Let's Catch-up: December 2022
Our mission is to empower families to foster resilience and prioritize mental health and emotional wellness in their children through educational programming, access to resources, and peer support. 
If you're having trouble finding happy in the holidays, we understand.

Amidst the "to do" list, large gatherings, travel, and anything else on your calendar, it can be difficult to focus on the fun.

Instead, look for peace and joy in the simple things... a quiet moment to yourself, a hug from a child, and yes, a chance to make a snow angel, assuming it snows and you can get everyone bundled up and out the door.

And if that's not possible, watching the snow (or rain) from inside may feel fulfilling all on its own.

Read more advice on coping with the stress of the season in these two articles from our friends in the mental health community:


Above all, remember your family's mental health. Let it serve as your North Star as you make decisions in the coming weeks.

We look forward to connecting with you in 2023.

The CATCH Team
Also In this Issue
  • Parenting the Mental Health Generation: Amy's Kids Have Advice!
  • Learn from Experts: Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
  • In Real Life & Real Talk
  • Alone at a Full Holiday Table
  • Lunch & Learn: Eating Disorders
  • Parent Support Network
  • Parents Connect: Join a Group
  • A Heartfelt Thanks
CATCH Podcast
Parenting the Mental Health Generation
Hey, Parents! Amy's Kids Have Advice!
These kids are all right.

In this month's episode of the CATCH podcast, Parenting the Mental Health Generation, our host’s adult children join the conversation.

Luke and Shawn Oberholtzer, Amy’s kids, are in their 20s, and have some things to say about growing up, the parent-child relationship, social media and more.

Amy's co-host, Lisa, is raising two young children and soaks in all the Oberholtzers have to offer. We hope you do too!
Find the CATCH podcast anywhere you get your podcasts.
YouTube logo
Parenting the Mental Health Generation, the CATCH podcast, is also available on the CATCH YouTube Channel.
Learn from Experts: PHP
Partial Hospitalization Programs
If weekly therapy sessions and an after-school therapeutic program aren't enough mental health support for a child, often the next step is a partial hospitalization program or PHP.

In the latest videos from the CATCH Learn from Experts series, Shannon Goebel Paul, CEO, Plena Mind Center, Northbrook, explains how a PHP works, why a child would participate, and the parents' role.
Looking for additional advice from experts?

Visit CATCH's YouTube Channel for 2-minute videos on these topics and more:

  • School Refusal
  • Social Anxiety
  • Eating Disorders
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
In Real Life: An Essay Series
Alone at a Full Holiday Table
A family holiday dinner may bring together more than the relatives you expected for a big meal. In this guest essay, a mom writes about how her family responded when a difficult emotion pulled up to the table. It's a beautiful story of what happens In Real Life when you offer love and grace.  Read more.
Real Talk
If you'd rather listen than read, tune in to Real Talk, recordings of our In Real Life essays.

Listen to Alone at a Full Holiday Table here, on the CATCH YouTube channel, or anywhere you get your podcasts.
This essay/audio series offers a look at what's happening In Real Life with stories from parents and others. 

If you'd like to tell your story, we'd love to hear it and share it. Email CATCH.
Lunch & Learn
Should I Be Worried? Does an Eating Disorder Live in Our Home?

Tuesday, January 24, 2023 @ Noon

Watch for registration for this program along with details about other upcoming Lunch & Learn events after the first of the year.

Until then, recordings of all of our previous Lunch and Learn programs are available on the CATCH YouTube Channel including the most recent discussion:

CATCH Lunch & Learn programs are supported by a generous grant from the Northbrook Woman's Club.
Parent Support Network
Parenting is hard, but it can feel more manageable when we support one another. And that's why we created the Parent Support Network.

It offers parents and caregivers access to personalized resources as well as opportunities to connect with other parents and learn from peers in small, confidential groups.

Join Parents Connect (details below), visit our website for resources, or reach out for individual help.

We are here for you.
Parents Connect
Parents Connect

If you're asking, What else can I do to help my child with their mental health issues? The answer is: Find support for yourself!

Parents Connect groups are made up of 4 to 8 adults who are caring for children of similar ages.

We meet weekly to provide a place where people can share their experiences in a confidential setting. Learn more.
Thank You for Your Generosity
Our hearts are full.

Thank you to everyone who donated to CATCH in honor of #GivingTuesday2022.

With the help of generous contributions, we far exceeded our goal of $6,000 and are grateful.

All of that support means our team of volunteers will continue the work of supporting our kids' mental health by empowering families, educating, and talking.

If you'd like to contribute your treasure, time, or talent, we'd love to hear from you.
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CATCH is dedicated to making a difference in our community.
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