NLPS Developed Resources
Our Mental Health Team (Student Advocacy Counsellors and SFSK Wellness Coaches) have developed the following resources for our NLPS families:
Bubble breathing is a calming strategy that helps children focus on their breath in a fun way. You can use this card to remind you of the steps in the strategy when you are outside blowing bubbles.
Want to make some bubble solution to help practice this strategy? Try this recipe:
Materials
- Large Cup
- 1/2 cup of dish soap
- 1-1/2 cups of water
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- bubble wands (see instructions below for how to make your own wands)
Directions
Mix together and stir. Go outside and blow bubbles!
You can also download and print this recipe: Homemade Bubble Recipe
Need some wands for blowing bubbles? All you need is pipe cleaners and your imagination!
- Take one end of the pipe cleaner and bend it to form a circle approximately the size of a quarter or whatever size you desire.
- Make sure the wand will fit inside the container you are using for your bubble solution. Once you are happy with the size and share, twist it together tightly so it stays locked in place.
- Get creative with your shapes and have fun!
You can also download and print these instructions: DIY Bubble Wands.
Mental Health Support Apps
Fill in each square with a self-care activity that you enjoy! Compete with family and friends to see who can complete the most activities.
Self-Care Ideas Poster
There are 31 ideas for self-care on this poster. Print it and post it somewhere visible so that you can easily refer to it when you are feeling overwhelmed.
Challenge yourself and your family to rise from the status quo and make self-care a habit.
This tool provides proprioceptive input and crosses the midline. Can be used for big emotions, high energy and wiggles or to wake you up if feeling tired.
Curated Resources
All of the resources below have been reviewed and recommended by our Mental Health Team (Student Advocacy Counsellors and SFSK Wellness Coaches).
- 25 Fun Mindfulness Activities for Children and Teens
Positive Psychology
Mindfulness activities geared for different age groups as well as strategies and tips for teaching mindfulness and practising it yourself. - Interactive Games
Mental Health Delta Division
Worksheets and activities on a variety of mental health topics, including anger, stress, and self-esteem. - Mindfulness Activities for Families
Heart-Mind Online - Mindfulness Class for Kids
Mindful Schools
Ten free mindfulness classes for kids with activities, mindful movements and read-alouds. - Mindfulness Quiz
Greater Good Magazine
Learn more about mindfulness, how much you are already practicing it, and how you can promote more of it in your life. - Pleasant Events Calendar for Students
Greater Good in Education
Helps student learn to care for themselves by planning enjoyable activities to help them combat stress and anxiety. - Quiz: Am I Practicing Enough Self-Care?
Kids Help Phone
Students can take this quiz to see if they are taking enough time to focus on caring for themselves. - Reduce your stress and find your JOY
Brilliant Mindfulness
Online mindfulness courses. - Self-Care Checklist
Change Counseling
Check out this list of self-care ideas for things you may not have thought of. - Ultimate Positive Thinking Toolkit: 19 Techniques and Exercises
Positive Psychology
Techniques, strategies and worksheets for positive thinking.
- The Shine App
Full of resources and activities focused on self-care, including meditation, connection and reflection. - Smiling Mind offers a mindfulness app that you and your kids can download for FREE.
- 11 Simple Self-Care Habits for Kids
PBS Kids for Parents
Strategies to help kids practice self-care. - 30 Ways to Practice Self-Care
Youthab
A great list of things you can do to take care of yourself - 45 Simple Self-Care Practices for a Healthy Mind, Body, and Soul
tiny buddha - Evidence-Based Tips to Give Your Child the Gift of Self-Acceptance
Raising Independent Kids
Five things you can do to foster self-acceptance with your children. - Exam Season Tips, Tricks and Self-Care
Archway, McMaster University - Exam Stress
Kids Help Line
Tips to cope with stress during exam time. - Exam Stress: 5 Things Parents Can do to Help
CBC News
Suggestions for how caregivers can support students during exam time. - How to Practice Self-Care
Kids Help Phone
Self-care is about being a champion for your own mental and emotional well-being. Here are some ways you can practice self-care every day. - Looking After Yourself
Kids Help Line
Information on keeping things in balance and learning to manage stress. - Mindfulness for Kids
mindful
Information on how to meditate, mindfulness activities, coping with stress and parenting tips. - Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress
Mayo Clinic - Resilience guide for parents and teachers
American Psychological Association
Provides 10 tips for building resilience in children and teens.
- Your Resource for All Things Self-Care in Canada
selfcare.ca
Learn more about the seven pillars of self-care. - Self-Care
kids helpline
Strategies for exercise, nutrition and sleep - Self-Care Circle
Greater Good in Education
Learn how to implement a self-care circle in your school or classroom. - The Struggle to Juggle: Stress Management Strategies for You and Your Family
The Psychology Foundation of Canada
Learn more about stress and how to manage it, plus tips for helping your children manage their stress too. - Stress Management Society
Information and resources about stress and how to manage it.
The books listed below can be requested at your local library or purchased at the retailer of your choice. Many are also available as audiobooks and we have included read aloud YouTube videos when available.
ABC Mindful Me
by Christiane Engel
Pairing simplified mindfulness principles with each letter of the alphabet, ABC Mindful Me features colorful illustrations of children and animals, as well as playful rhymes to explain each concept to toddlers (and their parents!).
The Lemonade Hurricane: A Story of Mindfulness and Meditation
by Licia Morelli
Emma doesn't really like hurricanes. After a busy day of school and activities, Emma likes to sit still and rest. Her little brother, Henry, does everything but. She calls him "The Lemonade Hurricane." Henry is a lot of fun when he's not storming through the house, so Emma decides to teach him how to be still. By showing him how to sit, bow, and breath, Emma is able to calm the hurricane within Henry.
My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing
by Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor
In a world that is sometimes too busy, with too many things going on, My Magic Breath will help steer children into a serene space of mindfulness, self-awareness, and balance.
Take 20 with Maddie and Kenzie Ziegler
- Self Care Session with Alison Malmon, Founder and Executive Director of Active Minds
- Self Care Session (Part 2) with Alison Malmon