Wellbeing Delvene Mathie

We have to adjust the way we parent and communicate with our kids when they shift into the tween/teen age group. I'm so looking forward to being a part of this wonderful free summit coming up later this month. I'm talking specifically about parenting our tween and teen boys, and there are loads of other wonderful experts covering a variety of topics.

Register now to secure your place: https://bit.ly/49peKiV

**LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE for an ONLINE GROUP (via zoom)- Starting THIS SATURDAY 6th August***
Calling all Adelaide parents and carers:
Does your 6 to 10 year old child struggle with feeling frustrated more often than average? Do they struggle to manage their disappointment or act co-operatively when they are angry? Would you like them to learn strategies to manage frustration constructively and to feel more co-operative?
If so, we may be able to help.
We have a FREE (funded by Adelaide Primary Health Network) 4-week Saturday morning group for children and parents/caregivers to increase the knowledge kids have about anger and develop skills to manage their reactions when they feel disappointed, frustrated or angry.
Click on the link below to learn more.
https://developingminds.net.au/chilled-kids

Positive Self Talk is one of 10 Free check-ins in the SEL Journal Sample Pack. https://bit.ly/FreeCheckInJournal

It's International Friendship Day.

Today, and every day it's needed, be the mate that looks out for others and asks R U OK?

Thanks to all the great mates out there 🤝

Find conversation tips at https://bit.ly/2ZcG05n

12 Facts to Tell Your Child/Teen About Sleep — Developing Minds As parents, it is important for us to help our children/teens get enough sleep.  Part of this involves us teaching young people about sleep issues; why sleep is important and how to get enough.  But other than "you need to get enough sleep" - what exactly should

Dear Mum and Dad,

Please stick with me.

I can’t think clearly right now because there is a rather substantial section of my prefrontal cortex missing. It’s a fairly important chunk, something having to do with rational thought.

You see, it won’t be fully developed until I’m about 25. And from where I sit, 25 seems a long way off.

But here's what i want my parents to know..

My brain is not yet fully developed
It doesn’t matter that I’m smart; even a perfect score on my math test doesn’t insulate me from the normal developmental stages that we all go through.

Judgement and intelligence are two completely distinct things.
And, the same thing that makes my brain wonderfully flexible, creative and sponge-like also makes me impulsive. Not necessarily reckless or negligent but more impulsive than I will be later in life.

Please stick with me.

So when you look at me like I have ten heads after I’ve done something “stupid” or failed to do something “smart,” you’re not really helping.

You adults respond to situations with your prefrontal cortex (rationally) but I am more inclined to respond with my amygdala (emotionally). And when you ask, “What were you thinking?” the answer is I wasn’t, at least not in the way you are.

You can blame me, or you can blame mother nature, but either way, it is what it is.
At this point in my life, I get that you love me, but my friends are my everything.

Please understand that. Right now I choose my friends, but, don’t be fooled, I am watching you. Carefully.

Please stick with me.

Here’s what you can do for me

1. Model adulting.
I see all the behaviours that you are modeling and I hear all of the words you say. I may not listen but I do hear you. I seem impervious to your advice, like I’m wearing a Kevlar vest but your actions and words are penetrating. I promise. If you keep showing me the way, I will follow even if I detour many, many times before we reach our destination.

2. Let me figure things out for myself.
If you allow me to experience the consequences of my own actions I will learn from them. Please give me a little bit of leash and let me know that I can figure things out for myself. The more I do, the more confidence and resilience I will develop.

3. Tell me about you.
I want you to tell me all the stories of the crazy things you did as a teen, and what you learned from them. Then give me the space to do the same.

4. Help me with perspective.
Keep reminding me of the big picture. I will roll my eyes at you and make all kinds of grunt-like sounds. I will let you know in no uncertain terms that you can’t possibly understand any of what I’m going through. But I’m listening. I really am. It’s hard for me to see anything beyond the weeds that I am currently mired in. Help me scan out and focus on the long view. Remind me that this moment will pass.

5. Keep me safe.
Please remind me that drugs and driving don’t mix. Keep telling me that you will bail me out of any dangerous situation, no anger, no lectures, no questions asked. But also let me know over and over and over that you are there to listen, when I need you.

6. Be kind.
I will learn kindness from you and if you are relentless in your kindness to me, someday I will imitate that behaviour. Don’t ever mock me, please and don’t be cruel. Humour me-I think I know everything. You probably did as well at my age. Let it go.

7. Show interest in the things I enjoy.
Some days I will choose to share my interests with you, and it will make me feel good if you validate those interests, by at least acting interested.

One day when the haze of adolescence lifts, you will find a confident, strong, competent, kind adult where a surly teenager once stood. In the meantime, buckle in for the ride.

and..

Please stick with me.

Love,
Your Teenager ....
By Helene Wingens

**CHILLED KIDS GROUP STARTING TUESDAY 7/6/22 5:15pm via Zoom (video call)**
Does your 6 to 10 year old child struggle with feeling frustrated more often than average? Do they struggle to manage their disappointment or act co-operatively when they are angry? Would you like them to learn strategies to manage frustration constructively and to feel more co-operative?
If so, we may be able to help. We have a FREE 4 week group for children and parents/caregivers.
Please call our clinic on 8357 1711 or email [email protected] if you are interested

Most young people want to talk, but don't know how. When a young person opens up to you, it could be the most important conversation you will have all year 💙

**CONNECT, COACH AND TAKE CHARGE COURSES**
We have a parent group commencing in May.
Please see the poster below for more information (bookings now open)

What do I need? - If you are interested in attending you would need access to a smart tablet, smart phone, laptop or computer. If you are using a laptop or computer it needs to have a microphone, speakers and we**am.

If you are interested in putting your name down for one of these courses, please contact our admin team on 8357 1711 or via email [email protected]