Australian Teenage Expo 2015

by Jenny Hatton Mahon (subscribe)

Event: 27/08/2015 - 28/08/2015

It's the beginning of a new school year and, after a long holiday, getting your teenager out of bed and motivated can be a challenge. Add to this the habitual mood swings, lack of self-confidence and self-esteem issues teenagers face, mixed with the pressures of those final years at school, it's hardly surprising that parents, carers and teachers struggle with teenagers' lack of motivation.

Yes, it can be a difficult time but it's important to learn how to manage it as a motivated teenager will approach the final years of school with enthusiasm and will perform better.

Parents and carers play a big role in getting teenagers ready for the final years of school and there are some key steps and strategies that can be used to get kids motivated. A motivated teenager will approach learning with enthusiasm and, consequently, perform better.

Australian Teenage Expo co-founder and youth expert, Sacha Kaluri, says that we need to be mindful that teens can lose motivation to start school over the school holidays. "Just think about adults. No matter how much we love our jobs, when we go on holidays it's always hard to get back into the swing of things at work when we come back." Sacha says. "It's extremely common for young people to start the year with a can't be bothered attitude."

Whilst it's vital to encourage teenagers to work hard and take their senior years seriously, it's also important to remind them that the final years at school can be sociable, fun and much more than having your head in a book the whole time. "Parents need to make sure they have regular conversations about how exciting the final years can be. It's so much more than just education." Sacha states.

Sonya Karras, co-founder of the Australian Teenage Expo reinforces this message: "School does not sound like a fun place to be, but really it's a central hub of socialisation. You can have some of the best days of your life doing Year 12."

So, what can you do to get teenagers feeling positive and excited about starting Year 12? Here are Sacha Kaluri's Top 5 Tips as a start:

1. Have positive conversations. Talk with your teenager about the good things school has to offer in addition to education.
2. Listen when they speak. When your teenager talks to you about subject selection, get involved and be positive.
3. Remind them of the fun they will have. There is more to school than education. Maybe even reflect on the fun you had at school.
4. Relationships with teachers will change. Teachers are different with senior students. They treat them more like adults which creates greater engagement.
5. Make sure they are doing subjects they will enjoy. Reinforce that it's not just about their future, their careers and the final score. The more they enjoy school, the better they will do.

One of the worst things that can happen is to start Year 12 under pressure. Kids need to recognise that hard work is important, but they shouldn't start in a stressed out state.

"I remember working with a student who was under so much pressure to have a perfect score at the end of Year 12, that she was having severe anxiety just at the thought of starting the year." Sacha recalls. "Going into first term of school with a positive vibe is an essential mind set".

"Start the year with some goals that are not only achievable but for which they are excited to stretch themselves further than they thought possible." recommends Sacha. "Young people want to succeed, but they want to have fun as well. Don't lose sight of the fact that life has to be enjoyable – get them involved in things they enjoy".

Sacha reminds us, "As parents we have to remember not to try and relive our lives through our children. It's with their own mistakes they will learn the best lessons. Life is a journey and they have their own lessons to learn."

Sacha also recommends that you remind your teenagers that it's one step at a time and no matter how big the work load gets throughout the year, you will always be there to support them. It might also be an idea to help them by lightening up their load with work, money and also household chores.

These are valuable tips in helping to get your teenager motivated during the important senior school years.

And if you want to learn more about what you and your teenager can do to survive the senior school years, visit the Australian Teenage Expo. This is a great event with lots of useful information and resources.

In addition to the many resources and information being made available under one roof and having a bundle of fun, you can:

- get advice on careers, help with the tough stuff and check out the products your teenagers need in their lives.
- grab the opportunity to meet professionals who can offer support and information.
- take some selfies with celebrities from shows like Big Brother, The Voice, X-Factor and Masterchef.
- shoot some hoops with pro-basketballers, defend against Vixens Netballers, take part in handball comps, participate in breakdance battles, mouth off with the cup cake eating competitions, sing, dance, tell a story and try out your comedian skills.

It's all you and your teenager need to get motivated!

The Australian Teenage Expo is being held at the Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale, Victoria 3032, from Thursday 27 to Friday 28 August 2015 (Thursday 9am-9pm: schools only and Friday 9am-3pm: open to the public).

For more information on the Australian Teenage Expo, visit the website here.

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Why? Because teenagers don't have to be time bombs

When: 27-28 August 2015

Phone: See website

Website: teenageexpo.com.au

Where: Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Road Ascot Vale Victoria 3032

Cost: See website for details

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