As parents and caregivers, it can be easy to continuously push taking care of ourselves to the bottom of our list. But, when we prioritize our mental health and wellness, it also has a positive ripple effect on those around us. How can parents and caregivers take care of ourselves amidst full schedules and busy days? In this episode, Taryn, a parent of two, and Dr. Sukpreet Tamana, offer ideas and evidence to: Unpack misconceptions and common challenges that can come up for parents as we try to prioritize our own needs, and Discuss how strategies like recognizing emotions, setting boundaries and building support networks might offer small, practical ways to recharge and take care of our mental health and well-being.

Our external senses— smell, sight, touch, and taste—along with lesser-known internal ones like balance and location— are constantly working to help us make sense of our world around us. This intricate process, often known as ‘sensory processing,’ is the foundation of many daily tasks. For some children, navigating this sensory processing can be more challenging.  In today’s episode, our hosts chat with Tammie, a parent who shares her personal story of supporting her child with sensory processing challenges, and Courtney Hall, BCCH Occupational Therapist. Together they: Talk about different types of sensory preferences - like hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity  Look at other conditions that can go along with sensory processing issues and Offer tips and resources for parents and caregivers to support a child with sensory processing challenges 

With four seasons of the podcast under their belts, our hosts reflect on episodes that have resonated with them.  Bryn, Char and special guest Michelle Horn look back at topics including sleep, feeding and eating, concurrent disorders, when parenting gets tough, and more. Together, they discuss some of the gems shared by our many amazing guests including: How to focus on your child’s strengths to help them manage their difficulties in life Things parents and caregivers can do when their child is struggling with mental health challenges  Connection and why showing up can be meaningful to your child And much more! Note: A sincere and heartfelt thank you to all of our wonderful guests who have joined us over the last four seasons.  We could not have done this without you.

When it comes to supporting children and youth through trauma there are things that parents can do to help. In this episode our hosts are joined by Lynne, a parent and grandparent who shares her personal story of navigating trauma within her family and Dr. Linda Uyeda, family physician with expertise in neuroscience, trauma and attachment. Together they discuss: · What trauma is, how it can show up for kids and it’s impact on mental health · The impact of trauma across generations · How parents and caregivers can talk to their child about these experiences; and · What parents and caregivers can do to support their child at home.   Note:  For some of us the topic of trauma can be challenging and heavy. As you listen to this episode, please take stock of how you're feeling.  If you need to take a break, come back a little later, or reach out to your supports please do so. As we discuss with this topic, taking care of yourself is extremely important.  Listeners, help us improve our podcast. Take this short feedback survey: https://bit.ly/WYAfeedback Completed surveys will be entered in a draw for a $100 Chapter's/Indigo gift card.

We are hard at work on upcoming episodes and sharing one of our Season 3 episodes that really stuck with us. In this episode, hosts Michelle and Bryn are joined by Kelly, a parent of a youth diagnosed with an eating disorder, and Dr. Jennifer Coelho, Psychologist at BC Children’s Hospital’s Provincial Specialized Eating Disorder Program, to answer questions we often hear from families about supporting a youth with an eating disorder. The conversation covers how to support your child at home, managing meal times, what to do if your child refuses help, tips about how parents can play an active role in your child’s recovery, and resources to support parents and caregivers.

Changes and transitions are part of life. We know this as parents and caregivers. However, we don’t always know how to support our kids through these big life events - such as starting a new school, moving, the arrival of a new sibling, or loss of a loved one. In this minisode, hosts Bryn & Char discuss this topic with Dr. Ashley Miller, child psychiatrist and family therapist.  Questions include:  What is it about transitions and big life changes that can be hard for kids? What effects can major life changes have on my child’s mental health? What are some strategies I can share with my child to help them cope during transitions and big life events? 

Separation and divorce can be a highly emotional time and stressful experience for children and youth, and tough to process at any age.  In this minisode, we bring questions from BC families on separation and divorce to Dr. Ashley Miller, child psychiatrist and family therapist. Together we discuss tips for supporting both you and your child’s well-being and mental health and explore questions including: What strategies can I share to help my child cope during the hard times? How can I ensure my divorce doesn’t impact my child’s future relationships? And much more. - Listeners, help us improve our podcast. Take this short feedback survey: https://bit.ly/WYAfeedback Completed surveys will be entered in a draw for a $100 Chapter's/Indigo gift card.

