After an extremely successful Program headspace Melton will once again be running a Tuning into Teens Program. Tuning into Teens Term 4 will run for 6 Consecutive weeks from Oct 19 to Nov 23, on Tuesdays from 12.30 to 2.30pm (except Melb Cup weekend where the sessions will be on Monday Nov 1)

Due to the current COVID restrictions, these sessions will be run via Zoom (link to be provided) that means you get to enjoy the most out of this program in the comfort of your own surroundings.

Community members can register their interest or find out more information by contacting reception on 8065 5600 or email info-headspacemelton@orygen.org.au

 In the lead up to the Term 4 program commencing we’ve included everything you need to know about the program as well as feedback and data from a previously run program. 

We look forward to joining you in creating an opportunity to better understand your teen. 

What Is Tuning into Teens?

Tuning into Teens, or TINT as it is referred to, is a six session program generally conducted over six weeks.  The program is designed to support parents to help and teach their teenage children to control, understand and express their emotions in healthy and positive ways. TINT is based on Tuning Into Kids (www.tuningintokids.org.au) and helps parents to recognise, understand and respond to their teens emotions, which in turn helps their teens manage their own emotions.  Tuning into Teens offers a range of approaches and strategies grounded in the idea of emotional intelligence.

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is about using your emotions to guide you through the world. It is about being able to use your own knowledge of emotions to make decisions, to manage anger and conflict and to calm yourself down.  High EQ helps you to build your relationships, to know what is happening in social situations, and assists you to manage social interactions. 

 Research has shown that teenagers with high emotional intelligence:

• are more aware, assertive and strong in situations of peer pressure
• are more easily able to make friends and resolve problems with others
• cope better when times are tough
• have fewer mental health and substance abuse difficulties
• are able to develop more positive and stable relationships as they grow older
• are more determined in succeeding in all aspects of their life.   

What are the Aims of the Tuning into Teens Program?

The program aims to teach parents about how they, as parents, can help their teenage children develop good emotional skills.  For example:

• awareness of what emotions their teen is experiencing
• to view their teen’s emotions as opportunity to connect with them and guide them
• helping their teen identify and describe what they are feeling
• learn to listen to their teen’s problems without judgement 
• strengthen their and their teen’s skills problem solving and learning to cope with boundaries and limitations

What Will I be Doing in Tuning into Teens?

TINT involves watching video material, group discussions, role plays and home activities, where parents try out different ways of responding to their teenager’s emotions. Parents are encouraged to share experiences and ideas within the group.  If comfortable, the co-facilitators may use these as examples to explain and teach the skills of emotion coaching.

What were the findings of Term 1's Program?

headspace Melton's term 1 co-facilitators along with our Community Awareness and Engagement Officer have reviewed Term 1's participants' data and found the following results.

Participants completed self evaluations at the commencement and conclusion of the program.  Both sets of self evaluations were compared, generating the following qualitative statements reflecting participant's experience in the program and their own reflections in their roles as parents.

• Parents found they were more confident when communicating with their teens after completing TINT
• Parents were able to identify barriers in communication more easily at the end of the program compared to the start of the program
• Participants found they were able to communicate effectively with their teenager in negotiating barriers
• Most parents were able to develop a better understanding of their teenager, making connection and communication much more positive for both parties
• When their teenager was distressed or upset, participants were able to demonstrate a higher level of understanding, making it easier to identify what was going on and their lives and work together in coming up with a solution
• Parents felt more connected with their teenagers, commenting that their children were less hesitant to initiate conversations
• Parents commented that they practiced self-care more frequently, taking the time to understand and connect with their own emotions
• Parents felt more comfortable in their teenager’s decision making process, understanding the rationale behind it
• Parents developed increased understanding on the factors that might have affected their own upbringing and how this may influence their own role as parents
• Parents found it easier to connect with their teenage child when efforts were made by both parties
• Parents were able to work collaboratively and assist their child develop their problem solving skills, addressing issues in a positive manner
• Parents were able to modify their parenting techniques, adapting approaches which were more suitable to the situation