Here’s the thing: rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. And no, it’s not selfish. Taking a break doesn’t just make you feel good; it actually helps your brain, your body, and your soul function better.

I also understand that exams and moments of pressure are a part of life. I do believe that it is important that young people and young adults are equipped with the inner resources to manage stressful moments such as exams and assessment in school. 

Therefore, I'm writing this post to provide a bit of guidance to parents who may feel unsure of how to help their child as they enter exam season, or as a year 10 who might be writing the CAAs for the first time this year.

“Deep understanding is, I believe, the most precious gift one can give to another”  -Carl Rogers

A few tips on how to support a friend who is always overwhelmed and frazzled with anxious thinking.

Being a yapper means that I'm not afraid to speak up when I witness injustice. It means that I will support others to learn how to speak up for themselves. Being a yapper is who I am. It is a tool to drawn upon whenever I need resilience. No one can take that resource from me.

Meet Alex. Alex was a year 9 student who felt pretty lost. Year 8 had been a big year with lots of friendship changes and changes about how Alex felt about themselves. Sport had been a big part of how Alex stayed involved at Intermediate school but  an ex-friend was on the one team Alex might have considered trying out for, and so it didn’t seem like an option.  It didn't help that every day at college seemed like a repeat of the last: wake up, go to school, come home, do homework, sleep, and repeat. Something was missing…

Sleep is not a luxury; it is a necessity when it comes to managing the stresses of life.

The Role of Sleep in Managing Stress: A Counsellor's Perspective

Listening to your teen is a powerful tool in building a strong, supportive relationship. It fosters trust, enhances communication, and boosts their self-esteem. By practicing active listening, you can better understand your teen’s world and provide the guidance they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Here are 7 Tips to Improve Your Listening Skills