March in the Playroom
As Valentine’s Day celebrations made their way into the Playroom, the topic of love became a focus of conversation. As a few children sat around the table, decorating hearts and other items, the question “Who do you love?” was asked. The initial answer the children was ‘my mom’ and ‘my dad’. Other family members were soon included, as well as other important people in their lives. This conversation expanded into what other things the children love and perhaps more importantly why they love the people they do. It was interesting to hear the responses include such reasons as: my mom is the best cook; dad likes to play hide-n-seek; and because she loves me. These early relationships that children form with people are integral to their healthy growth and development. When children feel safe and loved they can begin to learn and grow.
And dear parent, remember your children love you and appreciate all you do for them – even if they can’t say it with words.
Music Circle
On Mondays at 11:30 a music therapist joins us and she leads parents and children in a ½ hour of singing and stories. Children learn songs, do a little dancing and make a lot of wonderful noise. March dates are the 4th, 11th, 18st and 25th.
Wiggle, Giggle and Munch
Wednesday mornings from 10 – 12 we have Wiggle, Giggle & Munch for children who are into movement. The morning includes physical activities, a craft, circle time and a nutritious snack. March dates are the 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th. You do not have to pre-register. Just come on the days that work for you and your family. For more information please call us at 204-788-8055.
Healthy Together – Happy Healthy Beginnings For Caregivers and Families.
Join us as we discover ways of being healthy together! Each session includes fun games, activities, and an opportunity to cook and enjoy wholesome food together. Kids welcome to participate! March dates are the 11th and 18th from 1:30-3:30.
Sign-up sheet available at 1:00 in the drop-in
Why Meditate?
It reduces stress (especially in people with very high stress), controls anxiety, and promotes emotional health, including improving depression and increasing optimism. Some types can help you ‘know yourself,’ which is the starting point for making other changes. It’s like weight-lifting for your attention span, so you’re better able to direct and maintain your focus, and it increases memory. Some forms generate kindness towards yourself and others. It helps control cravings, which may fight addictions. It improves sleep, decreases blood pressure, and helps control pain. (For more details and research links, check here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-benefits-of-meditation#section13 )
Meditation is not a magic pill, it takes practice and might make you more aware of difficult sensations at first. It’s really normal to get distracted – success is noticing that it happened! It also won’t fix all your problems. It’s a tool that’s available, along with many others (your doctor, counsellor, community supports…), that can move these things in the direction you want them to go.
A lot of people find it easier to mediate in a group, so we’re offering space Friday mornings at 9:30am, while you’re waiting for breakfast club. Come try it out, or ask Anisa questions.
2019 Winter / Spring Series Of The New Realities Workshops
Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll
(6 sessions including Relationship Skills, Sexual Awareness, Inter-Connection of Sex and Substance Use, and Romance) Tuesday mornings from April 2nd to May 7th
Fine Lines
(6 sessions including Boundaries, Trust, Guilt, Shame, Blame, Resentment, Forgiveness)
Thursday mornings from April 4th to May 9th
Workshops are free of charge. Coffee, tea, water and snacks are provided. Please let us know if you need childcare when you register.
Please call Melissa at 204-788-8057 to register or if you have any questions.
Sex Week!
Join us each day from March 19th through 21st for fun activities to learn about, discuss, and acknowledge gender, sexuality, and relationships.