Sussex


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/3-1000x667.jpg" alt="teenage girls mental health" class="wp-image-67563" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It’s no doubt one of the chapters in a woman’s life we’d rather breeze through, but when you’ve a teenage daughter it can be hard &#8211; make that near impossible &#8211; to figure out what they’re thinking and how you can support, help and be there for them if they’ll even let you!&nbsp;</p>



<p>This is where current Deputy Head of <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/mayfield-school-mayfield/">Mayfield School</a>, Deborah&nbsp;Bligh, (who takes over as Head on 1 April) comes in. She oversees the pastoral side of things at the independent Catholic day and boarding school in East Sussex, for girls aged 11-18 &#8211; that’s famed for its forward-thinking ethos and deeply held values. Prior to joining Mayfield, Deborah held the same position at St Richard&#8217;s in Bexhill &#8211; so is fully versed in all types of teens, personalities and their needs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>She shares her insider know how with Muddy so that every parent can encourage their daughter to embrace her strengths and build confidence and best of all: be happy!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-the-biggest-challenges-that-teenage-girls-face-today"><strong>What are the biggest challenges that teenage girls face today?</strong></h3>



<p>In recent years, there&#8217;s been a lot of worry and uncertainty, and the impact of the Covid lockdowns. On top of that, young people face pressure to meet unrealistic standards from the media, maintain a certain image on social media (even if it doesn&#8217;t reflect their real lives), and deal with the constant presence of technology. All of this makes the process of growing up more difficult than it should be. We need to help our young people understand that it&#8217;s normal to feel anxious before an exam or to be sad or frustrated after a friendship fallout, spending time normalising feelings. At Mayfield, we prioritise working with parents to give our students the tools and strategies they need to navigate these challenges. We have a carefully planned and regularly reviewed programme all centred around student well-being. Our goal is to empower our students and help them discover resources to navigate challenging times. As a result, we&#8217;ve seen a decrease in the number of mental health concerns recorded in school. Above all, we truly listen to our students. We have various ways for them to share worries and concerns, such as our student peer mentor programme. With big sisters, friendship ambassadors, student subject mentors, and an exceptional prefect team, there&#8217;s always someone at Mayfield ready to support you.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-can-parents-help-their-daughters-try-a-hobby-aside-of-course-from-their-phones"><strong>How can parents help their daughters try a hobby &#8211; aside of course from their phones?</strong></h3>



<p>Encourage them to discover activities that bring them joy. Aim to instil in young people the idea that life is about trying new things and finding joy in different experiences, embracing challenge and change. At Mayfield we believe in allowing each girl to try different activities before settling on the ones that truly make them happy. We&#8217;ve integrated two dedicated activity slots into the school day, offering a choice of over 100 activity sessions every week, from art and ceramics to coding, drama and sports. As students move into the sixth form, they can participate in a diverse enrichment programme that includes unique experiences like working on a local farm, attending a cooking course, or trying silk painting. The protected time within the school day not only brings balance but also helps in forming healthy habits that can carry into adulthood. Parents can learn from this approach by fostering an environment that encourages exploration, trying new things, and embracing the learning journey.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/1-1000x667.jpg" alt="teenage girls mental health" class="wp-image-67565" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-parents-do-when-they-re-struggling-to-communicate-effectively-with-their-daughter-nbsp"><strong>What can parents do when they’re struggling to communicate effectively with their daughter?&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>Firstly, be kind to yourself; you don&#8217;t have to be an expert on teen wellbeing. The most important thing is to be there for your child. Let them know you&#8217;re ready to talk whenever they are, but don&#8217;t force them into it. You can express that you&#8217;re there just to listen and try your best not to show any strong reactions. Teens sometimes misinterpret adults&#8217; facial expressions and body language, thinking they&#8217;re being judged or that their parents are disappointed. Keep a neutral face, be mindful of your body language, and actively listen without immediately offering advice.</p>



