Hi, I am a mum to four young adults and a carer for my teen Nephew. My kids are now 27-son, 25-daughter, 23-daughter and 19-son. My nephew is 15. My kids have all gone down different paths when it came to careers, but have all got such similar values and close bond with each other, as siblings. No matter what, if one is in trouble they all come forward. The two youngest of my children suffer from depression and Anxiety, and so do I. We try to support and share with each other and the rest of the immediate family, as well. My 19 yr old son has just started his second ever job, and I cant be any more happier, despite still being so nervous and anxious for him too. He finished yr 12 in 2014, got into his chosen Uni and went on to study there. Getting him through his final 6 months of yr 12 was tough, but I would suggest always touch base with their teachers and leaders at the school fi you see your child struggling mentally and physically. His were fantastic. He started Uni in 2015 but deferred after a short 4 months and hasnt been back since. He hasn't worked for the last 12 months and I found it so hard getting him out of his room, to socialise and to even look for a job. His depression and anxiety was very high. Through the support of his siblings and his dad and I.....he applied for a job as a "Linen Assistant" at the biggest hospital in Perth....and he loves it. With any of my children...I feel, to ease the stress, is to make sure you are available for each other, and if you are not, then team tag in the family and ask someone who is able to step up. This has helped them gain their sibling bonds. I have brought them all up to understand that nothing is off topic...if you need to talk, you do no matter the subject. This has been important for me, as I have found myself in a Private clinic twice over the past year with my mental health and my children have been there for each other, as well as for me. They were curious as to how the clinic worked, and I shared openly with them. As for my nephew...it is a complicated case and I am struggling to get him through his teen years. I became his female carer after his mum (my sister) passed away 12 years ago. I found Reachout on my FB page...it was advertised and recommended for me to like...which I did :) My top tip for parents whose kids are about to enter their teens......go with the flow! As a lot of the time you will be "winging it". Choose your battles and try to have empathy and understanding at how hard it is today for our teens to grow and florish into young adults. Todays world is so fast paced and way too much of everything.....take it back to the simple things with your kids every now and then.....stay grounded. Teach your kids the social skills needed and never forget to teach them to practise kindness and respect. Values are very important. Mostly...Talk, Talk, Talk to each other. Oh...and hugs....lots of hugs! The best thing about weekends.....family time. My husband is FIFO, so when he is home it is wonderful to have all the kids (3 have moved out), come home for dinner or a sleepover. Weekends are also a time for me to reflect on my job. I work with Kindergarten and they can be very challenging......but, I wouldnt change it for the world. I also love my Mindful colouring and art card making, as well as my country walks.
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