Page 13 - Harvest Connect Volume 23 Issue 7

Why do you want to grow, learn and become independent? What are your dreams in the future?
Point 8 – Cognitive and emotional flexibility
Those who display cognitive and emotional flexibility do so much better from a mental health perspective. This is the ability to look at a situation differently, decide to tackle it in an alternate way, even though it feels outside of your comfort zone and may not feel entirely fair. We step away from our fixed self to ‘go with the flow’ and see where our best effort takes us!
Point 9 – Kindness and giving to others
A simple act of kindness can make a huge difference to someone’s day, week, or life perspective. Equally, our kindness to another has a profound effect on our own mental health because connection and contribution leaves us feeling valued and uplifted. The research is clear when we help another, we are the greatest receiver. So, lead your kids to;
Smile or wave to others, often, when appropriate.
Donate their unwanted belongings to local charities.
Find a way to help a neighbour in need.
Turn their birthday into a ‘for a good cause party’ where you ask each person coming along to bring something that can be donated to your child’s cause. Or as a family, pitch in and be charitable towards the environment.
Point 10 – Get lost in flow
Flow is a state of mind in which a person becomes totally absorbed in an activity. During flow, one’s self magically peels away and the time flies. Flow is associated with a healthy sense of well-being and increased happiness. The truth is flow is available to each of us. It occurs when we are fully engaged with our work, with hobbies, in relationships, out on a bushwalk or enjoying your favourite video game for a time. What’s your flow activity? What are each of your children’s flow activities?
Point 11 – Help your kids to find inspiring role-models
Just as you surround yourself with people who are good, respectful, and nurturing, we must encourage our children to do the same. Once again, Charney and Southwick’s research found those with good mental health and high levels of resilience could quickly name their role-models. They frequently said that their beliefs, attitudes, and achievements motivated them. These role-models can be sporting stars, elite athletes, or wonderful people in your family – even you! Most of us have interesting or compelling histories. Don’t forget to share it!
Point 12 – Build structures and routines to improve security and success
A family routine means arranging what needs to happen in a predictable way. This allows children to feel certain and secure, and when feeling like this, they function as best they can. A routine usually includes what we do, when we do it and how we do it. Classic family routines, rosters and schedules involve checklists or simple visuals of;
tasks that go with getting ready in the morning winding down time after coming home from school
mealtime duties; what time, washing hands and setting the dinner table
when after school activities and sport take place times assigned to play online games
homework time
relaxing options before bedtime
shower or bath times
things to do as your kids prepare for bed at night
chores; packing and unpacking the dishwasher, helping with the laundry, or caring for pets, making beds and cleaning rooms
Our children and teens rely on us to create these simple patterns to ease the pure chaos that busy lives bring into families.
Point 13 – Face your fears and guide your kids to do the same
Today we understand that when we face our fears, they become less frightening. We say to ourselves, “I’m scared, but I can deal with this and learn from it,” or “This is a small test that’s going to make me more
confident.” So, every so often, challenge yourself and challenge your children to give something a go that feels slightly outside that natural comfort zone.
As I mentioned at the outset, we cannot precisely control the condition of our mental health, but there is a lot we can do to safeguard, strengthen, and repair it. Please take these mental health hygiene principles with you! Oh? Did my checklist come close to matching yours?
Harvest Christian College has recently made available for our parent community access to a range of Insight Articles from Parenting Ideas. Parenting Ideas has become one of Australia’s most trusted sources of parenting education and support.
Articles will be featured regularly in our school newsletter and linked to our website under the ‘Parent Portal’ tab. https://sites.google.com/harvest. sa.edu.au/college-parent-portal/parenting-ideas/insights-dos-and-donts-of- discipline Articles will be uploaded to our website regularly, right now you can access the following articles: ‘Do’s and Don’t;s of Discipline’, ‘Principles for Savvy Discipline in a Digital World’, ‘Parenting Introverts and Shy Kids’ and ‘What to do When You Feel Overwhelmed’.
We hope you find these articles helpful and informative.
Neridah Boraso (Wellbeing Coordinator)
Calm kids Central
Calm Kids Central is offering a free psychology support program to the Harvest Christian College school community. This program has been funded by the Country SA Primary Health Network to provide low intensive psychological support to families and professionals (working with children). School community members can receive FREE access for 12 months to the Calm Kid Central (CKC) programs within the Country SA region.
In brief, CKC offer:
Calm Kid Central supports 4 to 11 year old children with emotional, behavioural, mental health, and social life challenges via our online portal. It provides:
1. FAST ACCESS TO A CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST ONLINE
Tell their child psychologist panel any questions/concerns you have about your child. The CKC child psychologists will carefully read and answer your questions online within 48 hours
2. They HELP CHILDREN WITH “BIG FEELINGS” FEEL CALM AND CO-OPERATIVE
Video lessons, Games, activity sheets and posters to
teach children to act bravely, behave in positive ways, act confidently, develop good friendships & manage tough life situations.
3. They HELP YOU FEEL CALMER & MORE CONFIDENT AND KNOW WHAT TO DO
Video lessons, articles & “quick tips” for parents to help feel less stressed about caring for their child with “big feelings”—Learn what to say and do.
go to: calmkidcentral.com
Use code FIRSTYEAR to get FREE ACCESS for 12 months. Free for families living in Country SA, Funded by Country SA PHN.
Also, SEE THE FLYER on page 20 of this newsletter.
13 SERVING the Yorke Peninsula for over 20 years