Central Eglinton Children's Centre

"A stressor is anything that requires us to burn energy in order to keep internal systems running smoothly." ☀️ - Stuart Shanker & Co. [🔗 self-reg.ca]

It's true: outdoor play isn’t just fun—it’s essential for kids’ well-being.

More time outside has been linked to better focus, less anxiety, and happier kids overall. And that’s just the beginning.

Let’s make space for nature, movement, and unstructured play—because it truly makes a difference!

get the kids outside, outdoor play, play outside, kids in nature

When a child is past their peak, behaviour is no longer a choice—it’s a stress response. 💣

invites us to look beneath the behaviour and ask what’s draining their energy before we try to change what we see. Learn more: https://self-reg.ca/ ✨

Know the signs. Dress in layers, keep dry and limit time outdoors. If symptoms appear, seek medical care immediately.

Learn more: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/staying-healthy-in-cold-weather/?WT.rd_id=%2Fstaywarm

Family Literacy Day is on Tuesday, January 27 and this year’s theme is “make mealtime family learning time!”

Why mealtime? Eating meals together as a family supports children’s literacy by strengthening oral language skills through everyday conversation. During mealtimes, children build vocabulary, practice listening and speaking, and develop narrative skills by sharing about their day. Research shows a correlation between frequent family meals and better grades, stronger communication skills, and higher literacy test scores, highlighting the important role family conversations play in literacy development.

Image from Read Me a Book. Copyright 2003 by Barbara Reid. Published by Scholastic Canada Ltd.

🧠✨ "Research indicates that as children develop, their brains 'mirror' their parents', establishing a powerful connection that significantly influences their emotional and cognitive growth. According to Dr. Daniel Siegel, a leading figure in this field, a parent's journey toward self-awareness and emotional health profoundly impacts their child’s development (Siegel, 2012).

By prioritizing our own mental well-being, we don’t just enhance our nurturing abilities; we also model emotional resilience and awareness for our children. This mirroring effect means that as we grow, our children thrive alongside us, benefiting from a stable and supportive environment.

Let’s commit to becoming the best versions of ourselves—both for our own well-being and for our children’s future. Together, we can cultivate a healthier, more compassionate world. 🌱❤️

Did you know all of Spirit Bear's books are available to download for free on our website? They're available for purchase too! Be sure to follow along with Spirit Bear on all his adventures. 📚🐻 https://fncaringsociety.com/spirit-bear/books-learning-guides

When the Holidays Are Hard: Supporting Children Through Grief, Divorce, or Estrangement Tania Johnson | December 12th, 2025 Why the Holidays Amplify Hard Emotions for So Many Children Holidays often highlight what has changed in a child’s

The holidays can bring joy—but they can also bring pressure, exhaustion, and a whole lot of expectations. ❤️‍🩹
If you’re feeling stretched thin, you’re not alone.

These gentle reminders can help keep the season grounded in what truly matters: connection, presence, and moments of calm. ✨

Small shifts—like keeping routines steady, embracing imperfection, and choosing simple traditions—can make the biggest difference for you and your child.

Let this be the year you slow down, breathe, and enjoy the meaningful moments (even the messy ones). 💛

Protect yourself & loved ones against respiratory viruses like , & .

Each layer of protection can help reduce virus spread but work best when used together.

Learn more: toronto.ca/RespiratoryViruses

2SLGBTQ+ community members, program participants, and neighbours, join us on our 2nd Annual Holiday Meal on Saturday, December 20, from 10 am to 5 pm.

Enjoy a warm and delicious meal, get essential winter gear, and join us in community, connection, and celebration.

[Image description: Volunteers wearing purple shirts serving meals to people lined up, the poster reads "2nd Annual Holiday Meal. Saturday, December 20, 10am to 5pm at The 519".]