Parenting In KFL&A

12/22/2025

The holidays are full of special moments, but they also come with big feelings. With more excitement, disrupted routines, new people and foods, and added parent stress, meltdowns are more common this time of year.
* Try to keep bedtimes and wakeup times the same when you can.
* Give extra warning before transitions.
* Share your behaviour expectations before events.
* When planning, leave lots of extra time.
* Remember: what your child needs most this time of year is a calm, engaged parent, so don’t forget your own self-care this holiday season.

12/19/2025

Sledding is a fun way to spend time outside as a family. Here are some tips to keep you safe:
* Dress warmly. Many sledding injuries are from the cold, such as frostbite and hypothermia.
* The safest position to be in while sledding is kneeling or sitting up.
* Wear a helmet. A ski helmet is best because they are designed for cold weather and for similar falls and speeds. A * hockey helmet may also be used.
* Check your space: look for rocks, fences, and roads.
* Look for a hill that is not too steep (less than 30 degrees is recommended) and has a long, clear runoff area.

Learn more about keeping your child safe in winter: https://ow.ly/tBvj50XGvyI

12/17/2025

Holidays and special occasions are a great time to share food traditions. Sharing food traditions can help you and your family:
- Enjoy food
- Learn food skills
- Learn about cultures and food traditions
- Create a sense of community and build connections

Learn more about food traditions: https://ow.ly/nONM50XGvrY

12/12/2025

Got a child in Grade 5 or 9? Keep them engaged this winter break with the ActivPass!
Make the most of the holiday season by exploring fun activities and programs. Plan your child’s winter break adventures today! ~Émilie, RN/IA
KingstonGetsActive.ca

12/10/2025

So Parenting in KFL&A is winding down - what are some other parenting pages you find helpful? Here are some of my favorites ones - please share yours in the comments! ~Rebecca, RN
❤ https://caringforkids.cps.ca/ Canadian Paediatric Society's page
❤ Unlockfood.ca - Dietitians of Canada
❤ Parenting In Ottawa
❤ https://raisingchildren.net.au/ - Australian Parenting Website. Some of their safety guidelines and resources are different, but their sleep advice is fantastic!

12/09/2025

Please note that as of January 1, 2026, the Parenting in KFL&A page will be discontinued. Find and follow us at Southeast Public Health for parenting content and so much more!

12/08/2025

Respiratory illness season is now in full swing! It's hard to know how and when to care for your child at home, and when you need to seek care. This tip sheet is helpful- consider saving it to your phone! ~Rebecca, RN
Full resource:https://ontariofamilyphysicians.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FINAL_OCFP_Public_ActionsParentsCanTake_Oct_2025_REV1.pdf

12/08/2025

12/05/2025

Dads, this one’s for you!

The Something for Dads program is back! Strengthen your parenting skills, connect with your kids, and build support with other dads—all at no cost.

Wednesdays, Jan 7 – Mar 11, 2026
5–7pm
Rideau Heights Community Centre, 85 MacCauley St
Light meal provided | childminding & transportation support available

Spots are limited—register now: info@gsfkr.ca

12/05/2025

As kids enter their teen years, it’s normal for them to seek independence and lean more on friends than parents.

To help stay connected to your teen you can:

💞 Spend time together in low‑pressure ways. Shared activities that don’t require personal conversation like watching a movie, cooking, or going for a walk. This can build trust and make it easier for your teen to open up when they’re ready.

💞 Show your trust. Invite their input on decisions or ask for their help with something important.

💞 Explain the “why” behind rules and boundaries. Teens are more likely to respect limits when they understand the reasoning behind them.

To explore more strategies and examples, visit: https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/7-ways-to-build-authentic-connections-with-teens/

***

Lorsque les enfants entrent dans l'adolescence, il est normal qu'ils cherchent leur indépendance et se tournent davantage vers leurs amis que vers leurs parents.

Pour rester connecté à votre adolescent, vous pouvez :

💞 Passer du temps ensemble sans pression. Partagez des activités qui ne nécessitent pas de conversations personnelles, comme regarder un film, cuisiner ou faire une promenade. Cela peut renforcer la confiance et aider votre adolescent à s'ouvrir lorsqu'il sera prêt.

💞 Montrer votre confiance. Invitez-le à donner son avis sur certaines décisions ou demandez-lui son aide pour quelque chose d'important.

💞 Expliquer le « pourquoi » des règles et des limites. Les adolescents sont plus enclins à respecter les limites lorsqu'ils en comprennent la raison.

Pour découvrir d'autres stratégies et exemples, rendez-vous sur : https://jeunessejecoute.ca/information/7-facons-detablir-des-liens-authentiques-avec-les-ados/?_gl=1*1v4q15z*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NjQ3NzMyNzMuQ2p3S0NBaUEzTF9KQmhBbEVpd0FsY1dPNTdqcUhKZlFKU0pEVjRPMHVDTDJvc2xNelIzcWZuVW5xVUY4RVZzZkRrY2E5d1hkWHNDaUh4b0NRWHNRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*MTU3MTUzMzY0LjE3NjQwNzk1NzE.*_ga*ODQ3NjM3ODg0LjE3NDgzNTM0NjA.*_ga_TQY135CFXS*czE3NjQ3NzMyNzIkbzMkZzEkdDE3NjQ3NzQyMTMkajEyJGwwJGg4MzY4MzUzMDg.&_ga=2.252890057.1141768486.1764773287-847637884.1748353460

~ Émilie, RN/IA

As teens develop and grow, it’s common for them to push boundaries, gain new experiences and explore their independence. Whether you’re raising a teen of your own or building a stronger relationship with a young person in your life, this process can feel challenging to navigate. Here, Kids Help ...

12/04/2025

Do you have nutrition questions? You can talk to a registered dietitian for free through Ontario’s Health811 by calling 8-1-1 or toll free at 1-866-797-0007. Or you can ask your questions through their online chat. Learn more at https://health811.ontario.ca/static/guest/spotlight/hcns-nutrition-program
~Dawn, RD.

12/03/2025