In the last few years, we have had no shortage of disturbing news and big, scary world events, be it pandemics, social injustices, wars, climate change issues like wildfires, floods, and more.   In this minisode, Bryn and Char bring questions from BC parents and caregivers to Dr. Ashley Miller, child psychiatrist and family therapist. They dig into questions including: How can I talk to my child about disturbing news and scary events without inciting worry or fear? How much information should I share when I talk with my kids about scary news, how honest should I be? Are there skills I can teach my child to help manage the stress or worry they might feel when they hear or talk about scary news? And much more! - Listeners, help us improve our podcast. Take this short feedback survey: https://bit.ly/WYAfeedback Completed surveys will be entered in a draw for a $100 Chapter's/Indigo gift card.

Children can behave in challenging ways at many different stages of life. From tantrums and angry outbursts, to disruptive behaviour and constant negotiations, managing difficult behaviour is often a part of parenting and caregiving. Where You Are hosts Bryn and Char speak with Jeremy, dad of 2, and Dr. Janet Mah about why challenging behaviors can occur in children, strategies and tools parents can use before big behaviours show up and to support your kids in moments when things are escalated and how these approaches can help you to continue building a positive relationship with your child. Listeners, help us improve our podcast. Take this short feedback survey: https://bit.ly/WYAfeedback  Completed surveys will be entered in a draw for a $100 Chapter's/Indigo gift card.

When it comes to substance use education, school professionals are an important resource. Schools can provide supportive environments that promote overall well-being and equip students with the confidence, knowledge and skills they need to make decisions about the substances they'll encounter as they grow. Bryn and guest co-host Cindy Andrew come together with Dave Mackenzie, a school counsellor, and Art Steinmann, a Youth Substance Use Health Promotion Specialist, to talk about the ABC’s of substance use education and schools. They share evidence-based approaches that help students build protective factors including autonomy, belonging and competence and describe how this can help prevent, delay and reduce substance-related harms. This episode is a collaboration between BC Children's Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre and Bunyaad Public Affairs Inc.  Listeners, help us improve our podcast. Take this short feedback survey: https://bit.ly/WYAfeedback  Completed surveys will be entered in a draw for a $100 Chapter's/Indigo gift card.

We are sharing this great episode from Parenting in the Trenches, a podcast by Karen Peters. With the holiday season approaching, we recognize that every family is unique and that the season will be different for all. This episode tackles the complexities of the holidays and offers 12 considerations that can help parents and caregivers increase the joy and peace of the season, particularly when you have neurodiverse kids. Tips for addressing social dynamics and expectations, sensory overload, varying thresholds for tolerating change, and adapting to promote your family’s mental wellness are explored. Listeners, help us improve our podcast. Take this short feedback survey: https://bit.ly/WYAfeedback  Completed surveys will be entered in a draw for a $100 Chapter's/Indigo gift card.

School is a big part of kids’ lives. When anxiety gets in the way of a child going to or staying at school, this can be really hard on the whole family. In this episode we look at what’s behind school anxiety, when parents should reach out for help, tips for parents and caregivers to promote their own coping, and strategies to help get your child back in their regular school routine. Listeners, help us improve our podcast. Take this short feedback survey: https://bit.ly/WYAfeedback  Completed surveys will be entered in a draw for a $100 Chapter's/Indigo gift card.

Parenting a kid with OCD can be difficult because you often have to go against your natural instincts. In this episode Michelle and Bryn are joined by Jen, a parent of a youth struggling with OCD, and Dr. Evelyn Stewart, Psychiatrist at BC Children’s Hospital and the founding Director of the Provincial Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Clinic. They discuss what OCD is and isn’t, how to know when to reach out for help, approaches parents can use to not ‘feed the OCD’ and practical strategies to help you best support your child with OCD at home. Listeners, help us improve our podcast. Take this short feedback survey: https://bit.ly/WYAfeedback  Completed surveys will be entered in a draw for a $100 Chapter's/Indigo gift card.

For our final episode of Season 3, Bryn & Michelle bring questions from BC parents and caregivers to two leading child and youth mental health experts at BC Children’s Hospital, Dr. Ashley Miller and Dr. Amrit Dhariwal. Together they dig into questions including: How can I connect my teen when they won’t even talk to me? How can I best support my child through tough situations like the loss of a loved one? How do I set limits when my child really pushes my buttons? And much more.

We are sharing this great episode from Anxiety Canada’s Podcast, #OurAnxietyStories. As hosts of Where You Are, we know how powerful hearing mental health stories can be. This episode, released in October 2021, follows Botswana born and Canadian raised, 14-year-old Malia Baker. Her journey with anxiety peaked in Grade 4. Malia offers great strategies that she has learned to manage her symptoms, with the support of her mother, little sister and friends. A ‘must listen’ for parents and caregivers. 

