Whether at home, school or work, young people learn and achieve more when they feel positive and supported.

“Student wellbeing and high academic performance are mutually reinforcing,” says Nathan Chisholm, Vice Principal of Wellbeing at Haileybury College.

Nathan joins Haileybury this year and brings 15 years’ experience of leading schools to his role. This included serving as principal of Prahran High School, establishing one of Victoria’s first municipal vertical secondary schools.

“We know that sustained academic excellence is fostered in environments where people feel safe, supported, challenged, and connected, and where there is an intentional combination of high expectations, strong relationships, and thoughtful care,” Nathan explains.

Conversely, if your child feels uncomfortable or unsupported, they may have a harder time learning, remembering, and staying calm.

“Our understanding of neuroscience confirms that when children and young people experience a psychological or emotional threat, the brain’s stress response system is activated and cognitive resources are diverted away from the prefrontal cortex, the area of ​​the brain responsible for reasoning, problem solving, and higher-order learning,” says Nathan.

Strong relationships, predictable routines, and calm, consistent expectations help create the best conditions for children to relax and truly engage in learning.

“True happiness is determined by the quality of the relationships we form and the sense of security that those relationships bring us. True happiness at school is achieved when each student feels safe, known, and valued,” says Nathan.

There are many simple ways parents can use the knowledge gained from neuroscience to support their children’s achievement and growth in positive and encouraging ways. Some of them are shown below.

1. Help children see mistakes as learning opportunities

Normalize mistakes. Help us learn by allowing children to approach mistakes as if they are part of everyday life. It’s important to empathize with your child about how they feel when they make a mistake, but it’s also important to help them understand that mistakes aren’t catastrophic or something to dwell on.

2. Prioritize screens during vacation

Help your child step away from screens and enjoy interacting and building relationships with friends, family, and caregivers in “real life.”

Please see the Parenting Network Guidelines for more information. screen time For different age groups.

3. Prioritize play time

Through play and interaction, children can learn while developing a sense of well-being. It also helps children build skills such as how to interact with others, solve problems, and build relationships.

4. Have a predictable routine

Whether it’s school pick-up or bedtime, a predictable routine can give children the certainty and security of knowing what’s going to happen next. Knowing what to expect, or being notified in advance when something changes, can help promote calm. Being calm also helps children interact more easily and effectively with others.

5. Set consistent expectations

Just like having a predictable routine, children feel more secure knowing that there are clear expectations. For example, a rule that allows screen time to begin after homework is completed or after the dishes are washed helps children understand what they have to do, while also developing a sense of responsibility.

6. Read with children

Reading with young children is an important way to develop literacy skills, as well as a fun activity that strengthens your bond with each other. Reading time includes not only reading, but also discussing the content and story of the book.