All views expressed in this episode are personal to Michelle Basson.

Michelle Basson is a dedicated school psychologist actively working in both public education systems and the academic sphere associated with university settings. Her role involves providing comprehensive support and counseling to students across multiple school environments, including both primary and high schools. Michelle's work extends to assessment and securing individual student support, making a significant impact on bridging student needs with available resources.

Key Takeaways

• Rising Mental Health Concerns: There is a notable increase in bullying and depressive symptoms amongst younger students, highlighting the urgent need for early intervention and mental health support in schools.

• Role of School Psychologists: School psychologists are instrumental in assessing students and securing additional support, effectively bridging the gap between student needs and school resources.

• Navigating Consent and Confidentiality: The process of obtaining consent and confidentiality in school counseling can vary significantly depending on the student's age and situation, necessitating sensitive navigation by school psychologists.

• Importance of School Systems: For parents, understanding the support systems available in schools and how to access them can be crucial in ensuring their child receives the necessary help.

• Demystifying Counseling: Open communication and breaking down the perceived complexities surrounding school counseling can foster a supportive environment for students, reducing the stigma around seeking help.

Notable Quotes:

1. "There's a real rise in kind of depressive symptoms in young people and anxiety... a really scary trend in schools."

2. "The more information we have, the more knowledge we have, the more the whole process becomes demystified."

3. "In the high school, definitely a lot of the referrals are counseling referrals... very open about what it might entail, the first session will just be getting to know you."

4. "If the student refuses to be seen by us... we have a person called the Student Support Officer."

5. "My hope is just that we continue to talk about mental health... students just know where they can find support."

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Takeaways:

• Encourage open discussions with teenagers about current global challenges without minimising their concerns.
• Promote critical thinking skills to help teens analyse and interpret the information they encounter online.
• Highlight the power of historical resilience and problem-solving to inspire hope in uncertain times.
• Empower teenagers by focusing on their ability to control certain aspects of their environment and decisions.
• Model resilience and optimism as parents to influence teens positively, ensuring they learn coping strategies through observation and guidance.

Notable Quotes:

• "Our role as parents and carers is to help our teens build confidence that they can handle uncertainty when it does come."
• "Hope isn't pretending that a problem doesn't exist. Hope is believing that challenges can be faced."
• "One of the greatest gifts we can give our teens is to teach them that not everything online deserves equal weight or attention."
• "Confidence grows when our young people experience that they actually have some choices and they have some agency."
• "I believe you'll be able to handle it. You're going to be able to handle what the world throws at you."

Resources:

• Follow Collett Smart on Instagram and Facebook.
• Learn more on Collett Smart’s website: www.collettsmart.com

Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team.

Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.

Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Head over to the win page of Hope1032 to snag a chance to win one of the two copies of Dr. Jenny Brown: The Parenting Paradox valued at $50 each.

About the Guest:

Dr. Jenny Brown is an Australian family therapist, researcher, author, and educator whose work focuses on family systems theory, parenting, and child and adolescent mental health. She has worked in family therapy and child and family mental health since the 1980s and is the co-founder and Director Emeritus of the Family Systems Institute, as well as the founder of the Family Systems Practice and Parent Hope Project. She has authored and contributed to numerous professional publications and books, including Growing Yourself Up, Facilitating Parent Agency in Child and Adolescent Mental Health: Helplessness to Hope, and The Parenting Paradox, published by Bloomsbury. Drawing on more than 35 years of clinical, research, and teaching experience, Dr. Brown offers a family-systems perspective on parenting, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

Key Takeaways:

• The trend of professionalized parenting has raised expectations, leading some parents to overextend in their roles.
• Emphasizing self-awareness, Dr. Brown advocates for parents to focus on their reactions rather than attempting to constantly fix their child's behavior.
• Implementing 'I' positions rather than 'you' directives helps establish clear boundaries and encourages children to develop problem-solving skills.
• Normal variations in children's moods and behaviors are often misdiagnosed; parents should be cautious about labeling.
• Over-regulating teenagers can inadvertently increase their anxiety; balanced boundaries and clear family values are crucial.

Notable Quotes:

• "When we stop trying to change our children, we start to see them start changing themselves gradually."
• "The first parenting manuals were published in the 1920s. That was the start of therapeutic approaches to parenting."
• "Ultimately, we will get caught in a futile power struggle if we're over-focusing on trying to get compliance."
• "Parents don't need to be led by every mood and behavioral trigger in their kids."
• "My hope is that parents will not love their children less. They'll just discover new ways to direct their love."

Resources

The Family Systems Practice: https://thefsp.com.au/

The Parent Hope Project: https://parenthopeproject.com.au/

The Family Systems Institute: https://www.thefsi.com.au/

Jenny's Book Releases:

https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/author/B00DVVQ5DG

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Takeaways:

• Conflict as Growth: Conflict is not a sign of a broken relationship but rather an indication of growth and developing individuality in teens.
• Parental Influence: Parents play a crucial role in modeling healthy conflict resolution, setting the emotional precedent teens will carry into other relationships.
• Importance of Repair: Relationships are strengthened not by the absence of conflict but by how effectively repair and reconnection occur post-disagreement.
• Imperfect Repair: Repair does not need to be perfect or overly orchestrated; simple apologies and acknowledgments of emotions can suffice.
• Long-term Skills: Teaching teens to navigate conflict and repair equips them with essential skills for future relationships and life challenges.

