“It’s challenging being a parent in this digital world”, says renowned educator, writer and speaker, Linda Stade. “Our kids’ experience of childhood is vastly different to our own. The impact of social media and constant connectivity is profound.”
The research officer at Catholic Girls’ School, Santa Maria College in Western Australia will share her knowledge at the upcoming Women Initiating New Directions Organisation (WINDO) Community Leadership Conference.
“Add to technology, issues of body image, pornography and the constant insidious messages from advertising that kids are now exposed to, it is hard for a parent’s voice of reason to prevail,” she said. “However, it isn’t impossible. Ultimately, kids respond to boundaries and a meaningful, continuous connection with adults. That hasn’t changed.”
Linda believes that when educating children, it is impossible to separate learning from wellbeing. Children must be physically and mentally healthy in order to learn.
“For me the priority concern is teaching children resilience in their learning and in their daily lives. It’s a simple statement but it is a complex task.”, says Linda.
“We can start by ensuring every child has a responsible adult who listens to them and who can guide them through challenges. We must empower kids by giving them the skills to weather the ups and downs of life”, she adds.
Linda believes that parents and schools need to collaborate to look for solutions to the new problems we face, both academic and social.
She will be speaking at Community Leadership Conference, ‘When Sleeping Women Wake, Mountains Move’, on Wednesday March 6 at The J Noosa. For information visit www.windowomen.org.
