When our kids are small and trying to manage emotions, they throw tantrums, throw things, have meltdowns, they scream and they whine. Because they can’t express what they are feeling, this is their way of communicating with us. Society tells us we should punish them for this. We teach and train them not to show their emotions. Don’t whine. Don’t complain. Your feelings are wrong. Be quiet. Eventually they stop expressing their emotions to us. Then when they turn into teenagers, we expect them to feel safe talking to us. We expect them to know that NOW it’s okay. They are subconsciously wired to think the opposite because this is what they grew up learning. Give your child permission to feel. Let them know their feelings are valid and that you care, no matter how small. Make sure they know that they are heard.

The Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not for profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grassroots family-to-family organization with a broad volunteer base. FSI supports and services are free to any family. Some of their services include a Resource Parent/Resource Family member peer support program, free webinars, parent/family “meet ups” on Zoom, and downloadable online resources. Check out their website or Facebook page to learn more!

New South End location for Adult Day Programs

Circle of Security – Parenting Series
Parenting group at Sundrops
• Understand your child’s behaviours by learning to read their emotional needs
• Support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions
• Enhance the development of your child’s self esteem
• Honor your innate wisdom and desire for your child to be secure
Contact [email protected] to add your name to the email list

Expect the unexpected with the return of the Vancouver Island Symphony’s popular Summer Pop Up Concert Series featuring three VIS Ensembles performing works from all genres of music including Classical, Jazz, Latin, Traditional and Canadiana favourites. These concerts continue in August and take place in beautiful garden settings from Yellowpoint to the Comox Valley featuring: # 1: VIS Back Row Brass Quintet, #2: VIS String Quartet & French Horn #3: the Marko Paolo Trio (Flute, Violin/ Accordion, Double Bass). Get your tickets now.

As you are enjoying the summer, keep these things in mind. Trace minerals are important for metabolic and brain functions. These are lost through activities and sweating in the heat so add vital electrolyte to your water! They are available in liquid form and from sea or Himalayan salts. Protect your skin from sun damage and dryness. Use Hyaluronic acid or aloe vera internally and/or topical for dryness and burns. Biotin provides help for brittle nails and hair. All the supplements to help you stay safe and happy are available at our store. Be extra well and have fun!!

In the decision making stage of the career exploration process, it’s time to take all the accumulated information and analyze how each career works with your life priorities. While looking at how each career matches up with aspects such as your life values, interests and skills, it is important to understand that; *There is more than one great career per person. *A career may not always fill every want or desire. *Some elements and goals will need addition activities to feel complete. *It’s ok to feel uncertain and emotional. Be sure to make decision based on knowledge rather than assumption.

According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion 12 to 35-year-olds, risk irreversible hearing loss from exposure to loud sounds such as music played on their smartphone. To prevent noise-induced hearing loss and related conditions such as tinnitus – commonly experienced as a ringing sound inside the ear – monitor how loud, and for how long, you listen to music. Sound is measured in units called decibels or dBA. Music through headphones at maximum volume measure 94-110 dBA. Sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. Test your hearing today at NexGen Hearing!

Sundrops afterschool program now has a new 24 passenger bus equipped with TWO wheelchair lifts to transport kids to and from community activities. Variety, the Children’s Charity has covered half the cost and Clements Centre has announced a fundraiser “Kick-Start” the Bus to raise the other 50%. Our friends at Island Ford Superstore are generously matching community donations up to $10,000. You can help to Kick Start the Bus with this incredible opportunity to double your donation and double your impact! Every dollar you donate will directly touch the life of a child by providing barrier-free access to community activities.