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...
Q: I feel bad about how my friend treats a girl in our school. I often nod my head in agreement to my friend’s comments not because I want to hurt the other girl but because I want my friend to like me. I call...
Journaling is an incredible skill for young people to develop that will have long lasting effects in their lives by helping them to positively express their emotions while improving their mental health, confidence and resilience. My mum insisted I start journaling when I was 11 years...
It’s common for adults to start off a new year thinking about the things they want to change and commit to. I think one of the healthiest commitments we can make is improving our children’s mental well-being. Here are 5 Simple Tips to help you make...
Subscribe to my newsletter and receive a free, exclusive 10 page UPower mini journal.