Sometimes we make mistakes by being thoughtless, careless or not being mindful of our words and actions. Maybe we forget to do something, or we hurt someone’s feelings. Making a mistake doesn’t feel good. Sometimes you’ll feel embarrassed, sometimes you’ll feel scared of what others will...
After seeing a UPower presentation, young people often share their thoughts and struggles with me in person and then later through social media and emails. One recent message I received stood out: Hi Sara! I’m Alex, I don’t know if you remember me but I said “I...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
Q: I am feeling so stressed out about all the things I have to do that I am becoming miserable all the time. Do you have any ways that could help me de-stress? A: It’s easy to become overwhelmed when you have a lot on your...
Q: I'm changing schools because I'm moving to a new city and I'll be leaving all my friends. I don’t know what to do. A: Leaving behind all that is familiar can be difficult and scary. Change can bring about many different emotions: excitement of what's...
When families participate in activities together it helps children feel supported and confident, allowing them to learn skills to bounce back from life’s challenges and to better handle stress. Since learning these skills is an ongoing process it’s important to create habits, rituals and traditions that...
We have heard so much lately about how sugar is causing health challenges in our young people. I believe it is also affecting their emotional and mental wellbeing. When I started limiting my sugar intake about 10 years ago I noticed that my mental clarity improved...