Hi!   I hope your son has some supportive and helpful options now, since you first posted.   When I was 14, there was  alot of stuff going on in our family, which was super stressful, not to mention new school. So I was pretty lonely and tried to fit in. I found interests, I gave things a go - sometimes with hilarious results, as I wasn't a fast swimmer or athlete back then, but hey, I gave it a go which showed a willing and tenacious spirit! :)   I think I suffered from depression, even though i was into music at high school and art. and you know, alive. I say *think* cos I never got help or support, my parents never talked to me, and teachers never had the focus on mental health in those days (not that long ago!!). I did almost make some choices I would have regretted, but I always tried to understand life and it would have been good to have answers or know where to go. I had to go through it all myself.   As a parent, make sure you engage your teen in family activities and outings. Have fun with them, all together. Enjoy life, talk about current affairs, pull the family togehter, have solid values at the centre of your hub.   Make em feel they belong to a family that no, isn't perfect, and all these emotions are okay, but we are here for each other. I'm your parent, and I will keep you safe. I will guide you and my job is to grow you up into a healthy, happy, confident young person!   It's what I said to my oldest, and even though she now has it a bit tough, and she's had a bout of depression, I hope it has helped her build her own resilience and future life. The youngest who's a young teen, well, as long as mum's his greatest fan, and he knows he can count on my support and we keep the channels of communication open - he knows I expect him to learn to become a responsible lad.   I'm still getting used to this online forum format, and I hope my extra rant didn't detract from the initial poster's question. You sound like you are doing a great job with your son and getting him support as well as your input as parent. I look forward to your update. ... View more

Hi!   I would definitely encourage teens to develop some choices for career or job interests as they start high school even. Some kids - most kids! - are brimming with ideas and I told mine I support their ideas and we chat about how to make it 'fit' into the adult world of earning a living or part time on the side, or as a hobby or even entrepeneurial venture whilst they are in high school!   We chat about how to make it a reality, what is needed, what means marketing, how much can you expect to earn? And I mentioned to them both about how working builds your character.   So the oldest one worked part time from year 11 onwards, and she did really well. She loved earning the money, and she developed skills like relating to others and many different adn difficult personality types. Also customer service skills.   I'd say don't stress too much about them devoting all their time to their books. I believe some are academic some not, but all kids like money, and if they learn valuable life skills mowing lawns or working at maccas for two shifts a week, then I'm all for it!   I hope I answered the question. It's hard seeing the screen that I am replying to! (says tech-savvy mother....) :) ... View more

Hi!   I'm a newb here, but not a newb at being a parent. :) I've always been a bit shy to do the 'online' thing.... I'd rather get personal in person! :) Anyway, I do like to join in a good chat, so here goes!!   1. How old are your kids and what is one thing they've done recently that made you laugh? I have two kids - one a pre-teen, and one a late teen. The older one makes me laugh cos she's at that age where she *thinks* she doesn't need her mum anymore! We all know what THAT means?? Haha! I think it's funny, cos I felt the same about my own mum when I was her age. I don't take offense at all. I just hope she stays happy and healthy, and she knows I am here for her when she does need me. Plus I'm the sort of mum that drops by with something for the kids, or some flowers or choccies or some nicknack, for herself.   The younger fellow? - He makes me laugh every day!! Boys are so different, but keeps me active :) He has a smashing sense of humour, and tries to make jokes. And I laugh at ALL of them!! :) We roll on the floor in stiches... both of us together! 2. Parenting can be really stressful - how do you try to keep those stress levels down? Sure can be stressful at times - especially when there is a battle of wills! Making sure I look after myself - exercise, eat well, eat treats when I like, relax and snuggle with a good book or show when I can, write on bed after the house goes quiet at night, and organise little outings. I've become adept at outings that save the pennies, but I love treating them to a special movie night at the dendy, or sitting at a cafe. He loves that with his mum :) 3. What led you to ReachOut Parents today? I initially signed up as I saw this advert on the back of a maxi taxi in the city one day. Read the interesting articles, but never posted or anything. What led me back here today? Well, I guess it's the season for it! No issues in particular at all 4. Whats your top tip for parents whose kids are about to enter teenage years? Keep the lines of communication open. Really spend the years building up your relationship with them. Treat them like a young adult they are, but they need you so much still in their growing teen years - as a guide, as a parent. One who sets boundaries, who they can confide in. Keep guiding them with the standards and values they have come to depend on and grow up with in your family unit. Andn LOVE them to bits - in all their individuality! And, from experience, SUPPORT them in their journey. Even if they take different paths - just support them without prejudice or judgement. After all, the world is a big place! 5. Whats the best thing about weekends? Weekends are for gardening together, shopping together, going to the beach together, reading together. We do everything together. We even keep sports and music lessons to during the week, as weekends are definite family time. ... View more

Hi!   I'm a Mum, and not a dad, but I've been seeing the ads for Beyond BLue's Dadvice campaign all over the net lately! Wasn't sure what it was about, so I clicked on the vids - - - and they are awesome!!   I think it's a great initiative, and admittedly, new dads these days are much better equipped and savvy (in my opinion), and they have access to heaps more resources than say twenty years ago. Nevertheless, I was surprised by the stats you quoted, Sophie.   Will be interesting to see the impact of the Dadvice campaign! ... View more