Dear Young People,

It has been and continues to be a great privilege to work with you. Every day I learn something new from you and I am the teacher! You teach me to really listen, to be patient, to be brave, to embrace life and to have hope.

When I listen to you I hear you tell me about your lives. And I know life can be difficult. I have heard you tell me about your struggle with sleep, anxiety, anger, fear, stress and family issues.  I have also heard you ask for ideas and solutions and it is my job to try to figure out what might work.

The first thing I want you to know is that you are not alone. I did a Google search and found that young people in Ireland report the following as their top ten problems. Instead of calling them problems I would like you to think of them as challenges.

1) Anxiety

2) Low mood

3) Stress

4) Sleep issues/changes

5) Anger

6) Family problems

7) Isolating from others/withdrawal

8) Low self-esteem

9) Parent/youth conflict

10) Self-criticism                                                                                                            www.headstrong.ie

 

The second thing I want you to know is that there is always a way, there is always a solution and that you are strong even when you feel sad.

It is my job to help you learn new things, to help you to be more skilful and to encourage you. We have been using mindfulness in the classroom. I have been amazed at the results as we begin to focus on ways in which we can look after ourselves. I have put a video up which you can look at or share with your family as I know it is difficult to share what mindfulness is to others.

The third thing I want you to know is that this section of the website is for you, the young people of our world.

This Young People’s section of the website will grow from your questions and your ideas.

The blog I wrote on Green Smoothies was put up because Aleisa asked if we could make smoothies in class.

The video clip on Understanding Mindfulness came from Jordan and Robert’s conversation.

Amy has asked for a Meditation on Sleep which is on the way, I promise.

Finally, keep the ideas coming, keep me busy and keep meeting your challenges. I look forward to your comments and hope this website becomes a resource which you can use as you continue to grow.

Kay