Hello Families and Caregivers,
We hope you are doing OK. September can be a challenging month.
We wanted to remind you of some upcoming FamilySmart Events. All events are free, virtual and require registration so that you get the link.
When kids frequently have big emotions, parenting can be overwhelming and tiring. Discover some strategies and skills that can make it easier for your kids and you, and the critical role that parents and caregivers play to create positive change for young people. Learn about emotion regulation and dysregulation from Nicole Allen, Registered Clinical Counsellor.
Join us and other families for this video presentation and discussion that’s facilitated by a FamilySmart Family Peer Support Worker
September 23: 6:30 PM-8:00 PM
September 24: 12:00 PM-1:30 PM
ADHD doesn’t just affect the person living with ADHD. It also affects those around them. As parents of kids living with ADHD, we can benefit from learning what ADHD is and how to support our kids. Learn from Dr. Duncan,Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as he dispels some myths and explains how and why the ADHD brain works the way it does.
October 7: 6:30 PM-8:00 PM
October 21: 12:00 PM-1:30 PM
October 28: 6:30 PM-8:00 PM
OCD: It is More Than Overwashing Your Hands
Living with OCD can present unique challenges that affect both our kids and us as families. For those living with it, simple tasks become overwhelming and disrupt daily life. Learn from Dr. Katherine McKenney, R. Psychologist and Director, Cornerstone Child & Family Psychology Clinic; and Kelsey, a young adult who lives with OCD. Together they discuss ways to strengthen our understanding and to support our kids living with OCD.
October 15: 6:30 -8:00 PM
October 23: 6:30-8:00 PM
ONE ON ONE PEER SUPPORT
We also wanted to remind you that we are available for free one on one peer support to parents /caregivers .We offer non judgmental, confidential support and can also help with navigating information and mental health systems. You can email us at Vancouver@familysmart.ca or leave a message at (604) 607-9581
OTHER EVENTS/RESOURCES
We also wanted to share some free events/programs being offered in the community and/or online that might be of interest or relevance.
Parenting Support Services Society
Has peer led support groups for caregivers parenting kids with anxiety/depression, neurodivergent families, kids with adhd, as well as many other language specific groups.
YMIND programs: free in person program for teens 13-18 with mild to moderate anxiety.
Y Mind is a FREE seven-week group program for teens, youth, or adults who are managing mild-to-moderate stress, worries, or anxiety. Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness and self-compassion, Y Mind helps build coping strategies in a supportive setting.
To join, register for an information session where you will meet the group facilitators and complete an intake for the program.Click here to sign up and receive further details of the program.
Circle of Security Parenting Program: offered for free starts October 7
This 8-week program will cover how to:
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Better understand your child’s emotional world & learn to read their emotional needs
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Support your child and help them manage their emotions
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Enhance the development of your child’s self-esteem
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Honour your child’s wish to be secure
FOUNDRY Virtual has several youth AND/OR parent caregiver workshops including
Emotional Focussed Family Therapy
Art Exploration Group for Caregivers
( requires you to download the Foundry App)
Kids, Tweens and Teens in Control Programs:
Kids, Tweens, and Teens in Control are free education and support programs for children and youth (aged 8-18) who have a loved one with mental illness like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression, or substance use challenges.
These online and in-person programs focus on developing and reinforcing boundaries, self-care through education, crafting, and calming strategies. Our goal is to foster resilience and increase the knowledge and understanding of mental illness.
Here are some important dates to look out for in the coming weeks:
Drop-In TIC: 1st Wednesday of the month | 4:00 - 5:30 pm | Zoom
Drop-In KIC: 2nd Wednesday of the month | 4:00 - 5:30 pm | Zoom
Online presentation : YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH: From Overwhelmed To Understood:
A powerful and practical session featuring CAMH child and youth mental health experts who will share tools, insights, respond to your questions, and share strategies to help your family start the school year with confidence and mental resilience year-round.
For parents, caregivers, educators, and supporters of young people.
What You'll Learn
✓ How to spot signs of anxiety in children and teens
✓ When to worry—and when it’s normal
✓ Tools to support kids at home and in the classroom
We know how hard it can be to parent when our kids are struggling. We hope you will reach out if you could use some extra support.
Warmly,
Melina and Amy
Melina Auerbach and Amy Tam
Vancouver FamilySmart
Family Peer Support Workers - Vancouver