It’s important to talk openly with your child about substance use from an early age, but as parents and caregivers we don’t always know where to start. Michelle and Bryn sit down with Cindy Andrew and Art Steinmann, both parents and professionals with 30+ years of experience working in the field of youth substance use within BC schools and communities, to discuss how to talk about substance use with your child, how to prevent problematic substance use, and how you can help your child develop the knowledge and skills they will need to make decisions about vaping, alcohol and other drugs as they grow. Note: This episode will not cover chronic and problematic substance use. That topic will be a future episode on Where You Are.

In BC, approximately 1 in 6 youth engage in self-harm. Self-harm, also referred to as self-injury, is a behaviour used to cope with bigger, underlying emotions – and is also a behaviour that many parents and other caring adults are understandably concerned about. In this episode, we speak to a youth, Ciara, who has lived experience with self-harm; and a clinical counsellor, Kim Leifso, who has supported many youth who have self-harmed. Walk away from this episode with a greater understanding of why youth self-harm and what parents can do to support their child. This episode is a collaboration between BC Children's Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre and FamilySmart.

Family life can be super stressful at times, there’s no doubt about it.  And that’s where mindfulness can be helpful. Bryn and guest host Char Black sit down with Alison, a mother and coach for neurodiverse families, and Dr. Joanna McDermid, a Psychiatrist and the Associate Director of the BC Children’s Centre for Mindfulness. They discuss how mindfulness can support your overall well-being and help during common stressors that parents experience, debunk some common myths and misconceptions that surround mindfulness, and offer tips on how you can weave mindfulness into parenting and caregiving if this is an approach you’re curious about. 

We are hard at work on upcoming episodes. And with Family Day just around the corner we are sharing one of our favourite episodes from Season 1. We all know parenting can be difficult. But when your child is struggling, emotionally or mentally, "difficult" doesn't begin to describe it. Feeling unable to help them is nothing short of devastating. So what can you do when none of your regular tools seem to be working? In this episode, Mary (mom of 3) and Dr. Ashley Miller (BC Children's Child Psychiatrist) discuss specific strategies you can start using right away to support your child and help them thrive.

Between ages 0-6, a child’s social and emotional health is every bit as important as their physical health. It affects how they express emotions, deal with stress, develop friendships, and more. Join Bryn and Michelle as they take a closer look at social and emotional development (SED) in the early years, including what it is, how you can support your child’s SED, and how these skills will benefit them for life. In this episode you’ll hear from Joelle, a busy mom to a five year old, and Dr. Angela Low, a researcher and educator whose work focuses on social and emotional competence in children. You’ll even hear from some little ones who share their experiences too. - This episode is a collaboration between BC Children's Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre and Child Health BC, as part of the Feelings First initiative.

Stress levels and burnout for school professionals has been a significant and growing issue for quite some time and have only increased with the COVID-19 pandemic. Michelle and guest co-host Gail Markin come together with Vanessa, a school District Counsellor, and Kim Weatherby, lead for EdCan's Well at Work Advisors program, to look at the importance of teacher and school staff well-being and what this means for the students they teach. Listen to strategies school professionals can use to support their own well-being, support each other’s well-being, and engage at a systems level to keep staff well-being a priority for mental health and wellness—all of which contributes to student health and achievement.

In this episode Michelle and Bryn are joined by Kelly, a parent of a youth diagnosed with an eating disorder, and Dr. Jennifer Coelho, Psychologist at BC Children’s Hospital’s Provincial Specialized Eating Disorder Program, to answer questions we often hear from families about supporting a youth with an eating disorder. The conversation covers how to support your child at home, managing meal times, what to do if your child refuses help, tips about how parents can play an active role in your child’s recovery, which treatments really work, and resources to support parents and caregivers. 

As we wrap up Season 2 of our podcast, we decided to reach out to our listeners and ask you to send in your questions about child and youth mental health. This episode explores a range of topics including anxiety, stress, technology use, managing family relationships, and how to have conversations about tough topics with your child. So grab your headphones and tune in as we dig into your questions with two leading experts in Child and Youth Mental Health, Dr. Rosalind Catchpole and Dr. Ashley Miller. 

Concurrent disorders are when mental illness and a substance use disorder happen at the same time. For example, depression and alcohol dependence or anxiety and opioid dependency. Join our podcast guests Ngaire, a parent of four, and Jennifer Toomey, a Registered Psychiatric Nurse at BC Children’s Hospital, as they discuss how to best support and treat youth with concurrent disorders. They offer tips on how to prioritize the connection with your youth while also getting the support you need as a parent or caregiver. 

