by Jenny Cates, PCC | Feb 8, 2026 | family, mindfulness, parenting, youth
Understanding Self-Regulation: More Than Just “Calming Down” Self-regulation refers to the nervous system’s ability to return to a state of balance after stress, stimulation, or emotional activation. It involves multiple brain regions — especially the prefrontal...
by Jenny Cates, PCC | Jan 27, 2026 | family, mindfulness, parenting, youth
Child Looking Though Window at Snow There’s a certain point in winter where it stops feeling cozy and starts feeling heavy. The holidays have passed, daylight is still limited, routines feel repetitive, and spring seems impossibly far away. For many children, teens,...
by Jenny Cates, PCC | Jan 24, 2026 | family, mindfulness, parenting, youth
Winter has a way of quieting the world. Snow softens sound. Trees rest. The pace slows.For children, this season can feel heavy, inward, or overwhelming—especially when emotions are big and words feel like too much. This is where nature as a...
by Jenny Cates, PCC | Jan 17, 2026 | family, mindfulness, parenting, youth
Stillness Is Not the Opposite of Regulation When we think about kids “getting outside,” the image that often comes to mind is movement—running, climbing, sports, burning energy. While active play is important, it’s not the only way the nervous system finds balance....
by Jenny Cates, PCC | Jan 8, 2026 | family, mindfulness, parenting, youth
As winter settles in, many parents notice a shift in their child’s behaviour. Kids who were once talkative, active, or eager to engage may become quieter, more withdrawn, or less motivated. This change is often misunderstood as laziness, defiance, or even depression....
by Jenny Cates, PCC | Jan 8, 2026 | family, mindfulness, parenting, youth
As winter settles in, many parents notice a shift in family rhythms. Shorter days, colder weather, and disrupted routines can make everything feel more effortful—for both kids and adults. Instead of leaning into high-expectation productivity goals (“Finish school...
