Raising Teens with Collett Smart

PURCHASE the book for $1.39AUD here at Amazon
Join the book launch THIS FRIDAY (20th March 2026) at Pacific Hills, Dural. Click on the link to RSVP and for more info

Raewyn Elsegood is a seasoned author and chaplain renowned for her empathetic writing and expertise in grief counseling. With over ten years of experience as a trained writer, Raewyn has channeled her profound personal experience of losing her daughter into her work, penning "21 Gifts" as a testament to her healing journey. Her professional history includes extensive work as a chaplain, where she has supported countless individuals in times of grief with her compassionate presence and insightful guidance.

Key Takeaways:
Grief is Messy and Individual: Raewyn underscores that grief is not a linear process but unique to each person and can evolve over time.
Writing as Healing: "21 Gifts" harnesses the power of writing as a therapeutic outlet, documenting a mother's journey through loss by reflecting on life's gifts.
The Power of Presence: Offering support to those grieving involves simply "being there," as a witness to their experience without needing to fix it.
Faith's Role in Grief: Raewyn candidly shares her struggle and reconciliation with faith amidst her grief, revealing the comfort and complexity it brings.
Lessons in Legacy: Through her book and public speaking, Raewyn continues to honor Amy's legacy, teaching that healing often involves transforming personal pain into purposeful action.
Notable Quotes:
"Grief is very messy, and even trained professionals need to surrender to it."
"Losing Amy didn't mean losing my purpose as her mother. Writing 21 Gifts, establishing her scholarship, speaking to others; this is mothering her legacy."
"What I want people to feel as they read this book is they're walking with a companion, and I want them to have hope in their hurting heart."
"In our fear, we stay away, not knowing what to do. But there's no perfect words. Please just show up."
"Worry is normal, but it is a waste of time."
Resources:
Raewyn Elsegood's Website
Book: 21 Gifts

Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team.
Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.
Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook.
Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.
Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Points:
Understanding legal responsibilities is crucial when teens commence driving alone.
Assessing a teen driver's experience and confidence helps gauge their readiness.
Safety must be a priority, especially when younger siblings are passengers.
The approach to driving should be gradual, with trust-building measures.
Continuous communication about safe practices reinforces learning and responsibility.
Notable Quotes:
"Letting our teens drive their younger siblings is another huge step."
"It's crucial to look at the legal side of things with our children, with our teens."
"Does your teen understand that they're not just a taxi for their sibling?"
"I think it's okay to consider easing into this whole new arrangement."
Resources:
Follow Collett Smart on Instagram and Facebook.
Learn more on Collett Smart’s website: www.collettsmart.com

Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team.
Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.
Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook.
Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.
Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WIN Dr Arne’s book!! Click here to enter!

Dr. Arne Rubinstein is a leading expert on rites of passage and adolescent development. As the founder of the Rites of Passage Institute, Dr. Rubinstein is devoted to creating transformational experiences for teenagers and communities. With over 30 years of experience, including a decade and a half as an emergency medicine doctor, he has a profound understanding of human development and the challenges young people face today. Dr. Rubinstein is also the author of "The Making of Men" and has significantly contributed to the field by working with schools globally and supporting over 500,000 people through his programs.
Key Takeaways:
A rite of passage is a guided process essential for successfully transitioning youth from childhood to adulthood, offering community support and shared wisdom.
Unstructured "rites of passage," such as schoolies, often involve risk and lack meaningful guidance, leading to potentially harmful outcomes.
Structured programs emphasise storytelling, challenge, vision creation, and recognition of unique gifts as critical components, providing a healthier and more profound transition experience.
Both teenagers and their communities, including parents and elders, benefit from engagement in rites of passage, promoting stronger, more supportive relationships.
Rites of passage are not limited to adolescence; they are valuable throughout life for managing transitions like leaving home, marriage, and aging.
Notable Quotes:
"I am convinced that every one of our children is going to go through a rite of passage. The question is, will that be a healthy rite of passage?"
"When we are creating rites of passage for our young people, we need to take into account that every child is different, and every child is born with their own unique gifts and talents."
"Instead of having elders in the community who are actually doing it for the benefit of the young ones, when they're doing it as a way of sort of staying on top of them, that's when it goes wrong."
"One thing, if we could teach girls to listen to their inner voice, that would really be impactful and important for those girls."
"Bringing out their gifts and their spirit. That's what rites of passage are about."
Resources:
Rites of Passage Institute
Dr. Arne Rubinstein's book: The Making of Men
Online Rites of Passage Leadership Training via the Rites of Passage Institute

Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team.
Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.
Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook.
Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.
Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Arne Rubinstein is a leading expert on rites of passage and adolescent development. As the founder of the Rites of Passage Institute, Dr. Rubinstein is devoted to creating transformational experiences for teenagers and communities. With over 30 years of experience, including a decade and a half as an emergency medicine doctor, he has a profound understanding of human development and the challenges young people face today. Dr. Rubinstein is also the author of "The Making of Men" and has significantly contributed to the field by working with schools globally and supporting over 500,000 people through his programs.
Key Takeaways:
A rite of passage is a guided process essential for successfully transitioning youth from childhood to adulthood, offering community support and shared wisdom.
Unstructured "rites of passage," such as schoolies, often involve risk and lack meaningful guidance, leading to potentially harmful outcomes.
Structured programs emphasise storytelling, challenge, vision creation, and recognition of unique gifts as critical components, providing a healthier and more profound transition experience.
Both teenagers and their communities, including parents and elders, benefit from engagement in rites of passage, promoting stronger, more supportive relationships.
Rites of passage are not limited to adolescence; they are valuable throughout life for managing transitions like leaving home, marriage, and aging.
Notable Quotes:
"I am convinced that every one of our children is going to go through a rite of passage. The question is, will that be a healthy rite of passage?"
"When we are creating rites of passage for our young people, we need to take into account that every child is different, and every child is born with their own unique gifts and talents."
"Instead of having elders in the community who are actually doing it for the benefit of the young ones, when they're doing it as a way of sort of staying on top of them, that's when it goes wrong."
"One thing, if we could teach girls to listen to their inner voice, that would really be impactful and important for those girls."
"Bringing out their gifts and their spirit. That's what rites of passage are about."
Resources:
Rites of Passage Institute
Dr. Arne Rubinstein's book: The Making of Men
Online Rites of Passage Leadership Training via the Rites of Passage Institute

Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Points:
Encouraging teens to consider counseling should be a gentle process that respects their need for control and privacy.
Parents should emphasise the confidentiality of counseling, reassuring teens that professionals will maintain their privacy while sharing critical concerns.
Involving teens in the decision-making process, such as choosing a counselor, can increase their sense of ownership and reduce resistance.
Building a supportive home environment and maintaining open communication can lay the foundation for teens to feel comfortable seeking external help.
Parents should also seek support for themselves to strengthen their ability to provide effective guidance and emotional stability for their teens.
Notable Quotes:
"A no to counseling doesn't mean a child is rejecting help. It's not a sign that things are hopeless."
"Our teens need to feel part of the choices and part of the decisions."
"Everyone needs to talk to someone from time to time, adults included."
"Focus on your relationship with your teenager first. Feeling safe and respected and heard at home lays such a good foundation."
"Even if your teen isn't ready for counseling, you can still seek support as a parent."
Resources:
Follow Collett Smart on Instagram and Facebook.
Learn more on Collett Smart’s website: www.collettsmart.com

Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team.
Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.
Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook.
Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.
Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.