Raising a child with ADHD is challenging. With the disrupted routines and uncertainty of COVID-19, these challenges may be intensifying for some families. In this webinar recording, we will discuss these challenges and provide concrete tips to parents and caregivers for supporting children and youth with ADHD in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This special episode is Part 2b in the recording of a Kelty Centre webinar series. It focuses on practical strategies to support high-school aged youth.  In this webinar Dr. Sarah Anderson from BC Children’s Hospital, Julie Collette from Vancouver Coastal Health, and Paula Foran from the Vancouver School Board discuss how to develop a roadmap for successful school attendance based on your youth’s unique situation and needs. This will include how to set the stage for success, how to collaborate with their school, and how to break down goals into manageable steps to help you and your teen move forward together with confidence.  Note: This is a 2-part webinar series in collaboration with the Vancouver School Board and Vancouver Coastal Health Child & Youth Mental Health.  Watch the full webinar series here:  https://keltymentalhealth.ca/school-attendance-webinars

This special episode is Part 2a in the recording of a Kelty Centre webinar series, and focused on practical strategies to support elementary school-aged children. In this webinar Dr. Sarah Anderson from BC Children’s Hospital, Julie Collette from Vancouver Coastal Health, and Paula Foran from the Vancouver School Board cover how to develop a roadmap for successful school attendance based on your child’s unique situation and needs. This includes how to set the stage for success, how to reach out to your child’s school to work together, and how to break down goals into manageable steps to help you and your child move forward with confidence.   Note: This is a 2-part webinar series in collaboration with the Vancouver School Board and Vancouver Coastal Health Child & Youth Mental Health.  Watch the full webinar series here:  https://keltymentalhealth.ca/school-attendance-webinars

This special episode is Part 1 in the recording of a Kelty Centre webinar series. Getting to school or managing a whole day at school can be really hard for some children and youth, due to anxiety or other related challenges. Dr. Alex DiGiacomo, BC Children’s Hospital, and Alexanda Wilson, Vancouver School Board SACY Program, provide parents and caregivers with a foundation for successful school attendance and enhanced family wellbeing.The webinar covers common challenges that tend to come up when children and youth are struggling to get to school, and things you can do as a parent or caregiver to support your child and promote your own coping when things are hard. Note: This is a 2-part webinar series in collaboration with the Vancouver School Board and Vancouver Coastal Health Child & Youth Mental Health. Watch the full webinar series here:  https://keltymentalhealth.ca/school-attendance-webinars

Many families are looking for better ways to guide their kids’ technology use, and to avoid battles and negotiations around screen time, video games, and tech use at home. This has become even more of a concern for many parents with the increased use of screens during COVID-19.  Dr. Shimi Kang, child and youth psychiatrist, and her teenage son Joesh, offer practical tips for families to develop or reset healthy tech habits at home. 

Going back to school is stressful for some children and youth – and this year, there may be even more anxiety and stress because of COVID-19. This special episode is a recording of a Kelty Centre webinar. Dr. Rosalind Catchpole and Dr. Sarah Anderson from BC Children's Hospital go over practical tools and strategies you can use to set your family up for a successful return to school this year, including what to do if your child is feeling anxious, or even refuses to go to school.    You can find the video recording of this webinar on keltymentalhealth.ca

This episode is for school professionals. We bring together the voices and ideas of educators in rural and remote schools to share their learnings on how to support student and staff mental health and well-being.  Caitlin Currie  (Principal, Alexis Creek Elementary/Junior Secondary School) and Derrick Shaw (Principal, Valemount Secondary School) shine a light on both the small and big things that foster resilient, supportive, and strong rural and remote school communities. 

The mind-body connection is powerful. Somatization is the process of experiencing emotions as physical symptoms. Everyone experiences somatization, but, for some, it gets in the way of everyday life and requires treatment. Join Lena, a parent of a child who has been affected by somatization and Dr. Andrea Chapman (Psychiatrist, BC Children’s Hospital) as they offer families tips and resources for navigating this journey and working towards recovery.

Parents know the importance nutrition plays in a child’s physical health, but what about their mental health? Join Char, a parent with two little ones, and Lorrie Chow, a dietitian at BC Children’s Hospital, for strategies that can reduce mealtime stress and help your child develop a healthy relationship with food.  NOTE: This episode was recorded in studio, prior to the COVID crisis.

