Children's Mental Health Blog
The latest in children's mental health, strategies, parenting tips, and more written by Lutherwood staff and professionals.
- How to Manage Anger
We all feel angry sometimes, and most of the time we can find healthy ways to deal with feelings of anger or frustration. Anger is a completely natural human emotion; it is a feeling that tells us when something may be wrong and is a natural response to threat.
Read More - Rolling with the Waves of Adolescence - Relating to Your Teen
Adolescence is a time of significant change. The body is growing and maturing, hormones are surging and the brain is still developing. In addition, the social environment is changing as our teenagers explore growing independence, focus more on friends, and face decisions about their future.
Read More - It’s Summer and our Teens Still Need a Routine!
Teenagers often have the idea that summer is for relaxing, staying up late and sleeping in, and doing whatever they want, when they want. For a short time, this vacation routine is fine and allows them to rest, relax and unwind.
Read More - The Fireworks Bang May Be Too Much
With Victoria Day around the corner, many are looking forward to the BBQ and fireworks celebrations. However, many children can struggle with the sights, sounds and general excitement of these celebrations.
Read More - A Tribute To Our CYCs
Typically teachers work alone in a classroom. We are in charge of a group of young people and while we have colleagues we work closely with at our school, ultimately, when we are teaching, we are the only adult in the room.
Read More - Living with Autism
There is an old expression that you should “walk a mile in my shoes.” It encourages us to consider things from someone else’s perspective. I have read some exciting literature that gives us that very opportunity as we try to understand individuals with Autism.
Read More - Use of Internet for Teens Managing Mental Health
We often hear about the trouble teenagers can get into using the internet and social media. However, there are also some very beneficial uses of the internet and social media that support mental health.
Read More - Who Has Mental Health?
Well, actually we all do.
Many people are confused by the term “mental health.” Mental health simply refers to the health of our mind. Like physical health, it is a part of our general well-being and is measured on a continuum of poor to well. Unfortunately, in today’s usage, the term mental health has become confused with mental illness – that is to say people equate the term mental health with having a mental health disorder.
Read More - The Privilege of Teaching in a Mental Health Setting
When I tell people that I am a teacher in a youth mental health treatment centre, I get some interesting reactions. They range from shock and disbelief, to disgust and judgement, to frank curiosity. Interestingly, people seem to frame their reactions in a series of questions which reveal some very interesting perceptions and misunderstandings of mental health. I would like to share three typical questions and my responses with you.
Read More - Communicating with your Teen Using Validation
Have you ever tried to have a conversation with your teenager, and after seemingly endless fidgeting, blank stares, grunting and defensive responses, you found yourself frustrated, fuming and eventually found your conversation had turned into a screaming match? You are not alone. Teenagers are notoriously uncommunicative with their parents and more often than not parents find themselves puzzled about how an attempt at having a simple conversation with their teenager ended in an argument.
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