Raising Teens with Collett Smart

Check Susanne's website out - https://www.susannegerstmyer.com/ "I help way too busy mums break the cycle of overwhelm and enjoy life more" ~ Susanne Gerstmyer Join Colette Smart as she explores the theme of busyness with guest Susanne Gerstmyer, author of "Breaking Free of Busy." They unpack the mental and emotional aspects of a packed schedule, the impact on family dynamics, and offer practical strategies to prioritise connection over perfection. Susanne shares her journey from burnout to balance and offers insights into making intentional choices to reclaim time and energy. This ep provides valuable reflections for parents navigating the demands of raising teens while fostering meaningful relationships and self-awareness. Key Takeaways: Susanne Gerstmyer emphasises that the root of busyness goes beyond schedules and tasks, stemming from internal beliefs and emotions. The different dimensions of busyness include practical, mental, and emotional aspects, which must be managed comprehensively for effective change. Recognise the unrealistic societal deadline mindset often associated with end-of-year schedules and the importance of simplifying tasks. The emotional climate set by parents heavily influences family dynamics; prioritising connection over perfection is vital. Introspection into why we overcommit is crucial; understanding the need for validation or the fear of failure can help manage tendencies towards busyness. Notable Quotes: "Who we are is far more important and impactful than anything we do." "I realised that it's okay for other people to be unhappy or to be inconvenienced." "When we're too busy, we often miss some of those subtle signals and cues about what's going on with our families." "Trying to choose connection over perfection and recognising that it's when we're actually just being real and not trying to make everything perfect." "My hope is that families would really be able to be intentional about that and in doing so, enjoy the season and show up as the best that they can be rather than a busy, crazy person." Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team. Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice. Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Help with eating disorders - The Butterfly Foundation Help with feeling suicidal - Beyond Blue Psychologist Collett Smart discusses vital signs of mental health struggles in teenagers during Mental Health Month. Drawing on insights from Graeme Cowan, she offers six key indicators, such as changes in behavior, social withdrawal, and substance abuse. Tips include listening actively, supporting through small tasks, and encouraging professional help. Tackle the daily ups and downs of teenage life with practical strategies and a compassionate approach.  Key Takeaways: Recognising Changes in Behavior: Parents should look for sustained changes in their teen's behavior or mood over two weeks or more, which might signal underlying mental health issues. Social Withdrawal: A noticeable decrease in a usually social teenager’s engagement with friends or activities could be a red flag of mental health struggles. Changes in Appetite: Significant increases or decreases in eating habits might indicate emotional distress or potential eating disorders. Negative Talk: Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness should be taken seriously and approached with empathy and support. Substance Abuse Signals and Tiredness: Increased use of alcohol or drugs and persistent fatigue or insomnia can be indicators of deeper mental health issues that need addressing. Notable Quotes: "Their brains are going through massive changes, and they're learning to do really hard things." – Collett Smart "You know your teen better than anyone. What you will be looking for are changes to what you consider normal for your teen." – Collett Smart "Mental ill health drains your energy. They might not feel like they want to put on a brave face for everyone when they go out." – Collett Smart "It's important to walk with people sometimes side by side or sit in the car, particularly for some teens if listening face to face is confronting." – Collett Smart "Rather than saying you need support, which may make some teens feel like they're weak or they're not good enough, I love to use Michelle Mitchell's phrase, you deserve support." – Collet   Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team.   Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice. Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Takeaways: I CARE Framework: Learn how to Identify changes in behavior, show compassion, Access mental health experts, Revitalise social engagement, and the importance of Exercise. Engaging Teen Boys: Effective ways to engage young men in mental health conversations through shared activities and subtle inquiries. Self-Care for Carers: The importance of carers maintaining their own vitality, intimacy, and prosperity to provide effective support. Holistic Approach to Recovery: Emphasise the role of a holistic approach, incorporating regular exercise, healthy eating, and strong social connections. Community Resources: Utilise resources like Reach Out and Kids Helpline for additional support and information. Notable Quotes: "A conversation could change a life." – Graeme Cowan "Don't be afraid to let that [question] hold out there. Don't feel you have to fill the gap with noise." – Graeme Cowan "Self-care isn't selfish; if we don't care ourselves, there's no way we can offer support and patience and guidance for a young person who could be struggling." – Graeme Cowan "The more that a young man feels understood, the greater our capacity to influence them." – Graeme Cowan "We need to act like a VIP: vitality, intimacy, prosperity. Think each day, how can I top up those glasses?" – Graeme Cowan Resources: R U OK? – Information about the organisation and resources. Reach Out – Resources for young people and parents. Graeme Cowan's Books: Access to the "Back from the Brink" series. Kids Helpline – Support and resources for young people and parents. Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team. Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice. Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Takeaways: Influence of Self Talk: The constant internal chatter significantly impacts our emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being, with both positive and negative aspects. Parental Responsibility: The manner in which parents talk to their children can shape their children’s inner voices, underlining the importance of mindful and compassionate communication. Recognition and Awareness: Encouraging teens to recognize and articulate their negative self talk can diminish its impact and pave the way for positive thinking. Challenging Negative Thoughts: Teaching teens to question the validity of their negative self talk and to reframe it in a constructive, supportive manner is crucial for mental resilience. Impact of Media and Social Influences: Monitoring media consumption and discussing its impact helps teens understand and mitigate negative influences on their mental health. Notable Quotes: "Our voice will become our child's inner voice." "Negative self talk can often be the loudest and most constant voice in our heads." "Saying sorry teaches kindness, humility, and empathy." "Helping teens challenge their thoughts by asking, 'Is this actually true?'" "Respond to negative self talk as you would to a friend—with kindness and support."   Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team. Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice. Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.