Family Wellness

Welcome! We are so glad you're here. First and foremost, we want to thank you for being a dedicated parent/guardian. Your role in the life of your child or youth is incredibly important, and we understand that raising a child in today's world is no easy task.

The challenges you face in today's culture are unique, the pressures are intense, and it can feel like there are many conflicting messages about parenting. From social media and technology to societal expectations and ever-evolving trends, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what approach is best for you and your child.

Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD) recognizes the weight of these decisions and the complexity of balancing your child's emotional, mental, and social needs while helping them navigate a fast-paced, sometimes confusing, world. Parenting is a journey that doesn't have a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you are looking for support, resources, or simply a space to reflect and connect, you're in the right place. Together, we can work towards making sense of the challenges and finding paths that best support you and your child.

Children haven't changed, the world has!

- Dr. Gordon Neufeld

Children haven't changed, their fundamental need for love, support, connection, and guidance remain the same. What has dramatically changed is the world around them; it is evolving at an unprecendented pace. The challenges of parenting today are not about the children themselves, but rather the environment in which they are growing up.

Parents Matter More Than Ever

As a parent/guardian, your role in your child's life is foundational, and it can feel like you need to matter more than their peers, especially when navigating the complexities of today's world. While friendships and relationships with peers are important for your child's social development, it is essential that your influence remains the most significant, and here's why:

While peer relationships are vital for a child's social development and sense of belonging, parents/guardians play an irreplaceable role in shaping their emotional, social, and moral growth.

Your influence is the foundation that helps your child weather storms of adolescence and prepare for the complexities of adulthood. Your involvement and value is not about controlling your child, it's about providing the wisdom, security, and unconditional love that empower them to thrive.

If you would like to learn more about healthy development, check out Dr. Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Maté's book, Hold on to Your Kids.

My Child Needs Help

When should I be concerned?

My child has shown changes in their behaviour, attitude, appearance, and/or performance
My child has withdrawn from family, others, and/or activities
My child has had a change in peer group and/or more secrecy
My child has had a drop in school performance
My child has shared physical complaints
My child is having trouble making friends
My child is expressing more negativity about themself and/or others

School-Based Resources

PWPSD Tiers of Intervention

Mental Health Literacy

Community-Based Resources

Children's Mental Health, Grande Prairie Nordic Court

Children's Community Therapists

Bullying Helpline

Recovery Alberta's Caregiver Resources

Caregiver Resources on Mental Health (Online seminars)

I Need Help

Parenting is one of the most rewarding things a person can do, but it is also one of the hardest, and it can feel especially overwhelming at times. Whether you are dealing with your child's behaviour, your own stress, or feelings unsure about the decisions you are making, please know you are not alone!

Many parents/guardians go through periods of doubt, frustration, and exhaustion, but it does not mean you are failing. It just means you care deeply, and are doing your best in a world that demands a lot.

Here are a few tips on how to approach your struggles and take care of yourself as you navigate challenges:

Acknowledge your feelings

It is important to recognize that struggling as a parent/guardian does not mean you are doing anything wrong. Parenting is complex, and it is normal to face tough days and doubt. It is okay to feel frustrated, anxious, or overwhelmed. Acknowledging your feels helps you take the next step toward finding solutions or getting support.

Reach out for support

You don't have to do this alone. There are people, both personally and professionally, who can support you. This might be a family member, a trusted friend, a parenting group, or even a therapist. Talking things through with someone who can listen without judgement can help you feel more understood and less isolated.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, professional support from a counselor or therapist could provide tools and strategies to cope better with your emotions and challenges. Mental health professionals can also help you explore any underlying issues affecting your parenting journey.

Self-care is crucial

It can be easy to put your own needs last when you're focused on your child's needs, but taking care of yourself is vital to being able to care for your child. Even small moments of self-care, like a walk, reading, breathing exercises, or just a few moments of quiet, can make a difference in how you handle the daily stress of parents.

Remember: You can't pour from an empty cup. Your well-being matters too!

Practice patience with yourself

Parenting is full of ups and downs, and there are no perfect parents. If things feel hard right now, it's okay. You are allowed to take things one step at a time, and you don't have to have everything figured out right away. Progress in parenting is often slow, but the love and effort you put into each day matter more than you might realize.

Focus on what you can control

Parenting involves a lot of variables, some of which are outside your control. Instead of focusing on everything that might feel overwhelming, try focusing on what you can influence: your responses, the atmosphere you create in your home, and how you support your child emotionally. It's the small, consistent actions that add up over time.

Look for small wins

Instead of viewing parenting through the lens of all the things you feel you're not getting right, take a moment to appreciate the small victories. Maybe your child was a little more patient today, or you handled a touch situation a bit better than yesterday. Celebrate these moments, it helps you build a positive momentum.

Be kind to yourself

Parenting can often bring out the inner critic. You might feel guilty or question your choices, but try to be compassionate with yourself. You are doing your best, and that's enough. When you make mistakes, which everyone does, use them as learning opportunties to grow.

Parenting is not one-size-fits-all

Every child is different, and so is ever parent. What works for one family may not work for yours, and that is okay. It's about finding what feels right for both you and your child, which sometimes involves trial and error. There is not perfect way to parent, only the way that works for your unique family.

Trust your instincts

You know your child better than anyone else. Trust your intuition and don't be afraid to advocate for what you think is best for them. If something doesn't feel right, whether it is a behavioural issue, their emotional well-being, or how you're handling a situation, listen to that feeling.

Ask for help when you need it

It is okay to ask for outside help, whether from your partner, family members, friends, or a professional. You do not need to have all the answers on your own. Everyone needs help from time to time, and reaching out can lighten the load.

You are not alone in feeling the way you do. Every parent, no matter how experienced, has moments of struggle. It is okay to feel unsure, exhausted, or overwhelmed, it does not mean you are not doing a great job.

The fact that you are reflecting on your parenting and looking for ways to improve shows your love and commitment. Keep reaching out for support, take time for yourself, and remember that you're doing the best you can, and that's more than enough.

Healthy Habits

General Healthy Living