Notable Quotes:

1. "What if conflict isn't evidence of a broken relationship? What if it is evidence that your relationship is simply growing?"
2. "The repair is where trust is built because repair gives us evidence that the relationship is resilient."
3. "Parents set the emotional tone; we're the ones modeling what adults do when relationships are strained."
4. "Just moving on is not the same as repair. That often just builds resentment or hurt in our young people."
5. "Apologising isn't weakness. Apologising is strength. Healthy relationships aren't built by perfect people."

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Takeaways:

• Letting go of the "super parent" myth can alleviate feelings of guilt; focus on meaningful connections instead.
• Confirming through actions that your child knows they are loved and important is vital in parenting.
• Small touch points and personalized approaches to connection, such as texts or shared activities, are essential in building strong relationships.
• Community support and involving other trusted adults in your child's life bolster resilience and provide needed assistance.
• Understanding your teen's unique needs and responding with flexible, negotiated solutions can enhance your relational bond.

Notable Quotes:

• "Being stretched doesn't mean you're failing."
• "Connection matters much more than your constant presence."
• "A five minute meaningful conversation can be more important or have more impact than hours spent in the same room."
• "No teen is meant to be raised by one adult alone."
• "Your teen doesn't need a perfect parent… They need a parent who keeps showing up."

Resources:

• Follow Collett Smart on Instagram and Facebook.
• Learn more on Collett Smart’s website: www.collettsmart.com

Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team.

Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.

Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Takeaways:

• Adolescence is a naturally introspective time; however, guiding teens to look beyond themselves can enhance empathy.
• Getting involved in causes that matter to teens transforms community service from a chore into a meaningful activity.
• Small, local acts of kindness can significantly affect the community and foster empathy in teens.
• Integrating service as a family activity strengthens family bonds and emphasises the importance of community involvement.
• Raising compassionate adults involves encouraging teens to ask, "How can I help?" rather than just "What do I want?"

Notable Quotes:

• "Adolescence is a time of introspection, and it's normal to be focused on yourself as a teenager."
• "Helping others builds confidence, increases empathy, and gives our teens the sense that they can make a difference in the world."
• "Ask your teen, 'What problem in the world bothers you? Or who would you like to help if you could?'"
• "One of the biggest myths is that making a difference needs huge commitment and huge effort."
• "In a world that so often encourages our teens to focus on themselves… we're trying to raise compassionate adults."

Resources:

• Follow Collett Smart on Instagram and Facebook.
• Learn more on Collett Smart’s website: www.collettsmart.com

Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team.

Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.

Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Takeaways:

• Transition from Authority to Ally: Empowering parents to shift their roles from strict rule enforcers to supportive allies, improving the parent-teen relationship.
• Control and Instructions: Highlighting the risks of micromanaging older teens, emphasising that too much control can create distance instead of fostering growth and maturity.
• Effective Connection: Suggesting practical ways to nurture connection with teens through natural interactions, like shared activities and thoughtful conversations.
• Boundaries as Bridges: Encouraging open discussions about household chores, privacy, and personal space to enhance mutual respect and prevent resentment.
• Acceptance of Different Choices: Emphasising the importance of staying supportive and connected even if children make choices that differ from parental hopes, ensuring they feel safe.

Notable Quotes:

• "Instead of being a rule setter, you might now be more of a sounding board instead of being the manager Think of yourself as becoming an ally."
• "Mistakes are what help us and them to learn and to grow. And protection can just feel like pressure for them."
• "Boundaries aren't walls, they're bridges."
• "Connection doesn't mean we always have to agree. Support also doesn't always mean silence."
• "The good news is that this stage can bring some of the most meaningful, honest and rewarding relationships that you'll ever have with your kids."

Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team.

Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.

Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Win a copy of Janet Evans' book Empty Next by clicking here!!!

Janet Evans is an accomplished author and podcast host recognised for her insightful work on the themes of parenting and personal growth. She co-authored the book "Empty Next" with Dr. Amelia Haynes, targeting the often unspoken phenomenon of empty nest syndrome. Alongside her literary contributions, Janet is known for co-hosting the podcast "She Wasn't Born Yesterday," which celebrates the experiences and transitions faced by women over 40. Janet’s expertise in traversing this delicate phase of parenting combines personal experience with practical strategies tailored to support parents through this emotional transition.

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional Spectrum: Parents often experience a mix of pride and grief when their children leave home, highlighting the natural, varied responses to empty nesting.
• Improved Relationships: Interviews with young adults reveal that many develop stronger relationships with their parents after moving out, underlining the potential for positive change.
• Reevaluating Misconceptions: The episode challenges common misconceptions, such as the assumption that mothers are more affected than fathers by their children's departure.
• Global Phenomenon: Empty nest syndrome is not exclusive to Western cultures; parents worldwide experience similar emotional transitions despite differing family structures.
• Proactive Transitioning: Parents are encouraged to plan ahead by prioritising personal interests and marital relationships to ease the transition into this new stage of life.

Notable Quotes:

• "You bring them up for like 20 odd years. It's a long time to be in the same job."
• "A lot of [young adults] got on a lot better with their parents once they'd moved out."
• "You should never feel guilty about missing your children after they've left home."
• "With all of the people that we spoke to, the dads were just as affected. Oh, my goodness. And some of them even more so."
• "Every single situation is different, and every personality is different… overwhelmingly, most parents want the very best for their kids."

Resources:

• Janet Evans's book "Empty Next" explores empty nest syndrome and its impact.
• Podcast "She Wasn't Born Yesterday" hosted by Janet Evans, focused on women over 40.
• Hope 103.2 Radio, mentioned as an initial platform for the podcast concept.

Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team.

Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.

Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.