PINLINE
The e-newsletter for Parent Information Network
December 2015
Season's Greetings
On behalf of the PIN staff, I would like to wish you and your family a very happy and healthy holiday season! Although the hustle and bustle can make life feel hectic, remember this is the season to connect with family and friends and spend time together.

Recently the PIN and DMH staff came together to learn ways to handle stress. A representative from the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine demonstrated breathing and meditation techniques that help to manage stress. This video by Dr. Andrew Weil demonstrates the "4-7-8 Breathing Technique." Give it a try next time you are feeling stressed.

As always, the Parent Information Network is here for you during the holidays and all through the year. We can be reached at 508-947-8779 or pin@bamsi.org.

~ Barbara Macias, Program Director
Inclusive Events Calendar
Celebrating the holidays with a special needs child can be an overwhelming challenge.  SPED Child and Teen  offers a calendar of inclusive and sensory-friendly holiday events, so no family will feel left out.

Click here  to view their calendar of upcoming events in Massachusetts.
Parents' Corner
Healthy Alternatives
  
We all know that holiday recipes are delicious, but can be loaded with fat and sugar. So we took some of our favorites and found healthier alternatives. We hope you enjoy making and eating these treats with your families!

Green Bean Casserole

A fresh green bean casserole from Bobby Deen, star of the hit TV show "Not My Mama's Meals."

Oven Fried Latkes

Skip the oil and try these oven-fried latkes, courtesy of Food Network!

Chocolate Dipped Almond Meringue cookies

Don't forget dessert! Try these chocolate dipped almond meringue cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Education Tip of the Month
Give Your Brain a Break
 
Holidays can be a stressful time for kids and parents. Something that can be used at home, at a relatives house, or at school for a child that is struggling to regulate himself is a "Safe Brain Break Space". Your child can enjoy downtime when they feel over-stimulated.

Establish a brain break space and be sure that the other children and guests know that this space is off-limits. Empower your special needs child to recognize when he or she needs to go to their brain break space. Practice, practice, practice ahead of time to recognize when mood is escalating.

Empower children by packing a relaxation bag they can go to if they are feeling anxious. Bring earphones and their special relaxation music or stories. Play dough, stress ball, music, video game, even a camera can help children relax and give them a focus if they have social anxiety. Personalize to meet the needs of your child. Hopefully, with a little planning, everyone has an enjoyable holiday!
PTAY Corner
Managing Family Stress
  
Teens and young adults can also feel the impact of holiday stress. Here are some ways to help your teens cope with the stress of the season:
  • Be sure everyone is getting plenty of sleep and eating healthy.
  • Encourage your teens to exercise and get fresh air. If it is not too cold, take a walk after dinner to see the decorated houses in your neighborhood.
  • Make your teen feel included! They will be more apt to participate in family gatherings and holiday events if they can be part of the planning.
  • Remind your family how much you appreciate them. Just saying "thank you" or "great job" can go a long way in helping them to know how important they are to you.
  • Give your teens time alone if they need it. Sometimes they are overwhelmed with extra people and activities during this season and just need a break.
  • Most importantly, take advantage of the time you have together as a family during this holiday season. Remember to take a deep breath and enjoy all that you have.
Fathers Support Group
Saturday, December 14, 5:00pm - 7:00 pm

A monthly support group exclusively for fathers and other male caregivers. 

This month's topic: "Practical Tips on Self Care: Pushing Through the Yuck."  Click here learn more about this unique support group.

Chris Bean, Group Facilitator, can be reached at  christopherbean@bamsi.org .
Teen Depression Workshop
Wednesday, January 6, 6:30pm - 8:30 pm

PTAY Parent Support Group will be hosting "Teen Depression Workshop" with Families for Depression Awareness.

Click here learn more about this special PIN event.

Tresa Salters, PTAY Parent Coordinator, can be reached at  ptaypin@bamsi.org .
In This Issue
Learn More About Us
PIN 
DMH




The PIN office will be closed Friday, December 25, in celebration of Christmas Day. 

The office will also be closed on Friday, January 1, in celebration of New Year's Day. 
47 East Grove Street
Middleboro, MA 02346 

508-947-8779 | FAX 508-947-8824