PERMA

Last year, our staff worked with the University of Melbourne’s Positive Psychology department on PERMA. Some new research released by the Director of the Department, Professor Lea Walters, is very interesting. While most parents intuitively value the provision of love and emotional support to their children, Professor Walters said mindfulness can aid emotional support by helping parents regulate their own attention and emotion. Mindfulness is defined as a present focused, open and non- judgemental state of attention. The good news is that mindfulness can be learnt and anyone can become more mindful with practice.

According to Professor Walters, mindfulness is more than a buzzword; it is about being present and giving each task your full attention. Taking the time to listen and understand your child’s problems, promotes trust and emotional connection leading to a richer and more authentic relationship. It also teaches children to be open and aware of their own thoughts, feelings and situations, which in turn makes them less stressed. This is very important with research showing that ‘31 per cent of Australian children’ are feeling very stressed.

A new smartphone app called ‘AC Companion on Mindfulness’ is recommended by our College Counsellor Annie Williams and a good book that I have been reading is ‘Mindfulness A Practical Guide’ by Tessa Watt.