KidsMatter

This semester BounceBack! lessons will run alongside our whole school Peer Support program. These programs aim to build resilience in our students and enhance pupil wellbeing. What students are learning is outlined in the BounceBack! acronym: Bad times don't last. Things always get better. Stay optimistic.
Other people can help if you talk to them. Get a reality check. Unhelpful thinking makes you feel more upset. Think again. Nobody is perfect—not you and not others. Concentrate on the positives (no matter how small) and use laughter. Everybody experiences sadness, failure, rejection and setbacks sometimes, not just you.
They are a normal part of life. Try not to personalise them. Blame fairly. How much of what happened was due to you, to others and to bad luck or circumstances? Accept what can't be changed (but try to change what you can change first). Catastrophising exaggerates your worries. Don't believe the worst possible picture.
Keep things in perspective. It's only part of your life.

The program can help your child to get better at:

• Using helpful thinking when faced with a

  problem or a difficult situation

• Thinking more optimistically, i.e. expecting

  bad times to get better

• Understanding that everyone has setbacks

  and difficulties, not just them

• Talking to people they trust so they get a

  reality check on their thinking

• Being brave and facing their fears

• Managing strong emotions and turning a

  bad mood into a good mood

• Getting along with others and cooperating

• Setting goals, being resourceful and not

  easily giving up

• Being kind, fair, honest, friendly,

  responsible, and accepting of differences

• Respecting other people and not bullying

  others.
  You can help your child get the best out of their involvement with Bounce Back! if you reinforce the key messages they are learning.