“Your Voice” Year 7 program
A wellbeing program that addresses the unique challenges for Year 7 students and their parents.
‘Your Voice’ is a program designed by Parent Connections to improve communication and understanding between teens and their adults.
We believe a supportive home environment contributes significantly to a student’s wellbeing and success.
‘Your Voice’ includes a specialised workshop for Year 7 students, a follow-up session for Year 7 parents/carers, and comprehensive resources for families.
“Our team attended Your Voice Program, it was very well received. Highly recommend.” Aspendale Stringrays Football Club
What is the program?
In a confidential one-hour workshop, we help teens explore and express their thoughts, concerns and perspectives about their experiences being parented. This provides them with an opportunity for their voice to be heard. A parent/carer session follows the teens’ workshop, where we share a summarised and anonymous version of what the teens expressed alongside supportive parenting strategies.
Why the need?
By participating in the session, parents/carers gain valuable insights and understanding into their teens’ experiences. They also learn how to adapt their parenting styles and build stronger, more supportive relationships with their teens. This is the power and impact of the program. We consider ‘Your Voice’ not just a workshop but a catalyst for positive change.
What’s the outcome?
To facilitate open and healthy communication between teens and parents/carers, ultimately strengthening the parent-teen relationship.
* We incorporate strategies and techniques from the evidence-based parenting program Tuning in to Teens™.
* It enhances communication and understanding between teens and parents. A supportive home environment contributes significantly to a student’s overall well-being and success.
Schools receive:
* A Year 7 teen workshop session.
* A follow-up information session for Year 7 parents/carers.
* Material to promote to parents/carers and follow-up information.
* Comprehensive resources for families.
FAQs
How does this program benefit Year 7 students?
Our program provides a safe and open platform for teens to express their thoughts and concerns about parenting. By understanding their perspectives we can then help parents be better at parenting their teen.
This is not a counselling session but rather an opportunity for Year 7 teens to have a voice, particularly during this first year of high school.
What topics will be covered during the teen workshop?
The teen workshop addresses common concerns of teens their age and experience. We explore their perspective on parenting, relationships, and what support they need from parents/carers.
The discussion is kept broad, and no specific or identifiable information is shared.
We encourage that following the workshop students can reach out to school counsellors if required and desired.
How is the confidentiality of the teens maintained?
We prioritise the confidentiality of the teens, ensuring their voices are heard without compromising their privacy.
Confidentiality is of utmost importance. We create a safe space where teens can express themselves openly. No identifying information is shared, ensuring their privacy is protected. We understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality during sensitive discussions. Our program is designed to protect the privacy of each teen, with no identifying information shared during the parent workshop.
What happens in the Student Workshop?
The Year 7 teen workshop explores the common concerns of adolescents, including their perspectives on being parented, relationships, and the support they need.
It is an open discussion. We have found the less formal structure, the more likely students are to open up.
No identifying information is shared.
Students in previous workshops have found it empowering to have a voice in the topic of parenting, especially in the early stages of being a teen. And to know that this is being shared with parents in a safe, anonymous matter.
How long is the Parent Workshop?
This is a 1 hour session, at a close date after the student workshop.
What information is shared with parents in the follow-up workshop?
In the parent workshop, we share a summarised version of what the teens expressed. This insight aims to help parents understand their teens better, fostering improved communication and relationships. Confidentiality is maintained, and no teen is identified.
How is confidentiality maintained when discussing teen perspectives with parents?
We prioritise confidentiality, sharing only anonymized insights to ensure the privacy and trust of both teens and parents.
Parents gain valuable understanding without compromising the identity of any specific student.
Are there any follow up resources?
We provide resources to the parents and carers following the session as well as continued communication and support, if desired.
We also direct parents and carers to the schools’ wellbeing resources, where appropriate.