Blog

Michele and Lloyd Sparling, Oakville   When Michele and Lloyd Sparlings’ son was in Grade 2, he started to show signs of anxiety; he was often worried or afraid and went from being a “social little guy” to a boy who seemed to always be on the outside of the circle at school and with friends. The Sparlings knew for certain that something was afoot when their son came home from school one day with...

Annually on World Suicide Prevention Day, Children’s Mental Health Ontario works with our partners and Ontario families to raise awareness about suicide prevention, to reduce stigma around mental illness and to advocate for improved mental health care for children and youth.  This year, CMHO is again raising its voice to call for a transformational change in Ontario.  “Early intervention...

Written By Dr. Marjory Phillips As the kids head back to school, some parents may notice anxiety persisting in their children even after the school year begins. Here are some tips to help parents to support children at school and home to lessen their anxiety: Encourage them to have some control or choice in back-to-school planning and settling in. Kids can get and organize school supplies and...

Written by Children’s Mental Health Ontario with clinical advice provided by Children First, Crossroads Children’s Centre and Central Toronto Youth Services Many Ontario families will be juggling more than just the normal stress of challenging relatives and shopping this holiday season, with one in five Ontario children and youth suffering from mental health issues and over half of Ontario...

A wave of green is sweeping over Ontario this week to celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week and Mental Health Week (May 1-8). More than 70 sites in communities across the province are shining green – the colour for mental health – to remind everyone about the importance of positive mental health. Significant landmarks like the Peace Bridge, Niagara Falls and CN Tower are among sites to go...

For many families, the new school year is exciting. Parents are relieved at the prospect of a quieter house, kids are looking forward to more time with friends and some students may even be excited about their new classes. But for many kids, going back to school can create anxiety over peer relationships, a new school, different teachers and more. For many kids this is a mild anxiety that can be...

In light of current events around COVID-19, Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) is hosting a special Twitter Chat on Tuesday, March 24, at 8 PM. This chat is aimed especially at parents and caregivers to children with mental health issues. This Twitter Chat is an opportunity for parents and caregivers to come together and share their experiences. CMHO, it's member agencies and hosts, will...

In the coming weeks leading up to the release of the 2020 provincial budget by the Government of Ontario, Children's Mental Health Ontario's members, which provide the majority of publicly-provided child and youth mental health care in the province, and youth and family mental health advocates will be attending public meetings with Ontario government leaders and MPPs to urge them to increase...