After establishing the significance of making time to talk and connect (part 1 of this newsletter series) and the importance of listening and acknowledging (part 2 of this newsletter series) you will be in a strong position as a parent to have difficult conversations with your child.
Some examples of difficult conversations include talking about uncomfortable subjects; setting boundaries whilst also fostering independence; working with your child’s interests even if you have a very different view; supporting your child as they experience change, grief or loss. Whilst it is important for your child to seek support and guidance from their peers, which will increase as they get older, as a parent you have a unique and important position as you are present throughout your child’s life.
No matter how hard or uncomfortable a conversation may be, it is important that you are willing to have difficult conversations with your child so that they have your support, know that you are there for them and, importantly, so that you can give them balanced advice. Front foot key issues that are prevalent for your child so that you know that your child is hearing accurate information from trusted sources. By role modelling a willingness to talk and share expert ideas and knowledge, whether they agree with them or not, you are providing your child with the opportunity to consider alternative views and talk with you about things that may be concerning them.
Here are some examples of websites that provide clear guidance and support for parents across a range of topics:
Netsafe: Online Safety Parent Toolkit: includes advice for parents on topics such as social media apps; online safety; screen time; your child’s first phone; gaming and talking with your child about pornography.
Listening to families: provides videos answering everyday questions about health and wellbeing challenges facing children and adolescents. Some of the topics from the long list covered include anxiety; learning challenges, eating challenges, suicide and gender diversity.
Medbury SchoolTV: provides a wide range of videos and articles to support parents. SchoolTV has series on positive parenting; cybersafety; mental health; school survival; healthy body; diversity and inclusion. For easy access, there is a link to SchoolTV under the Links icon on the Medbury App.
Skylight: provides resources to support change, loss and grief including family change, trauma, death and dying, suicide and disasters.
Mana Ake: provides support to children in Canterbury, in Years 1 to 8 at school, promoting wellbeing and positive mental health. The Mana Ake website has a range of resources covering topics such as parental separation; managing emotions; climate change; pandemics; natural disasters and supporting your child’s wellbeing.
This is just a small selection of the wide range of resources available online. I hope that this is a useful starting point for you to develop the knowledge and confidence to have difficult conversations with your child. Whilst some conversations can be difficult, there are a lot of resources to help you listen to, and talk with your child, no matter how difficult the topic may be.
As a school we are here to support you as well so please do reach out if you need further support.
Image sourced from: Netsafe
Jenelle Hooson
Jenelle is a fully registered member with NZAC (New Zealand Association of Counsellors).
If you wish to discuss the services the School Counsellor can provide, please talk to your child’s homeroom teacher or make contact with Jenelle directly: jenelle.hooson@medbury.school.nz