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When we stop to 'read between the lines' of our children's behavior, we can tune into their hearts, their hurts, their confusion, their frustration, their needs. That’s how we connect with our little humans to guide and help and heal them instead of simply correcting their behavior.

Always let L.O.V.E. be your guide:
💞
Listen - “I hear you.”
Observe - “I see you.”
Validate - “I accept you.”
Empathize - “I understand you.”
💞

Then when the need behind the behavior is met, when they feel seen and heard and understood, you can work together to come up with better ways of expressing their needs in the future. But remember, growing up is a process and it takes a LOT of practice. They won’t get it right every time. They may not even get it right most of the time. But over time you’ll see them grow more and more confident and capable of understanding and expressing their needs verbally and relationally. They won’t ever be perfect, though, and that’s okay. We aren’t, either.💞
-L.R.Knost

📷 Positive Parenting: Toddlers and Beyond Dance with me in the Heart 💞

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📚Peaceful Parenting Resources: http://t.co/T8goym3P6Z 📚
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www.LRKnost.com

Fighting a rare, incurable cancer, but I'm still here!💞 L.R.

A great little read!

https://childmind.org/article/how-trauma-affects-kids-school/

How Trauma Affects Kids in School - Child Mind Institute Learn how trauma from ongoing neglect, abuse, homelessness or violence causes children to have problems with learning and behavior. How to help these kids.

Niagara Falls has their winter lights up 😍

This site has so many fun ideas! Check it out

https://www.ontariossouthwest.com/things-to-do/attractions/things-to-do-with-kids/

Ontario's Southwest | Family attractions Kids. Parents. Grandparents. These action-packed attractions will please every member of the family.

We hope you've been outside enjoying this amazing weather with your families! Happy November!!

A good laugh is a mighty good thing, a rather too scarce a good thing - Herman Melville

Try to always find the humour 😂

Laughter stimulates your heart, lungs, muscles and your circulation. It releases endorphins to your brain! It can improve your immune system, relieve pain and change your mood.

Often hearing a child's belly laugh is what gets me laughing ♥️

Our List of Best Fall Walks:

Limehouse Trail
Rockwood Conservation Area
Paris Rail Trail
Island Conservation Trail
Ball's Falls

Hiking is such a great way to spend time bonding with your family. Be physical, get fresh air, build leadership skills, and improve mental health!

Let us know your favourite place to hike so we can check it too!

Fostering is such a rewarding experience! Consider becoming a foster parent today.

Fostering is a big decision! This article highlights some things to think about if your considering becoming a foster parent.

9 Things to Consider Before Becoming a Foster Parent Learn about the important points you should think about while deciding on whether or not to be a foster parent.

Don't forget to schedule in time for reading with the kids this summer!

21 Benefits of Reading Aloud to Babies, Kids, and Teens Discover the many benefits of reading aloud to babies, kids, and teens. Expand vocabulary, make memories, foster a life-long love of reading, and more!

This was a heart-warming read!

‘They gave me a second chance at life’: Former foster child praises family that raised her “They gave me a second chance at life,” says one former Calgary foster child of the family that raised her and her sisters.

Article written on the benefits of positive parenting by RSGC -
'Positive parenting helps to develop stronger parent-child relationships. This approach to behavioural development increases trust between children and parents. The reason for this trust is that children have positive interactions with parents as a result of positive parenting. These positive interactions and the positive outlook attribute to a strong relationship and are contrary to the harsh or negative interactions that studies show can lead to mental health issues in childhood or later in life.'
https://www.rsgc.on.ca/news-detail?pk=998751&fromId=248258

Head to Waterloo's Jazz Festival this weekend with the kids!

Home | Sun Life Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival

“I continue to believe that if children are given the necessary tools to succeed, they will succeed beyond their wildest dreams.” – David Vitter

We found this great article to share

Attachment Trauma: Effects, Examples, and How to Heal Attachment trauma starts early in life, and can affect you well into adulthood — but there are ways to heal.

The simple act of caring is heroic - Edward Albert

Looking for something to do as a family tonight?
Hamilton has waterfront music on Pier 8 every Thursday, all summer long!

Music on the Waterfront – Hamilton Waterfront Trust Music on the Waterfront Waterfront Stage – Pier 8 FREE CONCERT Join us every Thursday evening from June 9 - September 1 6:30pm - 8:30pm (weather permitting) Please bring a lawn chair or blanket Donations are Greatly Appreciated for the FREE event 2022 Music Line Up June 9 -- Troy Harmer Jazz Trio ...

Foster Care - Because a child can never have too many people to love them

We loved this article!

5 Life Skills Kids Learn When They Cook | CBC Parents CBC Parents

We loved reading this article and had to share it!

Developing life skills through sports Sport isn’t just good for children’s bodies. Sport has psychological benefits for children and adolescents, and teaches them important life skills.

We love using safeguards for training! Provided is their link to have a look at all the available courses they offer.

SafeGuards Training - Home - SafeGuards provides culturally-informed knowledge to address trauma and safeguard vulnerable children, youth, adults & families from abuse.

Ontario offers some beautiful beaches, such as Grand Bend, Wasaga, Port Dover and Turkey Point.
A great way to spend a summer day making memories!

Take advantage! Free admission to Parks Canada for youth under 17!

Happy Canada Day!!
This weekend will provide lots of events to celebrate with loved ones!

“I don’t remember who said this, but there really are places in the heart you don’t even know exist until you love a child.” ― Anne Lamott,

Today's Parent offers an article on what it is like to foster. This may provide some insight for families who are considering fostering.

4 things I wish I’d known about foster parenting "Foster parenting has shaped us in ways I never could have imagined. But there are still things I wish I'd known that would've made things a little easier."

Some quick and easy tips on parenting any age!

Child Development Positive Parenting Tips | CDC Learn more about your child’s development, positive parenting, safety, and health at each stage of your child’s life.

Looking for something to do Thursday nights?
Mississauga is hosting movie nights at Celebration Square every Thursday all summer long!

Movie Nights at Celebration Square - Child's Life Kids Event Guide York Region, Toronto, Durham Region Grab a blanket and join your friends and neighbours at the City’s biggest outdoor theatre. From nostalgic throwbacks to blockbuster hits, this year’s Movie Nights line-up includes Dinosaurs, Wizards and Superheroes. Movie Nights are free and accessible. All featured films offer closed-captioning...

Happy Father's Day!! We hope all dads are enjoying their day!

"Fatherhood is the greatest thing that could ever happen. You can't explain it until it happens—it's like telling someone what water feels like before they've ever swam in it." -Michael Buble

Wishing all Dads a very Happy Father's Day Weekend!!

"Life is beautiful. It's about giving. It's about family." - Walt DIsney

The YWCA in Scarborough is offering some free courses on parenting. There is so much to learn, it can never hurt to learn more!
Click the link below to find out more
https://www.ywcatoronto.org/ourprograms/parentingandchildcare/parentingprograms

Focus on the Family offers some great articles and tips!
The one featured is on preparing for ones child's post-secondary education

https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/content/preparing-your-teen-for-college-or-university

Preparing your teen for college or university Here are some tips from a president, a financial services officer, a registrar, an executive director and a campus pastor on how you can prepare yourself and your teen for this new stage of life.