<p>If they don&#8217;t want to talk about what&#8217;s bothering them, talk about something else. Go for a walk together, sit on a park bench (side to side, as teens often find it easier to talk without direct eye contact), cook, or watch a favourite TV show together. Involve them in an activity, no matter how simple, like helping prepare dinner. Just be there. The key is to take the pressure off them to open up immediately. Let them know they are loved entirely and unconditionally, and that you&#8217;re there whenever they&#8217;re ready to talk.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-w-hat-are-your-tips-for-helping-girls-get-a-good-night-s-sleep-nbsp">W<strong>hat are your tips for helping girls get a good night’s sleep?&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>Alongside hydration and good nutrition, a good night’s rest is essential. Good sleeping habits aid alertness and the ability to concentrate, increase energy and help with managing stress. My tips to create a good sleep routine are:</p>



<ul>
<li>Ensure you stop using any phones or laptops at least an hour before going to bed</li>



<li>Avoid caffeine after 3pm</li>



<li>Sleep in a cool room</li>



<li>Read &#8211; or listen to relaxing music &#8211; in a dimmed room before turning off the lights completely.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-can-parents-help-balance-the-pressure-on-girls-to-have-a-level-of-perfectionism-with-their-desire-to-succeed"><strong>How can parents help balance the pressure on girls to have a level of perfectionism with their desire to succeed?</strong></h3>



<p>At Mayfield, we encourage everyone to &#8220;be yourself,&#8221; which goes against the teenage stereotype of trying to blend in or hide in groups. We regularly remind our girls that belonging is not the same as fitting in and that each person is of great value and should be nurtured and supported to be the best versions of their true selves. Alongside our robust tutor and personal development programme we have a bespoke Life Skills programme, including a module on the ‘value of a woman’. This module focuses on recognising one&#8217;s worth, setting boundaries, and building high levels of self-esteem.</p>



<p>Recognising the importance of excellent social, communication, and problem-solving skills for future employment, we provide regular opportunities for skill development. We also emphasize the vital life skill of resilience. In school, we expect girls to make mistakes, understanding that it&#8217;s the best way to learn and progress.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/2-1000x667.jpg" alt="teenage girls mental health" class="wp-image-67566" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-activities-should-parents-be-encouraging-their-daughters-to-do-in-order-to-boost-positive-mental-wellbeing">What activities should parents be encouraging their daughters to do in order to boost positive mental wellbeing?</h3>



<p>The best advice is to make sure young people get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and eat well. Then, help them find activities they love and enjoy, making sure there&#8217;s a balance between work and leisure in their lives. All schools should regularly review their wellbeing programmes to make sure they are strong and inclusive. At Mayfield, wellbeing is a daily focus. We aim to ensure that students have a positive and happy daily experience, and if things go wrong, they can easily access support.</p>



<p>Our school has a beautiful 75-acre site for students to enjoy. In the last two years, we&#8217;ve put extra effort into making our green spaces accessible and inviting for students. The girls actively participate through our &#8216;TEAM Green&#8217; action group and MESSy, Mayfield’s Environmental and Sustainability Society.</p>



<p>All our students attend &#8216;retreat days&#8217; at Ashburnham Place, taking part in their &#8216;closer to the land&#8217; project, which helps connect young people with nature.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-the-warning-signs-that-parents-should-look-out-for"><strong>What are the warning signs that parents should look out for?</strong></h3>



<p>The main thing for parents to watch out for is any noticeable change in their teenager&#8217;s behaviour, which can be tricky to catch as teens are known for their changing behaviours. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s crucial to maintain an open conversation with your child. It&#8217;s normal for friendships and interests to shift, and for teens to spend more time in their rooms. However, extreme versions of these changes could be warning signs, such as having no interest in any hobbies, being secretive, avoiding communication or socialising, not discussing the future, experiencing a reduced appetite, or having trouble sleeping. If you have any concerns, even small ones, it&#8217;s important to talk to your child&#8217;s school early on, as early intervention and support can make a real difference.</p>



<p><em>Find out more about Mayfield School with <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/mayfield-school-mayfield/">Muddy&#8217;s review</a>.</em></p>


Girl power! Educational expert’s essential (and realistic) advice on supporting your teen and their mental health

You may also like