, a family walk and days at the park, these are some of the best things to do in Melbourne without spending a cent. Check out our list of great free family activities in Melbourne.

NGV - IAN POTTER CENTRE

The National Gallery of Victoria is a place for everyone and warmly welcomes children, teenagers and families. NGV Kids exhibitions and programs reflect the Gallery’s commitment to providing creative experiences for young people and their families. We love visiting when we are heading into the CBD. Located centrally in Federation Square, it is a must do over the holidays. 

ST KILDA PENGUINS

How incredibly lucky that as Melbourne locals we have penguins in our own city!                   Witness the wonder of a penguin colony at the beautiful St Kilda Breakwater during               these school holidays. This self-guided experience allows you to watch these                         incredible creatures as they go about daily penguin life.

ROYAL PARK NATURE PLAY

3.  Based on natural elements, this park is a wonderful outdoor space for children. With equipment to excite the kids – ropes course, climbing structures and more – as well as a water play area, there is something for kids of all ages. That is our kiddo in the photo above, this is one of his favourite playgrounds in Melbourne!

STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA

4. If you want to get the kids excited about visiting a library, remind them that the State Library of Victoria houses Ned Kelly’s armour! The library also has a range of talks, workshops and children’s story time on offer all year round.

You can always find something special for the kids in the Children’s Quarter of the library.

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET

5. This open air market is a wonderland for the senses and one our family often visits. Yummy food and smells greet you as you enter this expansive outdoor market. This iconic market has been running for 140 years and is a must see these school holidays. Try on silly hats, sample some treats at the food stalls or buy some fresh food and take it home to cook up a storm with your kids. They will be learning about measuring, weighing and timing… but don’t tell them they are learning… ssshhh!

RAAF MUSEUM 

6. A visit to the RAAF Museum will ignite the passion for flying in your kids. See aircraft up close and learn about the history of the air force. Open days and flying displays are held throughout the year so make sure you add them to the list!

SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE

7. The Shrine of Remembrance is a fantastic school holiday activity, explore the free museum and memorial, which showcases Australia’s rich military history. Visit during the Last Post Service. The brief, family-friendly ceremony takes place outside on the Shrine Forecourt and includes bugle calls and bagpipers, the Shrine Guard in historic uniform, a wreath-laying, recital of the Ode and lowering of the flags. Every Sunday. 

NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA

8. The National Gallery of Victoria has two locations and lots to offer kids these school holidays. The Gallery is committed to expanding the creativity of children with a range of programs, exhibits and activities all year round.

MELBOURNE MUSEUM (Fantastic Beasts on until October 8, 2023)

9. f you’re looking for a fun and educational activity to do with your kids over the school holidays, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Melbourne Museum. Check out the Dinosaur Walk exhibition, where you can step back in time and come face-to-face with some of the most impressive prehistoric creatures to have ever roamed the earth. Another popular exhibit is the First Peoples exhibition, which delves into the rich cultural history of Australia’s Indigenous peoples. Through interactive displays and multimedia experiences, you and your kids can learn about the customs, traditions, and beliefs of these fascinating communities.

ART PLAY

10. ArtPlay is a venue that encourages creativity and self-expression. Workshops and programs are on offer for a range of age groups and it is centrally located in Melbourne City behind Federation Square. Allow some time to play at the playground located beside ArtPlay.

CITY CIRCLE TRAMS

11. Did you know? The trams that run in the inner CBD of Melbourne are 100% free?  

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, RESOURCES AND ADVICE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Mental health support, resources and advice are available for students and families to access over the school holidays. 

• support positive mental health and wellbeing of students
• identify signs students may need mental health support
• access available support.

This fact sheet provides tips and resources for parents, carers and families of children and young people in their care over the school holidays. This includes services to reach out to if more support for them is needed.