Carrie-Anne Thomas – Acting Deputy Head of Primary

What your child needs from you – free parent seminar

Join Dr Justin Coulson, the co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9s hit TV show Parental Guidance, for some, extra special parental guidance! In this jam-packed, interactive, 90-minute webinar, you’ll discover:

• What every child needs from their parents in order to flourish
• Where parents are going wrong in their efforts to be the perfect parent
• How to get discipline right, even when everything’s going wrong, and
• Why joy in family life is easy to find when you know where to look.

Monday 19 June 2023 – 8.00 pm AEST 
Join the webinar HERE

Friendship superpowers – conquering playground challenges 

At times, children may face difficulties when navigating social interactions with their peers. In these situations, it is important for us, as adults and role models in their lives, to support them in building healthy relationships. 

To provide you with helpful guidance, I refer to the Friendology Program, which focuses on promoting positive social skills and empathy among children, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. This program is a pivotal part of the wellbeing programs offered at Emanuel.

The program highlights four essential facts that can help us better understand and support our children’s social connections:

• No friendship or relationship is perfect: Friendships, like any other relationship, are not without their challenges. It is important for our children to understand that conflicts, misunderstandings, and disagreements are natural and can occur in any friendship. Encourage your child to embrace imperfections and teach them the skills to navigate through rough patches. Open communication and empathy are key ingredients in resolving conflicts and strengthening bonds.
• Every friendship is different: Just as no two individuals are exactly alike, friendships also come in various shapes and sizes. Some friendships may be characterised by shared interests, while others may be built on a deep emotional connection. Help your child appreciate the diversity in their friendships and embrace the unique qualities that each friend brings to their life. Encourage them to foster a variety of relationships and celebrate the beauty of diversity in human connections.
• Trust and respect are the two most important qualities of a relationship: Trust and respect are the foundation of any strong and lasting friendship. Teach your child the value of honesty, reliability and loyalty in their relationships. Help them understand the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. By nurturing these qualities, your child will develop healthier and more fulfilling friendships.
• Friendships change, and that’s okay: As children grow and develop, so do their friendships. It’s crucial for your child to understand that friendships evolve naturally over time. Some friends may come and go, while others may remain constants in their life. Encourage your child to embrace change and view it as an opportunity for personal growth. Remind them that it’s okay to outgrow certain friendships and make room for new ones. Change can bring about valuable life lessons and new perspectives.

It is important to remember that building and maintaining friendships is a continuous journey, and it is normal for children to face challenges. By equipping your child with the skills and strategies suggested and following the guidance of the URStrong Friendology Program, we can empower them to navigate playground friendship challenges with confidence and resilience.For further guidance, please refer to the free resources available on the URStrong website.  Parents are able to sign up for free to access a plethora of resources relevant to supporting Primary aged students through friendship challenges.