Healthy relationships are extremely important for the development of mental health in our youth. When you spend time with people you care about, who care about you, this can help you feel connected and supported. This term is one of the largest in regard to boys participating in activities and sports ranging from field, to court, to thought. This is in addition to music and drama programs. At Toowoomba Grammar School, we believe this allows for plenty of opportunity to develop the ability to understand how to maintain successful relationships through healthy interaction. Developing boys into men of good character works hand in hand with the academic and sporting programs on offer. All modern athletes are aware that for an individual to be successful in a team sport, the whole team needs to have a clear goal determined through good communication and relationships.

So, what is the measurement of a healthy relationship and what do you when a relationship becomes unhealthy? Recently I read the biography of Eddie Jones and he consistently refers to healthy relationships being about communication. There are multiple forms of communication – verbal, non-verbal, written, visual and listening. Communication can be as simple as a look, movement of body or facial expression. For adolescent minds this is where confusion can set in and where relationships can start to deteriorate. A misinterpretation of meaning can often result in students becoming anxious about where they fit into their social network. What one student may interpret as acceptable can be misinterpreted by another and this is where a relationship can become fractured. Once this happens it can be difficult for adolescents, or anyone, to rebuild as the individual may now feel vulnerable.

But here’s the thing, according to leading groups such as Headspace – the more boys work on their relationships, the stronger they get. Toowoomba Grammar School provides pathways for these attributes to develop through the pastoral program offered.

Here are the top five tips for developing healthy relationships:

• Focus on positive relationships that make you feel good about yourself. Those where you support each other and where you feel you can be yourself.
  
  
• Every relationship can bring you different benefits, so try to keep a variety of people in your life, such as friends from work or school, teachers, parents, people who have similar interests and more.
  
  
• Communication is important! When you are open with people, they will be more open with you - which strengthens your relationships.
  
  
• Understand that socialising and keeping relationships can sometimes be hard and have challenges. Occasionally you may feel left out or not all agree. Just remember, it’s normal to feel this way sometimes.
  
  
• Your relationship with yourself is an important relationship too. And, when you look after yourself, it can teach you how to look after others as well.

For more information regarding healthy relationships, visit the Student Locker Room and select ‘My Pastoral Care’ and follow the links provided.

Michael Hall
Head of Senior School – Students (Acting)