Resources for Relationships

Intentional child time is all about meeting your child where they are and giving them your full attention. It can also improve their mental health and make it easier for them to follow your directions. Spending quality time together can also strengthen your relationship and boost their confidence.

• Time with kids helps build their sense of belonging - even 5 minutes makes a difference
• Children want and need to spend time with their parents and caregivers
• You can get started in a few simple steps

• All children go through friendship problems; you can build their skills and confidence in finding solutions.
• Adults can teach kids to communicate, compromise and maintain healthy friendships.
• Talking to kids about friendship conflicts can help them learn to cope with hurt feelings following disagreements with friends.

Teaching your child social skills may help them make friends more easily. It’s a skill that they’ll use their entire lives - throughout childhood, the teenage years and adulthood.

As we hear about increasing reports of people feeling isolated, making friends is more important than ever– and as an educator, you are in the perfect position to encourage friendships.

Giving children opportunities to spend time with others who are different from them can build new experiences, perspectives and friendships. It also helps children build the skills needed to interact successfully with a diverse population.

• A sense of belonging at school helps children feel supported, respected and accepted, which is good for their mental health.
• Children who feel they belong are more engaged in schoolwork, perform better academically and are less likely to experience loneliness, anxiety and depression.
• Teachers can foster belonging by connecting individually with students, encouraging classroom connections and empowering students.
• Parents and caregivers can support school belonging by taking an interest in their child's school life and checking in regularly with the child about school.

Some children struggle with feeling like they don’t fit in. You can help them grow their sense of belonging.

Children who are minoritized, may experience barriers to belonging. Help support and grow their connections.

Learn about four ways to help children improve their sense of fitting in and how belonging helps children feel connected and secure.

We know that social and family connections are important for our mental health and wellness. The holidays are a great time to build those connections with your children, family, and friends.

School belonging is one of the best ways we can help protect our children’s mental health as they navigate these stressors during back-to-school season.

• Feeling a sense of connection at school has many mental health benefits for kids
• Parents can help children by getting more involved with their child’s school
• Teachers can increase a sense of belonging for the whole class