When we look at the mental health and well-being of children and youth, protective factors can help buffer against negative life experiences and support student wellbeing. When it comes to supporting protective factors, schools play an important role. 

Expectations for parents and caregivers today are overwhelmingly high, with endless advice on the internet and bombardment of ‘perfect’ families on social media telling them they can do better.

In this minisode we are joined by Dr. Chris Willard, Harvard Psychologist, dad and author of ‘How To Grow Through What We Go Through.’

In this minisode we talk about ways to adapt mindfulness for kids, rather than a one-size fits all approach.

The guide is meant to help facilitate conversations, build common understandings, and support practice by defining and discussing key mental health an­­d substance use terms and topics.

How can parents and caregivers take care of ourselves amidst full schedules and busy days?

Our team aims to enhance the physical and mental health and well-being of BC’s children, youth, and families through health promotion and health literacy.

This resource offers parents and caregivers suggestions for engaging with their young child and understanding how that experience supports their child's development and well-being.

A self-care plan template to support parents and caregivers to take care of their well-being.

This guide for parents and caregivers outlines how they can work with schools to ensure their child is part of a safe and respectful school community.

Changes and transitions are part of life. We know this as parents and caregivers. However, we don't always know how to support our kids through these big life events.

Separation and divorce can be a highly emotional time and stressful experience for children and youth, and tough to process at any age.  This minisode addresses questions from BC families.

In the last few years, we have had no shortage of disturbing news and big, scary world events, be it pandemics, social injustices, wars or climate change issues. This minisode addresses questions from BC parents and caregivers.

Children can behave in challenging ways at many different stages of life. Learn about approaches that can help you to continue building a positive relationship with your child.

Discover evidence-based approaches that help students build protective factors including autonomy, belonging and competence and describe how this can help prevent, delay and reduce substance-related harms.

Parenting in the Trenches presents a podcast on holiday consideration for neurodiverse families.

A list of of mental health supports & resources for school communities in BC.

An handbook for children and their families with a new diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Children can learn what autism is, explore how they feel about the diagnosis and better understand what it means to them.

This handbook provides families with the information and resources they need to help their children move through the journey towards recovery and resilience. Looking for the somatization handbook for health professionals? Click here.

This episode transcript from the Where You Are podcast brings your frequently asked questions about child and youth mental health.

This handbook aims to helps parents feel connected with other parents and caregivers experiencing a young person struggling with substance use disorder.

Learn the basics of substance use and staying connected with your child, and how you can help your child develop the knowledge and skills they will need to make decisions about vaping, alcohol and other drugs as they grow.

This resource provides parents and caregivers with information about how to talk about substance use with their child.

Check out the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) School-Based Activities toolkit for a few ideas you can do at your school!

Speaker support isn’t a straightforward process, so for a more detailed and in-depth look at best practices we suggest you refer to the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) Headstrong Toolkit for Training Speakers.

In this toolkit you can find guiding questions, exercises and helpful information to guide you through the process of sharing your story.

The MHCC Headstrong Summit Planning toolkit will help you design, coordinate, and implement a regional summit.

Read about social and emotional development (SED) in the early years, including what it is, how you can support your child’s SED, and how these skills will benefit them for life.

Read strategies school professionals can use to support their own well-being, support each other’s well-being, and engage at a system’s level to keep staff well-being a priority for mental health and wellness.

Read answers to questions including how to support your child at home, managing meal times, what to do if your child refuses help, tips about how parents can play an active role in your child’s recovery.

Powerpoint slides from the 'Back to School: How To Promote Resilience and Set Your Kids Up For Success' presentation. Find the webinar recording, here.

A companion document to the webinar “School Anxiety & Attendance Challenges: Practical Strategies for Elementary School Professionals” including the theoretical foundation of school avoidance and framework towards successful school attendance. 

A companion document to the webinar “School Anxiety & Attendance Challenges: Practical Strategies for High School Professionals”.

Our team aims to enhance the health and well-being of BC’s children, youth, and families through health promotion and health literacy.

Professional Learning Powerpoint: Social Emotional Well-being teaches engagement, connection, meaning, positive feelings and a sense of achievement in life for Alexis Creek and Anahim Lake Schools.

This guide was developed as a way for caregivers to access important information and resources relating to providing care for children and adults with FASD.

This handbook has information for parents and caregivers going through a separation or divorce. It contains information and tips for helping children with their emotions or who are experiencing stress. 

Some common questions and answers for parents and caregivers of transgender and gender diverse youth.

This decision aid has been designed to help you decide whether to have your child take medicine.

An info sheet for parents and caregivers on the topic of prescription opioid misuse. Includes information on preventing problems, and what to do if you suspect your child might be misusing opioids. 

A toolkit designed to promote positive mental health perspectives and practices in the school context.

This booklet is for those who have someone in their lives with a Borderline Personality Disorder.

An interactive tool for children and their care providers to identify stressors, early warning signs, and tools to feel better. Includes a personal safety plan and safety plan for passes.

This resource can be used to help children and families develop healthy living SMART goals. 

A guide by Vancouver Coastal Health intended to help parents and caregivers talk to and support their children when a loved one is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease.

This guide provides tips and resources for parents and caregivers on parent and caregiver involvement in schools.

With a diagnosis, family and friends may experience relief and a sense of hope – realizing that psychosis can be effectively managed.