​Such a precious time of year with school done and the possibilities of summer on the horizon. Sometimes the pressure to do a lot in the summer, and pack the most in possible can create more stress than enjoyment of the moment. The ideal is to strike the balance between activities and downtime. For many “less is more”. I have needed to learn this lesson over the summers when I feel rundown and not enjoying the time as much with my kids as I would like. Depending on your families schedule, work hours, and age of children it may vary. I found morning activities on my days off struck the right balance for our family, as it is one of the cooler points of the day, kids are well rested, and have more energy to burn off; then it allowed for more low key afternoons. Find below some ideas to get you thinking about the right balance for your family. 

​I have parents often ask what at the tools to get my child to listen and do what I ask. There is no one size fits all answer, and there is a level of complexity depending on the dynamics of your family. With the right tools, parents can improve the listening in their children and also build other healthy habits. One of these ways is through role modelling, as you have a lot of power as a parent in your actions, similar to the expression your actions speak louder than words. What you say is still important as we need to verbally communicate with our children, and it is important as a parent to set limits. However, when our words align with our actions we have the greatest influence with our children. Find below some ways to start implementing the power of role modelling. 

​It has been 3 years since most kids in the GTA have had the full school year come to and end in-person and having a typical end of school wrap-up. There was an emotional and social impact during the years of the pandemic for children to not be able to say goodbye to friends and teachers in-person, missing the celebrations, and many other significant things that help a child bring the chapter of that school year to a close. Endings can have a different impact from child to child, and can be more difficult for some. When endings are supported and acknowledged for all they may bring, kids feel less alone in their feelings and experience, can feel more understood, and typically can regulate themselves better during a transition time. Below are 4 tips to help your child with the transition.

​Yoga and meditation are powerful methods of healing. Over the years I have had my own personal experience in the healing benefits of yoga and meditation. With my journey, I embarked on Yoga Teacher training last year and completed my 200 hour certification in March. I felt called to do this training for many reasons including wanting to know more to be able to integrate it in meaningful ways into the work I am doing with clients. 

Building on last weeks post. I wanted to delve a bit deeper into the alternative and holistic  options to supporting mental health. A combined and collaborative method of support usually yields the most effective results. Below are some of the holistic approaches to consider: