Child Development Institute
197 Euclid Avenue M6J 2J8 Toronto, ON, Canada

Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance - an annual observance that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. We encourage you to access educational resources such as GLAAD (www.glaad.com) and reflect on how you and your family can be allies to the transgender community.

While the weather is still mild, consider individual or family walks. You may be surprised by just how much you need it.

Violence against women has intensified due to COVID-19, with the approaching winter and threat of violence looming larger where they should feel safest: in their own homes. Help us help women and children now facing increasing family violence due to the pandemic. Please donate today.

"Modelling the use of masks, washing hands, and staying physically distant while maintaining a calm attitude is important. Parents can also make sure to remind or correct their children about healthy practices in a calm way." Dr. Nora Klemencic shares her insights on easing your children back into school.

United Nations has called violence against women and girls a shadow pandemic as the COVID-19 crisis fuels social isolation and tensions caused by concerns over health, safety and financial security. http://ow.ly/hIeS50Cmd4o

If you've been struggling to find supports during COVID-19, visit www.childdevelop.ca/coronavirus to see our resources, blogs and more. https://nationalpost.com//ontarians-unclear-on-how-to-acce

Today marks #DressPurpleDay2020. A day to show individuals and communities that we are here for them. At CDI, we have various programs to help support our vulnerable children, youth, and families to provide a healthier, more positive path in mental health. We work with each child and family’s unique strengths, needs, and challenges. We help them uncover their abilities, give them tools to succeed, and support them in overcoming challenges.

This #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, remember that it is a strength to reach out and ask for help when you need it. If you and your family are looking for mental health supports throughout the pandemic and beyond, visit www.childdevelop.ca. #ZoomingInOnMentalHealth

An interesting article from CTV.

If you missed our last Ask CDI, don't worry - we have it posted on our YouTube!

Did you miss last weeks Ask CDI? Watch our recording here: https://youtu.be/92-3-6Wt8Ws

Be sure to tune in to this important discussion this Thursday.

Who doesnt love songs and rhymes? Follow along as Glenda and Diane share some of their favourites as a part of our Virtual EarlyON playlist on YouTube. What songs and rhymes would you like to see Glenda and Diane lead next?

The mental health of our community is at elevated risk due to COVID-19, especially for children and youth with pre-pandemic #mentalhealth challenges. Learn why it’s important to get support from Kathryn, a clinical psychology grad and Day Treatment expert. #ZoomingInOnMentalHealth

If you loved our VirtualEarlyON circletime content last week, check out our newest circle time for babies video now on YouTube.

Be sure to watch our Virtual EarlyON content on YouTube, including our latest video on making playdough and paper boats at home! Be sure to let us know in the comments below what fun activities youd like us to see us lead you through in our next videos. https://www.youtube.com/watch

We’re building a new lifeline for youth with our virtual programs. A front-line reflection from Abdi, our Coordinator of the SNAP Boys Youth Leadership Services, reveals how youth can bounce back from tough situations and build connections in the face of any obstacles. #ZoomingInOnMentalHealth

Dont miss our Ask CDI live discussion tonight!

'The good news is that kids don't need us to be pillars of strength amid the wreckage. Nor does a parent's anxiety or depression mean the kid will inevitably experience anxiety or depression now, or in the future. What matters more than how unsettled we feel is how we deal with these unsettling feelings. This is the case whether it's we parents or our kids experiencing anxiety or depression.'

Looking for tips to support your child as they transition back to school? Check out this article from Childrens Mental Health Ontarios Back to School Mental Health Kit.

Check out three ways school systems and school leaders can support student emotional well-being to ground academic success in the new COVID-19 reality.

Its time for a sing-along with our Virtual EarlyON team! You may recognize Glenda and Diane from CDIs Parkdale-High Park EarlyON Centre. These two have been waiting patiently to share some songs, rhymes and reading with you an theyre so excited to finally have the Virtual EarlyON playlist on YouTube as a wonderful place to do that. What is your favourite sing-along song? ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS1ArHeoH3E&t=2s

Today is Spirit Day, and we're joining GLAAD and wearing purple in support of LGBTQ+ youth! Join GLAAD's Spirit Day anti-bullying pledge online today: https://www.glaad.org/spiritday

CDIs 2019-2020 Annual Report is now available, and we are thrilled to share how our commitment to resiliency has helped us grow in our offerings to children, youth and families, and has helped each of the over 3,000 families we served this year. For the first time, we are excited to be offering this report in an online format, reducing our reliance on paper materials and creating more accessibility moving forward. Read our 2019-2020 Annual Report here!

Few generations have experienced the type of global pandemic we are faced with today. Many youths are balancing their hopes and fears in the midst of uncertainty. This #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, follow our CDI team members, like Che Latchford, Coordinator of CDI’s SNAP for Youth, as they share their experiences and remind us to stop, take a breath, and reach out for help when we need it. #ZoomingInOnMentalHealth

On this International Day of Charity, we want to take the opportunity to THANK our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors and supporters for generously donating their money, time and expertise to our organization. Especially during this unprecedented time, your commitment and dedication to our children, youth and families has been vital for us to continue providing our specialized programs needed more than ever before. We are truly grateful for all the support we have received from our CDI family. Although it has been said many times, the truth is - we couldnt do this without you. THANK YOU!

