COPING IN TIMES OF PANDEMIC By: Valerie Williams
As parents we are all experiencing a new normal. Most of us came home one Friday afternoon and our lives have since changed. What we initially thought was going to be a well deserved one week break for March (mid-winter) has turned into over a month of being at home with our children, spouse and […]
VIRTUAL LEARNING DURING A PANDEMIC By: Shayline Lyttle
I am a mother to a seven year old daughter and a bichpoo. I am working from home full-time. Are you wondering how I am holding it down during these times? Honestly, in my household we were all doing fine until the Ministry of Education announced that children across Canada will be engaged in distance […]
USING MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION TO PARENT THROUGH THE PANDEMIC By: Shayline Lyttle
You might think mindfulness and meditation – that stuff is too way out there for me. Or you may think, I don’t have any time to be quiet and still with these kids running around. Well, if you are struggling with managing your own thoughts and feelings and struggling to parent your children during this […]
Tip of the Week – May 4 – 10, 2020
Model and practice self-care. Maintaining some level of daily structure and routines is important for parents and children alike. First and foremost, regular sleep routines are so important to our overall well-being; sleep-deprived parents have a harder time staying calm and sleep-deprived children have a harder time regulating their behaviours. Other routines like taking our […]
Tip of the Week – May 11 – 17, 2020
Children who can recognize, acknowledge and express their feelings appropriately cope better with stress. Spend 10 minutes with each of your children. Ask your child about times when he or she feels worried, upset or stressed. Ask your child the following questions. What do you worry about? What upsets you? What do you do when […]
Tip of the Week – April 27 – May 3, 2020
If a child hears “no” ten times a day, they hear it 3,650 times a year. As we are adjusting to a different schedule and work environment, we can help our kids adapt to their new schedules and acceptable activities by creating a positive and encouraging frame of mind in the child. Here are some […]
Tip of the Week – April 20 – 26, 2020
One of the hardest aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic is social distancing. As social creatures we derive a lot of enjoyment from our interactions with others. Our children miss their friends and we may have elderly relatives or friends that we haven’t seen in a month. Using regular video chats through FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Skype, […]
Tip of the Week April 13 – 19 , 2020
If your child or teen is distressed about Covid-19 and all the sudden changes in their life, set the stage for good communication. Listen with your full attention, acknowledge their feelings and let your child know that it is okay to have these feelings.
Tip of the Week April 6 – 12 , 2020
Parents working from home are also charged with taking care of their children who are home from school. Complex homeschooling schedules and activities are circulating on social media but keep your expectations realistic about what they can accomplish on both fronts—work and family. It’s important to avoid comparing yourself to others, who might not have […]
Tip of the Week March 30 – April 5 , 2020
Even our best intentions and well laid plans can sometimes get derailed leaving us as parents feeling discouraged. Remember that each small step is a step forward.