Welcome to Wellness Wednesday for the month of February. This month the division is focusing on Compassion and we are sharing a number of resources that families can use to learn more about Compassion and Self-Compassion and complement what our Student Advocacy Counsellors and SFSK Wellness Coaches are doing in our schools.
Practising Compassion and Self-Compassion has a number of benefits, including lowering anxiety and depression, and increasing resiliency.
This month’s Wellness Wednesday also includes some additional resources not related to Compassion that may be helpful to our NLPS families at this time.
Compassion Activities and Resources for Families
- A Parents’ Guide to Teaching Kids to Forgive
A tool from Great! Schools with nine steps to teach your kids to forgive each other. - VIDEO: Kids fight. Hurt feelings linger. What’s a parent to Do?
From Great! Schools - Kids who learn to forgive are happier, healthier, and may be better able to focus on school work. - VIDEO: Being Kinder to Yourself
From Greater Good Science Center - Take a self-compassion break. When you’re helping others cope with stress and anxiety, how do you deal with your own? - Self-Compassion with Dr. Kristin Neff
Learn about self-compassion, research, and practices, and test your level of self-compassion. - Why Parents Need a Little Self-Compassion
From Greater Good Magazine - learn three practices that can bring a little mindfulness and calm to your busy day. - Self-Compassion Activity
This resource was developed by our Successful Families, Successful Kids Wellness Coaches! Words of kindness to speak to others and to yourself.
Other Mental Health Resources for Families
- LOCAL ONLINE OPPORTUNITY: Adults Supporting Youth with Challenging Pasts
Offered by Lakeland Family Resource Network. Group program will run virtually on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. starting on March 3 for six weeks. If adults cannot make the group times, the program can be done individually. - Three Good Things
This resource was created by our Successful Families, Successful Kids Wellness Coaches to help with developing a positive mindset and practising gratitude. - Jack.org
Jack.org is Canada’s only charity training and empowering young leaders to revolutionize mental health. - Building Resilient Families - Winter Edition
This resource from Alberta Health Services provides 10 fun activities to help families thrive and bounce forward from difficult times. - A Practical Guide to Support Family Stress after a Positive COVID-19 Test
From Alberta Health Services: Have you or a member of your household received a positive COVID-19 test? Uncertain times can be stressful, but when we focus on factors within our own control, it can help us feel more secure in the situation. When feeling stressed or anxious, it can be difficult to think clearly. This Checklist and Action Plan can help guide you through this potentially stressful situation after you or a household member tests positive for COVID-19.
More Mental Health and Wellness Resources are available on our website, including COVID-19 resources, Successful Families, Successful Kids resources for families, and our Mindful Minutes videos! We are also in the process of archiving our past Wellness Wednesday messages.