Dont miss our upcoming Ask CDI, hosted by Amanda Daniel and Torie Patterson, where we will be discussing supporting children with learning disabilities as they return to school. Be sure to share this widely with the parents and caregivers in your circle!

Today on CDIs Virtual EarlyON playlist, were sharing our School Readiness guide! Join Diane, Glenda, Vivian and Jennifer in a discussion of tips and tools for back-to-school 2020. https://youtu.be/g73pvLoVi40

As your prepare for your childs return to school, be sure to check out resources like Childrens Mental Health Ontarios Back to School Mental Health Kit.

Is it okay to feel insecure about your choices? "Yes," Cini says. "So many parents are feeling that way. You have to make the decision thats right for you. Theres no right decision. Its very personal. You have to make the choice that you think is best for your family and if you want to change your mind, go ahead."

There may be a lot to do before back-to-school, but dont miss out on some final summer reading with your kids! Weve compiled some of our favourite childrens books by Other Life Lessons, Ibram X. Kendi, Vashti Harrison Illustration, Suzanne & Max Lang, Kelsey Garrity-Riley Illustration, Sonia Sotomayor, Bobbi Jane Kates, Grace Byers, Alexandra Penfold, Rose Bunting and Karen Beaumont. Whats your favourite? www.childdevelop.ca/summer-reading-list

An interesting read about the importance of digging deeper when interpreting data on health outcomes.

As your family gets ready for back-to-school, be sure to check this helpful resource from CMHO.

Children are shaped by their lived experiences, and when those experiences are violent or traumatic, it is up to all of us to support them in necessary healing. Violence and anti-black racism have no place in our society. Acts of violence like the shooting of Jacob Blake affect not only the individual, but their families and communities as well. Jacob Blakes children, ages 3, 5 and 8, are now facing trauma which they will carry with them their entire lives. If your family has encountered trauma and needs support, CDI offers supports to assist in the healing process.

Teaching your child to wear a mask (and keep it on all day!) is a daunting task. Find out what experts are suggesting parents consider ahead of back-to-school.

"According to Statistics Canada, almost six out of 10 (57 per cent) of respondents aged 15 to 17 reported their mental health was somewhat worse or much worse than it was prior to the implementation of physical distancing measures." This pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but a particular challenge for youth. Visit www.childdevelop.ca/coronavirus for resources to help your family during COVID-19.

Were thrilled to have been selected and cant wait to help even more families thanks to this support.

Its not unusual to be noticing behavioural changes in yourself and your children during COVID-19. Join us this Thursday as we explore this topic LIVE with CDIs Erin Rajca on Ask CDI.

Kids are particularly susceptible to their parents pandemic-related stresses, according to Prof. Kristina Lewellyn of University of Waterloo.

Sharing this powerful quote from Samantha Grindells interview with Ibram X. Kendi in Insider.

Thrilled that the SNAP app has been selected for a Youth e-Mental Health Impact Grant by Mental Health Research Canada!

Thank you to CDIs Dr. Samantha Yamada and Amy Coupal of The Ontario Caregiver Organization for an amazing live session of Ask CDI last night. If you missed their discussion, be sure to check it out along with our full Ask CDI video library: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1klHxTMHFg

A note to our families: Be sure to read our most recent update on the re-opening of CDI locations, as well as COVID-19 site protocols and screening measures.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has created a challenging year for most Canadians and children and youth are not immune to the mental health impacts it has caused, including depression."

Its really important for families, for parents, and for kids to start having conversations about whats going to be the same? Whats going to be exciting? And whats going to be different this year because of COVID-19? Have you begun the discussion with your children around their return to school?

Were looking forward to next Wednesdays Ask CDI live discussion on self-care for caregivers. Thank you Amy Coupal of The Ontario Caregiver Organization for joining us, we cant wait to hear what you and Dr. Samantha Yamada have to say!

Summer isnt over yet, and what better way to spend the rest of your August afternoons than reading with your little ones? Weve compiled a list of some of our favourite summer reads, which cover a range of important topics. www.childdevelop.ca/summer-reading-list We love these books by Other Life Lessons, Ibram X. Kendi, Vashti Harrison Illustration, Suzanne & Max Lang, Kelsey Garrity-Riley Illustration, Sonia Sotomayor, Bobbi Jane Kates, Grace Byers, Alexandra Penfold, Rose Bunting and Karen Beaumont.

Today is International Youth Day, and this years theme is "Youth Engagement for Global Action". Youth often lead the charge in social movements, and you dont have to look far to find recent examples of this. Young people have fearlessly stood up in support of a variety of issues, whether by joining marches, lending their voices in social media campaigns, or even creating charities and movements of their own. CDI supports youth empowerment and we look forward to seeing the amazing youth-led actions that take place this year.

Mark your calendars with our revised date. Next Wednesday, CDI will be hosting another Ask CDI session live on Facebook, this time focusing on self-care for caregivers. Dont miss the opportunity to hear from our experts about why now is as important a time as ever to be engaging in self-care.

Join our friends at Towhee in a Virtual Campfire tonight at 7pm!

After receiving the green light from government and public health authorities, CDIs Early Learning Centres are reopening.