My lovely, healthy children. My well-being. The ability to go my own way. ... View more

Thanks for the information  ... View more

Loved reading these posts about what people are reading! That Claire Bowditch book looks great @ceskia22, I might have to check it out.   One of the best parent - related books I've ever read was "Confessions of a Domestic Failure" by Bunmi Laditan. I am in a book club with some family members and when it was my month to pick I chose that one and I really loved it. It also led to some beautiful discussions about motherhood and its identity, and the expectations on women to parent in specific ways that are unrealistic - the book is also HILARIOUS!    We're currently reading "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" by Ocean Vuong. Its written quite beautifully and is about family, written from the perspective of a son to his mother about relationships and Vietnamese culture. I am not too far in yet, but so far so good!  ... View more

I don't know why people don't like winters …I love winter. It really so beautiful. The term “winter wonderland” is so true. There is nothing like being the first person to tread across freshly fallen snow. It makes you feel like you're the only person who exists in the world at that moment and it is crisp, clear and so peaceful. ... View more

Not at this stage @hippychick but I'm certainly not giving up on that :) I'll keep the occasional subtle suggestions up until she's ready  ... View more

@Ngaio-RO I have tried Karate years ago and this recent school also have an anti bullying program , it was on Channel 10 news recently , teaching skills of the mat about virtues for same anti bullying message.  It comes from a change of mindset and non physical context (like i say off the mat).  An early intervention discipline education , not for all but makes the need for contact a smaller one in real life scenarios  as the bigger man or woman will have learned to walk away without need to prove physical strength yet mental and emotional regulation.    It's an interesting one hey ...  ... View more

  @seaglecc       I am sorry that you and yours had to go through all that mess, it woul have been , well i cannot imagine how any of you felt.  I am wondering now if things are better.   I admired your sharing of your story, taking the time to say how it is, helps share the message that it is a whole community issue at play not one family issue.    Just loved your last paragraph.  Awesome    with kindness and love x ... View more

Hello all I'm sorry I've dropped off for a while and missed this talk, I've just started Uni, studying Bachelor of Social Work. This topic is very close to my heart. We've experienced severe bullying in our family and schools. Looking forward to reading the rest of the thread.  I will be in touch.  ... View more

Hi @Ngaio-RO   Yes, it's definitely something. I think I'd hoped I could do more, I had a few suggestions! But actually, having those supports in the sidebar that's on each page is giving people resources right then and there if needed. That is a good thing!   I've sent through an email with the link.    Thank you 😊     ... View more

What an incredible outcome @taokat Fabulous to hear.  I'm thrilled you're expanding your nightly routine to include looking at what you did well. As much as it often seems that focusing on our errors is the best way to learn, if you don't consider what worked it's much harder to repeat it. Well done!!   I had an idea, I wondered if you'd be keen to approach your daughter about the Roast Me thing. I'm pretty sure you've written about raising it with her and getting her opinion but what about asking her to help you styart a campaign? She may not be interested in being a part of it (for a number of reasons) but that doesn't mean you can't ask her to teach you about how to use social media etc. It's a great reason to spend time together.   What do you think? ... View more

Now seems a good time to kick-start this conversation and see what others think.   I agree with @HalleysComet that there seems to be a tendency to apply the word bullying to behaviours that may have been called mean or unkind, in the past. I wonder if this is due to teachers and schools feeling that parents will pay attention if they say "those kids are being bullies" rather than "those kids aren't being nice". That parents might be more inclined to intervene when the B word is used but they will write it off as "kids being kids' if it's called something else.   I'm interested to hear what others think but I believe that parents of kids who have experienced bullying behaviour will say that it goes far beyond kids just not being nice to each other.    Is there a risk of watering down the impact of the term if we over-apply it? I'm keen to hear what others think. @Maggiemay @LovingThruBlue @Elena @CareBear and @taokat ? ... View more

Yes, Can Teen are fantastic! They have sent us information for my neice that was invaluable.  ... View more

