Tuned In Kids

If you follow my work closely you will know I have been working on a parenting book about about communicating with teenagers. With the support of Penguin, I've made the decision to put this to the side, and narrow in on the relationship skills of our kids. This seems even more fitting after the recent weeks events across Australia.

Friendships seem to have become more complicated for our tweens and teens in recent years. The WAY they relate to each other is so different than we did when we were young, and it's having a devastating impact on them.

General disrespect, relational aggression and bullying are at an all time high in our schools. Hence, this year hasn't been a happy one for many of our kids, and teachers. And our kids really are calling out for helps as we can see in research.

As always in my work, I value hearing from your kids. It will make all the difference in this book's effectiveness. We already have some amazing schools (and families) participating, from all across Australia.

If you are a school staff member or a parent can you help me get this survey to them? Their voice is so valued and needed.

Here's how you could get involved....

For Schools: I am keen to hear from any students in Years 5 - 10. If you are a school representative, I'd be so grateful for your help to get this to your students perhaps in the last few weeks of school.

For Families: If you have a tween or teen at home with some free time, I'd love to hear from them. It's as simple as them clicking through and completing the survey.

All answers will be completely anonymous and submitted through Survey Monkey. Here' the survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/938J669

Anyone hard relate? We do 😂

Friday funny 😂

If Maggie Dent gives it the nod, then it's probably worth reading

Our teens REALLY need us perhaps more than at any other time since tiny.
Teenage time is the time to LEAN IN. Definitely NOT the time to think they don't need our attention and time.
This is our last hurrah before they become adults. I made plenty of mistakes at this vital time in my children's lives. Yes, I was tired from over 25 years of non stop parenting. No, I did not have the knowledge, support or resources to help know what and how to do this.
Today - we do. There is a vast amount of quality information available to us now.
Support can come via parent groups is we don't have a cohort of other parents going through the same struggles.
Maggie Dent and other parenting experts abound.
Staying engaged, keeping the pathways open is critical as our kids move towards adulthood.
Good luck! It is worth all we can pull together to get through this time well.

One of the toughest things for most of us to do is to stop ourselves in our tracks before we react to our teens' sassiness, snarkiness or attitude.

But we have to remember that teenagers are notorious for displacing their frustration and anger. And, because we're their "safe zone" and they know we'll love them no matter what, we'll always get the brunt of their most "unlovable" emotions. (Take it as a compliment...)

Before we snap, react, jump in and discipline them (which, let's be honest, is certainly necessary at times when our kids cross the line), we have to ask ourselves a few questions. Quite often, there's a reason our kids are acting out. Sure, sometimes, it's just plain hormones that are getting the best of them, but quite often, there is an underlying reason that might require a little "digging" on our part.

A mom here on my FB page () shared this amazing advice with me and I asked her if I could share it. It's some of the best advice I've heard.

Before you react, H.A.L.T. ❤

could be a fun way to cool down!

It’s paddling pool season. Don’t make the mistake we made. Yes I unplugged the plug and yes we’d had some rosé. Taken last year but here you go again! @mrsbonnie_barry #MamaStillGotIt

The amount of learning that must happen at a Lady Bug Conference must be phenomenal! Would be great to learn specific ways to support our beautiful ND instrumental music students through the sometimes rocky landscape of learning something new and also close to our hearts ❤️

Imagine a world in which we were all loved by our parents in our most broken moments as children 💜

Thanks

Was bad enough for me, then my now adult kids.
It’s so much worse now
If struggling to know how to support your teen, there’s excellent resources eg Maggie Dent and more. Reach out. It’s a short window is teen land, and so critical.

HEY MOM, I DON’T THINK I CAN DO IT ALL

“Hey, Mom,
I don’t think I can do it all – take the hard classes, get good grades, and excel in sports. Even finishing my homework, getting to bed on time, and keeping my room clean sometimes feels like too much. There is so much noise, Mom. My friends and social media and gossip. Please know that I really am doing my best, even though it might not look like it. I am trying to do it all, but some days… I just can’t.
~Your teen”

Source: raisingteenstoday.com/hey-mom-i-dont-think-i-can-do-it-all/

such intelligence and exactly what’s needed.

“The ideal” according to @ericakomisar @lilaroseofficial podcast PLEASE NOTE: This video compilation reflects a family holiday experience and NOT our day-to-day reality. While I'm grateful for the privileges we have, I'm aware that not everyone shares the same opportunities and that everyone’s experiences are unique and varied. Although I'm not an expert in attachment, baby wearing or childhood development, I connect with these themes explored as I navigate my postpartum journey as a new mum, trying to find my own rhythm of closeness and separation. 💫 #DanceOfConnection #SeparationAndUnity #ClosenessJourney #HarmonyInMotion #DistanceAndNearness #EmbraceAndRelease #BondOfContrast #UnityInDiversity #RhythmOfCloseness #DanceOfLife

Do remember where you were New Year’s Eve 2006? It’s one of those moments which at the time are interesting but not particularly momentous. Little did we know as we drove home down High Street Northcote we were driving into an extraordinary future. It was at that New Year’s Eve party the seeds were sewn from which Uke4Kids was born, and which would eventually grow into Tuned In Kids. We at TIK HQ are hugely excited and grateful to be part of the support crew for so many young learners and their parents, and to provide exceptional services to the Chatham Primary School school community. We are dreaming in even more for 2024 - watch this space. If you’d like to chat about becoming part of our learning community, or what we can offer your school - pop us a DM or connect via our website

A drum kit is always better with a bass drum …and a shiny red one is even better! The glee of this music teacher was epic when this appeared on our doorstep today … I’m not unhappy it’s going to school in February 😂 … Did you know Tuned In Kids teaches heaps of popular instruments and music. 🥁 🎸 🎹