Year 7 Cool Kids program
The Year 7 Cool Kids Program (developed at Macquarie University) is a world renowned skills-based program offered at McAuley Catholic College. The program teaches children/teenagers and their parent(s) how to better manage anxiety. There are a range of different types of anxiety experienced by children and teenagers. Anxiety may include: finding it difficult to be away from parents, being extremely shy, worrying about what others think of them, avoiding social and school activities (e.g. speaking to people, class presentations), worrying about everyday matters, potential dangers, and the future. Sleep difficulties, headaches, nausea, and difficulty breathing can be part of these feelings.
The program is designed to help children understand and learn about anxiety, and to provide strategies to minimise the impact on themselves and others, including their family. In Term 3, our Pastoral Care team will deliver the Cool Kids program during one class a week.
Content includes:
● Learning about linking thoughts, feelings and behaviour
● Learning how to think more realistically and helpfully
● Fighting fears by gradually facing fears (stepladder approach)
● Learning coping skills such as building confidence or problem solving
If you think your Year 7 child could benefit from this program in Term 3, or you would like more information, please contact Megan Barton, School Counsellor, at megan.barton@lism.catholic.edu.au