So true maggiemay- sometimes I wonder what's happening with others my kids ages, is this normal for a teen or is something else going on? ... View more

Definitely need new and creative ways to address the people bullying - not just the people in the receiving end. Stop it at it's source! There is some good info on this page. Do you think it sounds realistic? Are these steps you could take if you thought your child was bullying someone else?  Aaaand - it's not uncommon. The article says research has shown that around 10-20% of students will be a cyberbully at some point. ... View more

Hey @Maggiemay - it's so tough, like a snowball effect. It feels so unfair! This is a great page from the youth site: http://au.reachout.com/challenging-negative-thinking ... View more

Ok guys let's wrap it up! For furthrr info see: Here's some more info if anyone's keen   Set realistic boundaries with your teenager How to set boundaries that help your child gain independence, remain safe and make sound decisions. Read more Build trust to support independence Support and encourage your teenager to make good decisions so they become confident. Read more Teach your teenager to be independent Learn ways to encourage your child to be confident, independent and responsible. Read more Things to try: Self-confidence Learn about our top tips on building self-confidence in teenagers. Read more Help your teenager become trustworthy As a parent you can play an important role in demonstrating behaviours of trustworthiness. Read more     Tonight we talked about the ways our kids are already independent - whether it's on the domestic front, or about their school responsibilities; or their confidence with different types of people/situations; or the way they look out for themselves/friends when out and about. We then talked about the ways we help them build more independence - one step at time and don't be afraid of it failing the first time (with support)... We talked about money and how getting involed with family planning and budgets can help... See you round the forums! ... View more

You are a terrific writer @Mitzi! Loved reading this... Thanks for sharing! ... View more

Only natural to be worried in that case! But glad you guys had such a good chat about it in the end ... View more

"I binge-cleaned my house." HAH! Brilliant @Mitzi. ... View more

Good on you to be able to volunteer and provide help to others! ... View more

Sounds like you should keep on with the things that are working @Ollie-Finches.... Like waking him up at 9am, and speaking calmly yet sternly. Good luck challenging your parenting style to give him more responsibility and do less for him! I can relate, it's hard ... View more

ReachOut parents is a new site that has invaluable resource fact sheets available to all parents.  We will continue to add more content and need your input to make sure that we are meeting the requirements of all parents of teenagers.     For us to grow we need the support of the parents that have already signed in.  So please spread the word and join in our forums.  Everyone has a story to tell and yours might help someone.   It is your real life experiences that could help another parent support their teen through the everyday issues and tough times.       ... View more

ReachOut parents is a new site that has invaluable resource fact sheets available to all parents.  We will continue to add more content and need your input to make sure that we are meeting the requirements of all parents of teenagers.     For us to grow we need the support of the parents that have already signed in.  So please spread the word and join in our forums.  Everyone has a story to tell and yours might help someone.   It is your real life experiences that could help another parent support their teen through the everyday issues and tough times.       ... View more

Hi everyone and welcome to our first Wednesday Wrap.   I'm starting this off with why I got involved with Reachout.  I have two teenagers, a boy 16 and girl 15.  Times have changed since I was a teenager.  I was told to basically suck it up and get over the difficulties that I was facing as a teenager.  I don't want my kids to feel that they need to inhibat how they are feeling and what is causing them concerns in their lives.   I am grateful to know that when I am feeling like I do not have the skills or knowledge to be able to help my kids in a positive and nurturing way that I have somewhere I can go to get guidance from not only professionals but other parents that have been through the same or similar experiences. ... View more

You could be right Xena that she doesn't notice. I like that idea of being on stand-by. thanks ... View more

Hey @ziggystarmum - those feelings that you described about getting help are so common in young people - he's definitely not alone there. It's really common for people to worry that either a counsellor won't help, or because he can't describe exactly whats going on, people will judge/belittle that. The good news is that these things can be addressed over time - especially with a supportive, empathetic Mum like you. I thought of one more thing on the youth website. Obviously we don't want to bombard him but if you ever think it feels right to show him, we did a podcast that shows what happens in a counselling appointment: ... View more