Supporting Student Wellbeing
At St Ursula’s, we are always looking for ways to enhance our support for students’ wellbeing and learning. As part of our professional reading this year, the College Leadership Team and Pastoral Leadership Team are currently engaged in Raising Anxiety by Judith Locke and Danielle Einstein.
Locke and Einstein examine the rising issue of anxiety among young people and share practical strategies to help build resilience and confidence.
They offer the following approaches to support your daughter’s development and emotional strength:
- Understand Anxiety’s Purpose – Anxiety isn’t always bad! It can help teens stay focused and alert to potential dangers. Teach them that feeling anxious sometimes is normal and even useful.
- Recognise When Anxiety Becomes a Problem – Occasional worry is part of life, but if anxiety becomes overwhelming or interferes with daily activities, it may need professional attention.
- Encourage Healthy Coping Strategies – Avoiding challenges or relying on comfort objects may provide short-term relief but can reinforce anxiety. Help your teen build resilience by facing fears gradually.
- Address Anxiety Early – If left unchecked, anxiety can worsen over time. Be proactive in teaching coping skills and seeking support if needed.
- Help Teens Navigate Uncertainty – Some teens are naturally more prone to worry. Encourage them to step outside their comfort zone rather than avoiding new situations.
- Balance Protection and Independence – While parents want to keep their children safe, overprotecting them can limit their ability to handle life’s challenges. Let them take age-appropriate risks.
- Avoid Overparenting – Constantly stepping in to prevent failure can undermine confidence. Allow your teen to develop self-reliance by handling their own responsibilities.
- Teach the Value of Effort, Not Just Success – Excessive praise can make teens dependent on external validation. Encourage perseverance, problem-solving, and learning from mistakes.
- Support, Don’t Rescue – If teens always have someone fixing their problems, they may struggle with independence. Guide them but let them take ownership of their choices.
- Emphasise Growth Over Perfection – Help teens understand that success comes with effort, setbacks, and resilience. Encourage them to embrace challenges rather than fear failure.
Locke, J., & Einstein, D. (2024). Raising anxiety.
As we progress through *Raising Anxiety*, we’ll continue to share valuable strategies with you.
