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This Mental Health Week, we’re embracing the theme of Unmasking—recognizing the quiet pressures many families carry. From keeping kids busy to managing expectations, this time of year can feel overwhelming—and that’s okay to admit.
Now is a great time to pause, reflect, and explore simple strategies to help families feel more prepared, supported, and mentally well heading into summer.
Want tools that make a difference?
Be sure to check out our upcoming trainings.
| Helping Kids Cope: Simple Things That Work | | |
PUSH THE CLOUD & PAINT THE RAINBOW
From the StressLess Ages 6-9 Booklet
| | This fun activity will help calm the body through stretching. It’s easy to do together while standing or sitting down. | |
- Imagine there's a big cloud above you. We will work together to push it back up into the sky. Here’s what we need to do:
- Stand up straight, put one hand on your hip, and stretch the other one up high.
- Let your arm come down slowly, and then bring your other arm up to push that cloud away.
- Now, raise both arms up and push the cloud away. Let your arms come back down like you're painting a rainbow.
Try this a few times. It's a fun way to relax the body and it is easy to do anywhere!
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THE 5-4-3-2-1 GROUNDING TECHNIQUE
From the StressLess Ages 12-14 Booklet
| | This grounding technique can help you stay present and calm down stressful thoughts. Start by taking a few deep breaths to slow down. Then, notice things around you. | | |
5 - Find 5 things you can see, like leaves on a plant. Take your time to really look and acknowledge them.
4 - Feel 4 things you can touch, like the rough texture of your jeans or your feet on the ground.
3 - Acknowledge 3 things you can hear, like distant traffic or voices in the next room.
2 - Notice 2 things you can smell, maybe the smell of dinner cooking or laundry detergent from your shirt.
1 - Become aware of 1 thing you can taste, like the lingering taste of orange juice.
Repeat this process and notice how you feel afterward. It’s a simple way to bring yourself or someone else back to the present and feel calmer.
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Join Us for the Official Launch of the
Make the Connection Facilitator Training!
For Early Years Professionals
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The Make the Connection (MTC) program empowers parents and caregivers of infants (birth to age three) with practical tools to nurture secure attachment and build strong, healthy parent-child relationships from the start. Grounded in psychological science, this evidence-based program supports early brain development, emotional well-being, and secure attachment.
We’re excited to announce the official launch of our MTC Facilitator Training, designed to equip early years professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver the MTC program to families.
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Join us on Monday, June 9, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM ET for a live virtual session. Led by our Attachment Expert, the training will feature a detailed walkthrough of the newly developed MTC Facilitator Guide and practical guidance on how to implement the program. Participants will leave prepared to support parents and caregivers in strengthening early parent-child relationships and fostering secure attachment — one connection at a time.
Registration is capped at 60 participants, so don’t miss your chance to join!
| | Thanks to the generous support of Greenshield, we are offering this as a free, open-call training. | | |
Helping Children Thrive with Evidence-Based
Stress Management Programs
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Join us for a virtual StressLess ages 4-12 training on Wednesday, June 11 to learn more about supporting your kid with their stress management!
Designed for parents, caregivers, coaches, and other caring adults, StressLess provides you with psychologically sound information about kids’ stress and age-appropriate resources that you can pick up and use.
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Join us for a virtual StressLess ages 12-18 training on Thursday, June 12 to learn more about supporting your teen with their stress management!
Designed for parents, caregivers, coaches, and other caring adults, StressLess provides you with psychologically sound information about teen stress and age-appropriate resources that you can pick up and use.
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These sessions are available to you at NO COST thanks to the generous support of the Jackman Foundation.
If these dates don’t work for you, you can register to receive the session recording, age-specific StressLess booklets, and additional resources.
Would you like a StressLess training at your school, daycare, or organization? Email Bre Calma (they/them) at bre.calma@strongmindsstrongkids.org to learn more!
| | Let’s Build Stronger Minds—Together! | | |
Don't forget to save the date for our Strong Minds Gala on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Marriott CF Toronto Eaton Centre.
For 50 years, we've led the way in mental health promotion. Now, we’re launching the next 50 years—and we want you with us.
Become a sponsor and help bring proven mental health programs to 500,000 children and youth. Your support empowers kids to manage stress, build resilience, and thrive—plus you'll receive exclusive recognition across our event and digital platforms.
Ready to build strong minds together?
Reach out to Anne Lovegrove at
anne.lovegrove@strongmindsstrongkids.org
| | We have a 50+ year history of using psychological science to champion the mental well-being of Canadian children and their families. Be a part of this transformative journey—together, we can make a lasting difference. | | Please share our newsletter within your social media channels | | | | |
