HaltonParents

Can I have a playdate…I see them at school?

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Heather Van Laare RN

AH! Are we there yet?! It is so tempting to let down our guard with the return of in-person classes, stay-at-home orders being lifted, and the vaccine rollout underway, but we are not there yet. Insert Debbie Downer music. We know that COVID-19 variants of concern are increasing in our community. They can spread more quickly and it is possible they can cause more severe illness. We also have seen that public health measures work to lower COVID-19 case numbers, hospitalizations and deaths. Yes, we are worried about the emotional health of our kids and really want them to participate in social activities. Yet, it’s not the time to let down our guard and open the doors to our homes.

Young daughter mimicking dad both holding pencils to chins in contemplation.

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Posted in Children & Tweens, Keeping Your Child/Tween Safe, Keeping Your Toddler & Preschooler Safe, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler, Play, Growth & Development, Toddlers & Preschoolers | Tagged COVID-19, playdates, school safety, social-emotional health | 2 Comments

Helping teens and tweens maintain mental well-being throughout the pandemic

Posted on March 10, 2021 by Tanya Melykuty, RN, MSW

The demands of COVID-19 have been difficult for everyone. For teens and tweens, there has also been a fair amount of loss. Beyond missing out on major rites of passage, this past year has also meant the loss of everyday experiences, connection with friends and independence – at precisely the time in their lives when all of it is so important.

As parents, here are a few ways we can help them through this challenging time.

Connect and show empathy

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Posted in Children & Tweens, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Child/Tween, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Teen, Healthy Eating for your Teen, Keeping Your Teen Safe, Parenting, Parenting Your Teen, Teen Brain, Teens | Tagged Coping, COVID-19, Mental Health, mental wellness, parenting teens, tweens | Leave a comment

Navigating COVID-19 with your teen

Posted on January 25, 2021 by Carolyn Wilkie, RN

Parenting is tough, period…but during a pandemic, it’s even harder! If you’re living with teens, your parenting skills have likely been stretched a lot lately. Your teen may feel frustrated and disappointed about missed opportunities like milestone celebrations. So how can we support teens who want to test their independence during a very restrictive time?

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Posted in Children & Tweens, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Child/Tween, Keeping Your Teen Safe, Parenting, Teen Brain | Tagged #COVID19, halton parenting programs, parenting teens, teens | 9 Comments

Grandparenting during COVID….

Posted on April 28, 2020 by Halton Guest Blogger

Mother and daughter visiting grandparents in window during a COVID-19 pandemic

As I wake up to another beautiful spring day, I am filled with joy. Birds are singing; the flowers are blooming; and I have time to enjoy a cup of Chai tea before heading to work. Yellow daffodil flowers in the ground

And yet…and yet. I hear the birds clearly, because my neighbourhood is now quiet. I keep checking on my daffodils through the window, because I no longer travel 30 kilometres to work….instead I walk a few steps to my new office in my home. And if I’m not careful, that cup of tea will be followed by another and another as I adjust to my new routine and try not to think about COVID-19.

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Posted in Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Child/Tween, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Teen, Parenting, Parenting Your Toddler & Preschooler | Tagged grandparents COVID-19 hope | 6 Comments

5 great ways to enjoy winter with the family!

Posted on February 11, 2020 by Tamara Kraszewski, RN

I remember getting my kids bundled up for winter outdoor activities. What a process! First figuring out what activity to do and then telling myself – maybe more than my kids, that going out into the cold weather would be fun. Then getting them ready to go outside by putting on snow pants, boots, coats, hats, scarves and mitts, while they squirmed and said that they were hot. By the time we were done, I’d already had a workout and needed to rest!

Little boys sliding on sled in winter with helmets