From the Assistant Principal

Self-care

Last lockdown there was an element of temporary and novelty and so many of our community found some thrill in Zoom parties, bake-offs and rainbow trails. This time around, there is no doubt that self-care and care of those around us is the primary focus, and so it should be.

But what does self-care really mean? In particular, what does it mean for you? We talk about that a lot as a Kalinda staff and for all of us, there are very different definitions. Some are exercising or learning a new skill, some find they thrive in the service of others (kind acts or words), some are making deliberate efforts to connect with others to feed their extrovert nature .... then there are those (not sure who, -cough cough-) who rely on deliberate technology bans, TV footy (Go Saints!) and trash television to allow their brain time to heal. No shame.

I turned to google to find a definition for you from someone more learned than myself and I love the advice I found at https://psychcentral.com/blog/what-self-care-is-and-what-it-isnt-2/ : you might like it too.

In particular, I liked this quote: Self-care isn’t a selfish act either. It is not only about considering our needs; it is rather about knowing what we need to do in order to take care of ourselves, being subsequently, able to take care of others as well. That is, if I don’t take enough care of myself, I won’t be in the place to give to my loved ones either.

And very importantly - please, I implore you, during this time do not neglect to care for your physical health. Seek medical advice if you concerned about something, do not delay check ups and appointments.

This is a marathon; not a sprint, and you matter.

Lauren.

Parenting Webinar - Lightening the Lockdown Load

We are so pleased to have been accepted as participants in Dr Justin Coulson's webinar next week. I encourage Kalinda parents to consider registering. Dr Coulson is one of Australia's leading and most highly regarded speakers and parenting experts. A blurb describing this webinar is below.

Current and future Kalinda parents are able to register via this link: https://www.happyfamilies.com.au/freebies/lightening-the-lockdown-load/

Lockdown is hard. It hurts our kids and it’s a drain on parents. The first time was tricky. There were challenges. For some, it was horrible. But most of us managed ok and got through it.

This time it’s different. The pressure is higher. The demands are greater. The children are more oppositional. The home learning stretch will be longer. There’s work stress, family stress, and stress about being stressed!

While we can’t click our fingers and make it magically disappear, there are real strategies that parents and children can rely on to not just survive, but thrive – even in a far-too-long lockdown. They’re simple ideas that you can start on right away.

Join Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s most trusted parenting specialists, as he shares 4 secrets to make it through the pain of the winter COVID-19 Victorian lockdown. By the end of this FREE webinar, you’ll:

Feel reassured, with less stress and pressure around your kids, their schooling, and life
Have concrete strategies you can start on immediately to make your family happier
Know how to be on the same page as your partner
Be able to develop habits and practices that will ensure your children – and YOU – can get your daily work done, even while everyone is stuck at home.

Other resources you might like this week:

Article: Help kids to beat COVID induced anxiety -https://www.parentingideas.com.au/blog/help-kids-to-beat-covid-induced-anxiety?goal=0_f488c60967-6f3707ba52-180152857&mc_cid=6f3707ba52&mc_eid=f8c367d7f3

Online course for Parent: Parenting Anxious Kids Online Course -https://www.parentingideas.com.au/parent-resources/courses/parenting-anxious-kids-online-course?goal=0_f488c60967-6f3707ba52-180152857&mc_cid=6f3707ba52&mc_eid=f8c367d7f3