"Join Western University Professor, Dr. Emma Duerden and TVDSB Manager of Student Mental Health, Lucas Andersen for a discussion on the latest research on the impact of increased screen time on children’s mental health. Find out strategies that educators and families can use to support children and youth."

“Cyberbullying is an increasingly growing concern among our youths. This presentation will explore the various forms of cyberbullying, the harmful impacts that can result, and how parents and caregivers can help combat this issue.  Constable Wilson will discuss the importance of collaborative strategies, emphasizing education, communication and proactive measures to create a safer online environment for our children." 

"Eating disorders can range from problematic tendencies like excessive dieting to a mental health diagnosis such as anorexia or bulimia. Helpers may struggle with knowing how to best respond to this complex issue and may react with frustration, fear, or helplessness. This workshop examines the symptoms, contributing factors, and the experience of living with an eating disorder. Participants will be challenged to check their assumptions and to fully address the function disordered eating plays in a person’s life. The focus then shifts to possible treatment options and practical strategies."

"Join us for a presentation looking at nutrition in school-aged children and youth. Our dietitian and social worker hosts will discuss a variety of challenges faced by caregivers and educators as they try to ensure children and youth get the nutrition and information they need to grow and develop their relationship with food. Let’s explore together how we can change language, rules, and sometimes beliefs around the often-complex topic of school lunches."

"This presentation aims to support parents and caregivers to gain the confidence and skills to talk to their children about relationships. This webinar will consider:

• Being an approachable caregiver

• Healthy friendships and relationships, including respect, equality, and consent

• Differences between healthy, unhealthy, and abusive behaviours

• Warning signs of intimate partner violence or exploitation

• Family values and rules

• Keeping safe

• Building self-esteem."

"The transition from summertime to school days can be tough. Responsibilities start to shift and many can feel worry, fear and anxiety with the change.  We recognize this change can be difficult and there are things you can do to help make the transition a little easier. Join us to discuss how we can support ourselves and our children as we step into a new school year!"

"'I feel it in my gut!'  - There is a two-way dialogue that closely connects these two organs in our body. Emerging research is showcasing how our brain and gastrointestinal system is connected and has a profound influence on our mood, mental health and sense of well-being. By optimizing gut health and digestion we can improve our symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression while increasing serotonin—the happy hormone!"

"With a growing number of online influencers promoting unhealthy ideas about relationships and identity, initiating conversations with children about critically engaging with online content is crucial at all ages. Acknowledging that these conversations can be challenging, this upcoming webinar aims to equip parents with an understanding of dangerous narratives to be wary of, offering valuable insights into navigating uncomfortable discussions with their children. This webinar offers practical advice about fostering a positive and open dialogue, and information about Changing Ways resources."

"Digital technologies bring many benefits for our kids - but they also introduce new and ever evolving risks and harms. Even if parents are tech savvy, many still feel overwhelmed and unsure how to talk about, monitor, or set boundaries around digital technologies. This talk will get caregivers thinking about:

• Young people’s rights and responsibilities in a digital age

• What we (don’t) know about young people’s experiences of harm

• Relevant tools to help youth, including tech solutions, community resources, and the law

• How to have supportive, non-judgmental conversations"

"In this two day presentation series, we will use psychological research findings to address some key topics on parents’ and teens’ minds when it comes to social media use including comparing oneself to others, online aggression, and even the algorithms that encourage overuse. We will further discuss ways to utilize social media for positive outcomes including to cultivate creativity and social connection. Presenters include upper-year university students, led by Dr. Tara Dumas from the Psychology Department at Huron University."

“The internet has become an integral part of our daily lives, and children have also embraced this technological advancement. The internet provides endless possibilities for children to learn, explore, and socialize. However, the internet also exposes children to various dangers, such as cyberbullying, online predators, and inappropriate content. Therefore, as caregivers, we have a responsibility to protect our children when they are online. In this discussion, we will focus on the best ways to protect our children when browsing the web, using social media, and playing games online.”

"In honour of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, we invite caregivers to join us in learning key information about human trafficking awareness and prevention, in our community. Learn: What to know? Where to go?  Who to ask?  How to help?"

“This presentation will examine the importance of sleep in children and youth, including the benefits of sleep, and optimal sleep duration. We will discuss the impacts of not getting enough sleep and explore how daily habits, such as screen use, managing stressors and bed time routines, can influence sleep. Practical strategies to help improve sleep hygiene habits, and useful resources for parents and caregivers of children and youth, will be provided.”

"Navigating diet culture as a parent/caregiver can be challenging. Tune in for strategies that help children and teens develop a positive relationship with food and their bodies. Learn how to encourage open and non-judgmental conversations around food and bodies and practical tips for how to model your own positive relationship with food and body."

"What if the boy who cried wolf only did so because they were in pain?  They were hurt and alone and just wanted to know people cared.  

When our children and youth go through traumatic experiences, sometimes crying wolf is the only way they know how to get their needs met.  This presentation will introduce how to identify and support traumatic responses in children, youth, and ourselves."

"Having a loved one who struggles with mental health and or addiction can be challenging for everyone, including children. Join us as we learn more about mental health versus mental illness, how to best support children and youth,  the creation of safety/action plans, and the importance of self-care for everyone involved."

