It's ok to say no. You don't always have to explain your decisions to friends. ⠀ Sometimes when we try to say no, people try talk us out of our decision. The more you try to explain, the less confidence you might feel sticking to it. ⠀ ⠀ Creating...
Q: Summer is coming and I don’t like being bored. Any suggestions to keep me busy over the summer? A: The summer can be a time filled with lots of laughter, fun, outdoor activities, getting together with family and friends, playing sports, attending festivals etc. However, for some,...
Recently I witnessed an adult reprimanding a child for bad behaviour. The child’s body language was hunched over, closed and defensive - not ideal for getting a message across. As parents and educators we want to teach valuable lessons that develop character and appropriate behaviour and...
Q: My Grandma died over three years ago but this is the year that her death has really hit me. Lately I've been realizing how little time I took to actually get to know her and I regret not knowing her better. Also my family...
As the end of May approaches parents and their children may become stressed as they anticipate the mandatory standardized testing called EQAO for all students in Ontario public funded schools. When we think of tests we think ‘study’. The EQAO is not that kind of...
I believe mental health affects every aspect of a young person’s life, including their self-talk, relationships and sense of well-being. Without the ability to self regulate, deal with day-to-day stressors and manage emotions, they will struggle when faced with challenging circumstances and overwhelming emotions. Stress, worry...
Q: You’re super lucky to be skinny. Everyone always calls me fat. A: I wasn't always the size I am now. I was bigger when I was younger. When I was growing up, some people would make remarks about the way I looked and my body size....
Times have certainly changed. As a young person I used to play outside, explore my neighbourhood, ride my bike and spend time with friends at local playgrounds and community centres, often without a parent. A much different picture to how many young people are spending their time now....
Q: I've been feeling like a failure because I haven't been able to live up to everyone else’s expectations. I haven’t even considered what my expectations are because they are centered on everyone else’s. I am so tired of trying to be everything to everybody. What...
Q: I often feel I can't speak my mind because people will make fun of me. I feel like I am two different people. One side of me is my 'school-self' and my other side is my 'home-self'. A: I think that we can all relate to...
Subscribe to my newsletter and receive a free, exclusive 10 page UPower mini journal.