Listen Up: As a parent, show respect by letting your child know they are being heard and that you value their feelings.

Learning to Let Go: In primary school we teach children to make sound decisions, navigate social situations and learn empathy and kindness. In the teenage years we promote freedom in baby steps, and as trust is earned, the more freedom is given.

Limits are OK: Simply saying yes or no won’t cut it, but offering an explanation is an important part in communicating.

Values: Children copy what they see, so lead by example. Show gratitude, kindness and patience, and your children will follow.

Find Ways to Connect: You can build Lego with a child of eight, but driving lessons or movie trips are perhaps better ways to build a bond with your teen. The stronger the connection, the more likely you can influence them in a positive way during those teenage years.

“The most precious jewels you’ll every have around your neck are the arms of your children.”

Unknown

The post Teen Spirit appeared first on Learning Minds Tuition.

Anxious or fearful behaviour is quite common in children particularly when they encounter a new experience or situation. Whilst most children learn to cope with fear and worries some children need strategies and support to cope.

Often our instincts as adults is to jump in a solve the problem. For instance, if your child is afraid of cats, you move them away. However, it is best to use this moment to develop coping skills for anxiety. Whether it is a new puppy dog or climbing the high ropes……

1. Slow down and breathe
2. Encourage positive thinking
3. Have a go.
4. Model first
5. Help your child take control
6. Reassure – it’s ok to be scared but be brave.

Anxiety with Exams
It is perfectly normal to feel some anxiety or nervous energy when faced with a test or exam but you can reduce test anxiety by….

• Be well prepared
• Plan your study and review work (a few days or weeks)
• Maintain a positive attitude
• Exercise to reduce stress
• Sleep well the night before
• If you don’t understand what to do – ask to have it explained
• Skim through test to set the pace
• Complete simple questions first and go back to the hard ones
• Stay focused

 
Joanna Staikos
Director & Founder

The post Coping with Anxiety appeared first on Learning Minds Tuition.

BLUE is calming and is also thought to stimulate productivity, which is an ideal colour for your place to study.

GREEN is also a cool colour that makes the room feel tranquil and energising with the right shade.

Remember colour is inherent in everything we see and do. It can influence our emotions, productivity, communication and learning. Turquoise, cedar green, or any similar colour emanates a relaxed vibe for learning and studying whilst promoting a sense of enjoyment. A touch of peachy hues can also increase alertness!

The post Room Colour appeared first on Learning Minds Tuition.

Summer holidays are almost here! Ensure kids have time to relax and rejuvenate. You can achieve this by giving your child free time to engage in activities they enjoy, both in and outdoors.

2.    Reflect

Your child has worked hard all year. It’s important to reflect on experiences that were successful, but it’s also essential to build a positive mindset around times of failure. The outcome itself is not as important as the journey we take in building resilience.

3.    Set Goals

When setting goals with your child, ensure you focus more on developing skills rather than achieving an outcome. Help them identify areas they’d like to improve, and work out a plan of action together.

4.    Have Fun

Whether you chill out at home in your pyjamas or head to the beach with family and friends, remember time is precious. Enjoy every moment. You can spark imagination by pitching a tent in the backyard, visiting a gallery or museum, making a treasure hunt, playing water games, going for a bike ride, or having an adventure. You might like to play photographer for a day, host a craft afternoon, or invent your own board game. Imagination has no limits!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and New Year filled with love, health and happiness.

The post Top Tips for the School Holidays appeared first on Learning Minds Tuition.