Children's Mental Health Resource Blog

 It can feel overwhelming and worrisome when your child avoids school, refuses to go, or expresses anxiety about attending. It is important to take the time to listen and understand from their perspective what may be causing their avoidance or anxiety.  Here are some common examples to consider and potentially discuss with your child. 

The holiday season is often an exciting and busy time, but it may also be stressful. One gentle way to remember that it's ok to slow down is by practicing gratitude. 

Learn to challenge negative thoughts and shift your perspective. It takes practice, but it’s a powerful way to build emotional strength and feel more in control!

When children and youth feel anxious in a social environment, they often try to protect themselves from discomfort. One way to do this is through safety behaviours.  

Let's learn about the STOP skill– a Dialectical Behavior Therapy tool that helps kids pause, reflect, and respond more calmly when emotions run high.

Eco-anxiety as worry that arises when thinking about the uncertainty of the planet’s future due to climate change. With many kids feeling anxious about the future, here are some ways you can help navigate eco-anxiety with your kids this summer.

As kids and teenagers transition out of their school routine into the summer break, this can bring new challenges. So to help you and your kids ease into the summer with healthy habits and less stress, here's a few tips! 

June is Pride Month — a time to celebrate the diversity, strength, and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. At Starling Community Services, we recognize the courage it takes to live authentically and are proud to support inclusive, affirming spaces for all individuals and families.

There’s something magical about this time of year. The sun is shining a little longer, the air feels fresher, and everything around us is coming back to life. After a long winter, getting outside and moving again isn’t just a nice change, it’s a great thing you can do for your mental health. 

As a parent, it can be incredibly difficult to see your child experience an anxiety attack. Even if you’ve learned strategies to work on your own mental health, it can still be hard to stay calm when your child is struggling. Here are some tips to help you remain composed and be the calm presence your child needs.