This December newsletter is all about happier holidays and less stress. We hope you find these tips and strategies useful. Please feel free to share!

Here are some strategies to help families of children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other challenges sidestep common sources of stress Click on the image to read this article from Child Mind Institute.

Holidays are supposed to be happy family events, but a lot of times they can be very stressful. Here are some things parents can do to help the holidays go more smoothly.

Are you planning a family trip this year? If your child has anxiety, autism, sensory issues, or other special needs, the travel industry has stepped up to make traveling less challenging for you. The Child Mind Institute tapped its own experts, as well as travel pros and families who travel frequently, to create this guide to help you make flights and road trips easier all year long.

United Way BC and Cottonwood Centre invite you to spread the word about Sensitive Santa, a free, sensory-friendly holiday event that creates an inclusive and magical experience for families.

Dates: December 8 and December 15
Time: 8:00-10:00am (by appointment only)
Location: Cottonwood Centre
To reserve a time slot, email Nicole at Cottonwood Centre: ndilberovic@warringtonpci.com.

Do you need support this holiday season? These local organizations can help.

Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances

Come together and watch a video presentation and stay for a facilitated conversation by our Family Peer Support Workers. To look for a date that works for you and to register, click on this link:

Every month, FamilySmart hosts online events for parents & caregivers who are parenting a child or youth with a mental health and/or substance use challenge called “in the know.” We watch a video and share experiences and strategies that help in the hard moments and focus on strengthening our understanding and connection with our kids.

Talking to your child about the return to school after Winter Break can help to ease fears or uncertainty. Here are some ways to start the conversation:

• Who are you looking forward to connecting with?
• How are you feeling about the school year?
• What is one thing you feel excited for?
• How can I help you to feel omfortable about school?

Understanding just how much insufficient sleep affects our children is a motivator to help them get the best sleep possible. As kids return to school, resetting sleep habits and rules around tech in the bedroom is hard but imperative. Check out this blog post from Screenagers for more info.

Many teenagers are so busy with school, activities, friends and social media that they don’t get the 9 hours of sleep experts say they need. It’s not easy for parents to control what teens do. But there are things parents can do to help them get more sleep. Click the image for ways to encourage good sleep habits for your teen.

If you need support or have questions, please reach out to us. We can be reached at the school at 604-703-1707 or by email: cathy_preibisch@sd33.bc.ca or marie_amos@sd33.bc.ca