"Conversations about diversity, inclusion and belonging will look different for each family. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, we want to encourage families to engage in these conversations early on.  

This workshop will explore parent and caregiver concerns, fears, perception or biases, age appropriate conversations, racial socialization, challenges of biracial children, and  strategies for moving forward."

“Supporting our children who struggle with social anxieties can be challenging. How can we support them with things like public speaking, making friends and/or worries about going back to school? These questions and many more will be addressed with the help of Dr. Colin King from the Mary J. Wright Child and Youth Development Clinic and Paula Jesty, creator of the online resource M.I. Understanding. Join us for this important discussion and learn what you can do to support your child through these challenges."

"This presentation will begin to examine the complexities of youth experiencing housing instability in the London community. We will discuss misconceptions and stereotypes,   introduce informed language, the Housing First Philosophy and explore the barriers youth experience when navigating housing within our community. We will explore case studies to illuminate the diversity of experiences of our community members and how we as a community can collectively support our most vulnerable populations."

"Our children and youth are having conversations about romantic relationships, sex and engaging in sexual activity. Using technology, social media, and conversations with their peers, our children are consuming content directly related to consent and intimate relationships. Join us for a webinar  to     discuss the nuances of consent and healthy intimate relationships, so you can be well equipped to support your children now and into the future."

"Did you know that babies and young children have ‘mental health’? 

How a baby or young child shows their mental well-being depends on their age and developmental stage. The most important factor in a young child’s mental wellness is having a caring, kind parent or caregiver who is dependable and responds to their needs. Join us to learn more about your child’s social and emotional well-being and your important role in supporting them."

"Research shows that queer and trans* students face disproportionate levels of risk for mental illness and mental health struggles, which often greatly impacts their academic performance, school participation, self-worth, and general wellbeing. In this presentation, we will discuss the lived experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ students, and explore how to equip queer and gender diverse youth to be prepared to navigate discrimination and marginalization. Finally, we’ll outline steps for caregivers to serve as advocates and allies for their students, within the school system and beyond."

"Do you remember when you were going into Grade 9? Find out how to best support your child with the Transition to High School. This session will include tips about communicating with your teenager and information about how to identify when they need your help. Parents and caregivers will also receive information about digital safety and adolescent growth and development."

"We all feel nervous or worried at times. Learn about the differences between helpful and temporary anxiety versus anxiety disorders, which can have a serious impact on our lives, how we think, act, and feel. This webinar will highlight key signs and symptoms to be aware of, as well as protective factors and strategies to support positive emotional well-being. We will also discuss how we can create a culture of support in our workplace and communities."

“St. Leonard’s Community Services School Based Programs (Restorative Approaches and Peer Power) are rooted in a strong restorative justice based communication skills foundation. Working from prevention to intervention, these programs provide students with the opportunity to build positive peer relationships and expand their communication and conflict resolution skills that assist them in supportive processes to address conflict and repair harm.  Referred by school administrators, the engaging Restorative Approaches team facilitators offer various restorative interventions that assist students in addressing conflicts and bullying with their peers, while also providing support and training workshops for teachers, school staff & parents, to help build the capacity of Restorative Practices in school communities.” 

"Life is busy so we all experience stress and anxiety from time to time, however when it affects our daily life in the long-term it can have a major impact on our health and well-being. This workshop will help you learn how to identify stress and anxiety, the impact it has on us and develop the self-awareness and learn the skills to take back the power to manage life’s challenges."

"November 19th-25th is recognized as Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week in Ontario. Join members of the Safe Schools and Well-Being team to learn more about how Thames  Valley District School Board prevents and responds to bullying. This session will highlight differences between bullying and conflict, pathways you can take if you’re concerned about your child, and prevention strategies that Thames Valley has in place."

For more information: https://www.tvdsb.ca/en/parents/safe-schools-families-and-caregivers.aspx 

"Eating disorders have the highest overall mortality rate of all mental illnesses, and dieting behaviours have been on the rise in young folks. Unfortunately, these behaviours put children and teens at higher risk for developing an eating disorder. Understanding the complexities of eating disorders and their associated warning signs can be challenging. Join us to learn more about what to look for, steps to take and how to create a supportive environment if a child or teen you know is showing signs and symptoms of an eating disorder."

"Join us to learn more about the differences between mental health and mental illness and how to support intervention for all ages. Caregivers will also be provided with techniques and resources on how to support and manage mental health in the family."

"This session supports caregivers with tools and strategies to engage children & youth in conversations about suicide and self harm. We will review concepts related to risk, child and adolescent development, safety planning and navigating pathways to care within the community. Best practices for therapeutic interventions for those at risk will also be discussed."

"Youth substance use is a concern many caregivers share. Is experimenting with substances just a natural part of their development and passage into adulthood? When should parents be concerned? What is the local situation when it comes to substance use? This presentation is designed to help caregivers understand all of these questions and give tools to successfully build the environments that protect youth from starting to use substances."

"Many parents and caregivers are struggling to support their children and youth with concerns that are impacting their ability to attend school, maintain friendships, and have positive social interactions in their family and community. Join us in learning about how a parent managed her journey of parenting children with mental health challenges and learning disabilities. Learn tips on managing your own needs in order to support your children as best you can, and how to build your support network with people that get it."