Category Archives: Parenting

Geocaching at Oak Hammock Marsh

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When the weekend is upon you, do you get cold sweats thinking about finding something to do to keep the kids active and engaged? Have you exhausted your activity selection in the city limits and need to find some fresh new ideas to keep your family entertained?

Oak Hammock Marsh has many family related wellness activities that are open to the public, and only 20 minutes north of Winnipeg. Check out the events page on their website to see all they have to offer. Continue reading →

Monday Mash – Wellness Links – May 6

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Photo by Gabriela Ludusan

Photo by Gabriela Ludusan

Here’s your set of Wellness Links for the week of May 6th, submitted by Gabriela Ludusan, Mentor Program Coordinator from Diversity and Immigrant Student Support. Enjoy!

  • The one magazine that I read every day is the Elephant Journal.  I like the focus on “the mindful life”: yoga, sustainability, conscious consumerism, non-new-agey spirituality, enlightened education, wellness and adventure…anything that helps us to live a good life that also happens to be good for others, and our planet. Read it with my morning coffee, every morning.
  • The Digital Photography School is a forum dedicated to all lovers of photography. There are weekly assignments that anyone can participate in, take photos and share them with others (latest weekly challenge is “Peace”).
  • Intelligence Squared is an online forum for intellectual debate. Ideas are debated by the world’s sharpest minds, experts in their fields and exciting orators. Some of the motions tackled:  “THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS IS A FREEDOM TOO FAR”, “THE TRADITIONAL NUCLEAR FAMILY HAS HAD ITS DAY: GAY PARENTS, SINGLE PARENTS, COMMUNES – ANYTHING GOES!” It’s always interesting to see the two sides of a coin, makes for a well grounded perception and critical thinking.
  • I like Dalai Lama’s approach and advocacy for an educational system with a strong focus on inner strength, tolerance, honesty, co-operation and compassion as key aspects that lead to a healthy society and progress.
  • Amnesty International campaigns globally for human rights for all. I follow their updates and like to get involved in their campaigns and sign their petitions as, for me, this is a small step to take action and make a difference, but I’m trying to do my part.
  • Noah’s Dad is a blog about baby Noah, Down syndrome, and videos, pictures, and facts that tell the story of Noah, his family and raising a child with Down Syndrome. The reason I follow this blog is because recently the most adorable and special baby boy was born into my family with Down syndrome and noahsdad.com is a wealth of information and resources on DS. Plus, it’s so much fun watching Noah grow up, learn and enjoy life!
  • Who hasn’t watched or at least, heard of TED Talks?! TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It began in 1984 as an annual conference devoted to Technology, Entertainment and Design and now TEDTalks cover science, arts, politics, global issues, architecture, music and more. Speakers come from a wide variety of communities and disciplines and it hopes that the power of ideas can change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world.
  • I recently started to follow the Diversity Journal for news and updates on diversity topics. Having started a new position in the Diversity and Immigrant Student Support department, I want to expand my knowledge in diversity/inclusion, best practices workforce diversity strategies also.

If you’d like to contribute your own set of links for a future Monday Mash, please contact Mike Krywy at mdkrywy@rrc.ca

Workshop series takes on tough parenting issues

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The Wellness Committee will be hosting “Parenting for Prevention” – a series of lunch-hour workshops from Jan. 20 – Feb. 14 dedicated to discussing tough parenting topics like youth and teen gambling, and cyberbullying.

Youth Gambling Awareness for Parents
Presented by the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, this seminar will focus on the three gambling prevention programs the organization offers for youth - www.luckyday.ca (for middle-schoolers), www.youthgamblingfacts.ca (high school students), and www.getgamblingfacts.ca (young adults aged 18-25). Each program is aimed at helping teens understand the facts and risks associated with gambling, and what resources youth and parents can seek out if there’s a problem.

Teens and Depression/Mood Disorders
This “Depression and How it Affects Us All” workshop will discuss depression in young people, where to get help, as well as the signs and symptoms parents can look for.

Youth/Teens and Bullying/Cyberbullying
Bullying can have a negative impact on teens, and in extremely serious cases – it can be fatal. The effects of bullying have led many young people to commit suicide, and it’s important that parents know how to recognize if their child is a victim or a bully themselves. This seminar will go over why teens bully others, what to do if your teen is involved, and where to seek help if your child is being harassed by others. And because bullying isn’t just limited to the playground anymore, the workshop will also look at what cyberbullying is and what you can do to protect your teen online.

Raising Kids of Good Character
Bullying, violence, racism, anti-semitism, drugs, and crime have all become serious problems for youth. Parents play a critical role in the development of their child’s character, and it’s important they make a commitment to raising caring, confident, and respectful teens to help prevent some of these serious problems. This session will discuss the key elements of raising children with good character.

Any staff members who are interested in participating in the workshops can register online here, where you can also get more information about what time each workshop starts, and location. Do you have questions or want more information about the seminars? Contact Lucille McLeod in Human Resources Services at (204) 632-2944.

 Submitted by Hayley Brigg, Creative Communications student