With COVID-19, life at home looks drastically different. Parents are wearing multiple hats and being pulled in 100 different directions, with many feeling stretched and overwhelmed. In this special episode, Dr. Ashley Miller, BC Children’s Hospital Psychiatrist and mother of two, shares steps families can take to manage stress and stay emotionally connected while living in close quarters. 

In BC, 1 in 6 youth engages in self-harm (also known as self-injury). Self-harm is a behaviour used to cope with bigger, underlying emotions. It is also a behaviour that many parents and other caring adults are understandably concerned about. In this episode, we speak to a youth, Ciara, who has lived experience with self-harm; and a clinical counselor, Kim Leifso, who has supported many youths who have self-harmed. Walk away from this episode with a greater understanding of why youth self-harm and what parents can do to support their child. *This episode is a collaboration between the BC Children's Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre and FamilySmart.

We all know parenting can be difficult. But when your child is struggling, emotionally or mentally, "difficult" doesn't begin to describe it. Feeling unable to help them is nothing short of devastating. So what can you do when none of your regular tools seem to be working? In this episode, Mary (mom of 3) and Dr. Ashley Miller (BC Children's Child Psychiatrist) discuss specific parenting strategies you can start using right away to support your child and help them thrive.​ Brought to you by BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre. If you have any questions or ideas for the show send us an email.  And follow us on social:  Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a hot topic in schools and parent communities right now. Today Gail Markin (parent, school counsellor and District SEL Lead) and Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl (Psychologist, Professor and world renowned SEL expert) unpack what parents and caregivers can do to support SEL at home, as well as learn about the role of schools in promoting SEL. Brought to you by BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre. If you have any questions or ideas for the show send us an email.  And follow us on social:  Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Episode 6: When it comes to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, there's so much information out there about it, it can be hard for parents and caregivers to wade through it all. So for this episode, we're starting at the beginning -- asking the big question: "What is ADHD?" Nina, a parent of a child with ADHD, and Dr. Ryan Chan, a psychiatrist and Clinical Director of the ADHD Clinic at BC Children's Hospital, join forces to explore the common myths and misunderstandings, and offer up some helpful strategies for families who are just beginning the journey of supporting a child with ADHD. Brought to you by BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre. If you have any questions or ideas for the show send us an email.  And follow us on social:  Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Episode 5: Do you have an anxious child? Not sure how best to help them? Meet Tracy, a parent of two youth who are living with anxiety, and Dr. Sandra Clark, a clinical psychologist specializing in child and youth anxiety. Together, they explore common symptoms and effective strategies to support anxious children and youth. Brought to you by BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre. If you have any questions or ideas for the show send us an email.  And follow us on social:  Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Episode 4: Over 70% of Canadian children are not getting the sleep they need. Are you one of those families? Listen to Andrea Bell (parent) and Dr. Smita Naidoo (child and adolescent psychiatrist) explore sleep strategies and science that can help kids and teens sleep well to enhance mental wellness. ​ Brought to you by BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre. If you have any questions or ideas for the show send us an email.  And follow us on social:  Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Episode 3: When it comes to the use of medications for mental health challenges, families have a lot of questions. Is it necessary? Is it safe? What about side effects? Alison (parent) and Dr. Dean Elbe (BC Children's Hospital Clinical Pharmacist) offer their insights and expertise on this topic. Brought to you by BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre. If you have any questions or ideas for the show send us an email.  And follow us on social:  Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Episode 2: Parents and caregivers are often curious about mindfulness – how do we fit this into our busy lives, does this actually help child and youth mental wellness? Listen to Paul (mindfulness champion) and Dr. Dzung Vo (founding Director of BC Children's Hospital Centre for Mindfulness) to learn more. Brought to you by BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre. If you have any questions or ideas for the show send us an email.  And follow us on social:  Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Episode 1: Dive into a topic that’s gaining in both evidence and curiosity... Resiliency! Our hosts speak with Lynne (parent and grandparent) and Dr. Linda Uyeda to explore resiliency, understand its connection to mental and physical health, and the building blocks of resiliency in children and youth. Brought to you by BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre. If you have any questions or ideas for the show send us an email.  And follow us on social:  Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Welcome to Where You Are – a podcast from BC Children’s Mental Health Resource Centre. Through real stories, expertise, and practical tips, this podcast helps families and their children promote their mental health and wellness. Hosts Char and Michelle are joined each episode by parents, youth and leading health professionals as they navigate important topics to meet you Where You Are in your journey. Subscribe Today Brought to you by BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre. If you have any questions or ideas for the show send us an email.  And follow us on social:  Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram