A free information session in Williamstown will help parents learn to prevent anxiety in children and teenagers.
Life coach and mother of two Lisa Taggart says about 14 per cent of young Australians experience anxiety, with the onset of mental illness typically around mid to late adolescence.
“According to the Black Dog Institute, quite a lot of young people get anxious about school,” she said.
“They can get anxious about what their parents say to them, they can get anxious about other kids, about competition.
“And it’s quite prevalent as they get older, so in high school you’ve got kids suffering from anxiety who self harm.”
Ms Taggart believes social media, such as Facebook, places extra pressure on young people that her generation didn’t experience.
The information session will outline the Sleeptalk self-esteem program for children. It instructs parents how to communicate with their children’s subconscious mind.
“Sleeptalk is a tool for parents, and it works,” Ms Taggart said.
“If you’re consistent, your kids will develop more self-confidence.
“With primary-age children, it’s not that they can’t do something — can’t read or can’t write — it’s that they believe they can’t do it.
“It’s also not just about the child, it’s about creating peace and harmony in the home.
“It’s recommended that both parents play a role but, unfortunately, only about 20 per cent of dads actually agree to do it.”
The information evening is on October 9 from 7.30pm at Williamstown library.
To attend, call Ms Taggart on 0418 197 200 or email highonlifecoaching@live.com.au
