From the College Counsellors

Many parents struggle with the adolescent years. There can be a tense feeling in the air and stress levels are at an all-time high. The development that is going on during adolescence is the most rapid development of the whole human lifespan and here is why:

  • The brain itself is changing, specifically in the prefrontal cortex (the decision-making, planning, judgment and self-awareness area of the brain) and the limbic system (the emotional/feeling area of the brain).
  • The body is changing, both physically and hormonally. A place they thought they knew so well is now feeling foreign.
  • Psychosocial changes – during adolescence a young person goes through individuation, which means they start to establish their identity as a person separate from their parents. They may naturally start to prioritise friendships over family and value advice from friends over advice from family.

If you would like to read more about this tricky stage, there are many resources out there. Here are a couple of useful links you may like to check out:

If you have any concerns about your daughter that you would like to discuss, please feel free to contact Carly Boaler or Louise Scuderi on:

Miss Carly Boaler and Ms Louise Scuderi, College Counsellors

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #2, #6 & #8