Key Takeaways:

• Embrace the busy and often unpredictable nature of the festive season with a mindset of self-compassion and adaptability.

• Family traditions may evolve over time, and it’s okay for things to look different year to year.

• Practicing mindfulness and taking time for personal reflection can be crucial for mental health during busy times.

• Asking for help and setting boundaries can mitigate overwhelming feelings during the holiday season.

• Finding joy amidst change and nostalgia is essential, even when family members are geographically apart.

Notable Quotes:

• "The Christmas period is actually quite different this year for me to what I've experienced before." – Colett Smart

• "Too late for whom? Whose rules are those?" – Colett Smart

• "It's okay that I'm missing my other children... I'm giving myself permission to feel nostalgic." – Colett Smart

Resources:

• Listen to the episode "When it’s Not the Most Wonderful Time of Year" for coping strategies during difficult holidays.

• Explore insights on self-compassion with Dr. Veya Seekis' episode here

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/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/donate

See 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/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.