Motivation

The ability to be self-motivated and overcome procrastination and distraction are important life skills that teenagers can build and strengthen while at school.

Parents and carers play a crucial role in developing these skills in the following ways:

SMART Goals - Encourage your teenager to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals. SMART goals provide clarity and structure, making it easier to stay motivated and track progress. 

Positive Reinforcement - Offer praise and rewards when your teenager achieves their goals or takes steps toward them. Positive reinforcement can boost their motivation.

Interest and Passion - Help your teenager identify their interests and passions. Motivation often comes naturally when they are engaged in activities they enjoy.

Supportive Environment - Create a supportive environment where your teenager feels safe to explore their interests and pursue their goals without fear of failure.  Encourage a growth mindset that mistakes are ok and are the way we learn about the world.

Some useful information about motivation can also be found at:

ReachOut – Tips for getting and staying motivated

Headspace - One-on-one work and study support

Headspace – How to get and stay motivated

Headspace – Having trouble with motivation?

Elevate Education – Parent and carer resources

Elevate Education – Webinar series

Stress

We need a little stress in our lives to keep us alert and ready to face challenges. It is normal for teenagers to feel stress around academic pressures, social challenges and personal growth.  Stress may become a concern if it overwhelms us or stops us from living our day-to-day lives and it is important that we develop healthy coping strategies and skills to manage stress in our lives.

Parents and carers play a crucial role in developing these skills in the following ways:

Open Communication – Encourage open and non-judgmental communication with your teenager. Let them know that it's okay to talk about their stressors and feelings.

Healthy Lifestyle – Promote a balanced lifestyle with regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and adequate sleep. These factors can help reduce stress.

Time Management – Often we experience stress if we are not organised so teach time management skills to help teenagers prioritise tasks, set realistic deadlines, and avoid procrastination.  Students will learn about executive functioning skills in TLC20 classes.

Mindfulness and Relaxation – Introduce mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, to help your teenager manage stress.

Seeking Professional Help – If stress becomes overwhelming or persistent, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.  Your family doctor can provide you with a referral if necessary.

Some useful information about stress can also be found at:

ReachOut – Stress and teenagers

ReachOut – How to manage your anxiety and stress

Headspace – How to reduce stress and prepare for exams

Headspace – How to relieve stress

Anxiety

Anxiety is very common in the teenage years as it is a time when teenagers are seeking new experiences and independence and they naturally feel anxious about these changes, opportunities and challenges.  Anxiety is not always a bad thing.  Feeling anxious can help keep teenagers safe by getting them to think about the situation they are in and often indicates that they are stepping out of their comfort zone and trying something new that will lead to personal growth.

Find information about anxiety and encouraging brave behaviour here.

If anxiety becomes overwhelming or persistent, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.  Your family doctor can provide you with a referral if necessary.

While you are waiting to access professional support, you can access a FREE evidence-based program developed by the University of Queensland. It is an online, six-part parenting course called Fear-Less Triple P that is a part of their Positive Parenting Program and teaches parents how to help kids manage and overcome their anxiety.

If your child has been diagnosed with anxiety by a mental health professional, please contact your child’s Year Adviser with the necessary paperwork and they will work with the Wellbeing and Learning Support Team to put supports in place.