Self-Injury Awareness Month

Change is a natural part of life, but for children, even small changes can bring big emotions. Shifts in routine, environment, expectations, or relationships can feel confusing or overwhelming. Children may not always have the words to explain what they are feeling, but their emotions often show up through behavior, body language, or changes in mood.

Choosing gifts for children can be an opportunity to celebrate who they are while nurturing the skills they are developing. A strength based approach focuses on what a child already does well. It also supports the areas where they are growing. When gifts match a child’s interests, learning style, and developmental needs, they can spark confidence and independence in meaningful ways.

When school breaks arrive, the shift in daily structure can feel exciting for some children and overwhelming for others. Many families rely on predictable schedules to support emotional regulation, learning, and a sense of safety.

As the year winds down, many families begin to feel the familiar shift that comes with the holiday season. Plans change, routines get disrupted, and schedules often fill more quickly than expected. These moments can bring joy and connection, but they can also create stress, unpredictability, and emotional strain, especially for caregivers already balancing full plates.

Every year, people around the world come together on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day to remember loved ones, support one another, and acknowledge the unique grief that follows this kind of loss. For many, it is a day filled with tenderness, reflection, and quiet strength.

The holiday season brings a mix of excitement, tradition, and togetherness. For many families, especially those balancing caregiving responsibilities, it can also bring added pressure. The pace often speeds up, schedules fill quickly, and expectations both spoken and unspoken, begin to rise.

As daylight hours shrink and temperatures drop, many people notice a change in mood or motivation. For some, this shift is mild. For others, it’s something deeper known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) .

October marked National Substance Use and Misuse Prevention Month , a time to raise awareness about the impact of substance use and to recognize the vital role families, schools, and communities play in prevention.

For many families, mornings can feel like a race against the clock. Between getting kids dressed, preparing breakfast, finding missing shoes, and getting everyone out the door on time, it’s easy for the day to start with tension instead of calm. But with a little planning and consistency, mornings can become one of the most peaceful and productive parts of the day.