The holidays are a time to celebrate and come together. However, the holidays can also be a difficult time for our loved ones who struggle with their well-being during this time of the year. Children especially can be susceptible to feelings of sadness, loss, and isolation. The overall busyness of the season can create a stressful environment for the whole family. In addition to this, children begin to lose out on outside playtime due to the change in weather.  
 
It is important to check in and keep a close eye on our loved one's emotional and behavioral well-being. Practice checking in with your children through the following activities. 

• Take time to teach your child the holidays are about spending time together and not receiving gifts
• Participate in family-friendly volunteer opportunities
• Teach your child about giving 
• Spend time together as a family by baking or doing arts and crafts
• Exercise with your child by going outside to build a snowman
• Be mindful of activities that might trigger your child to have stress and anxiety

Read more about parenting during the holidays here.

The new year is just a few weeks away! We are so excited to celebrate and we look forward to all the great times ahead.   

As you set new year's resolutions and goals, you are encouraged to consider including some great family-friendly goals. Here are a few suggestions: 

• Set Boundaries - Do not be afraid to say "no" if what your child wants is not healthy or what they need.
• Nutrition - Consider a balanced lifestyle. Begin by setting small goals like limiting fast food to once a week if possible. 
• Excercise - Begin by incorporating at least a half-hour of exercise into your daily routine and yes, dancing does count. 
• Family Dinner - Having dinner as a family is a great opportunity to connect with each other. Try to have dinner as a family at least twice a week and limit the use of smartphones while at the table. 
• Sleep - Getting a good night's sleep should be a goal for everyone in the family. Set a time and stick to it. 

Read more here from the article, A Silent Tragedy, by Dr. Luis Rojas Marcos Psychiatrist.  

Schools and community mental health service providers working with children and adolescents dealing with mental, emotional, and behavioral health concerns are encouraged to nominate a caregiver to receive special recognition from Project SUN.  
 
Select a caregiver who meets the following qualifications:

• Legal guardian caring for a child with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition
• Child must be under the age of 21
• Family must reside in Kankakee County
• Caregiver has shown outstanding support for their child in addressing this condition

Service providers who would like to nominate a caregiver are to call or email Augustina Rios at (815)-304-5933 or augustina@cfkrv.org for additional nomination information. You must contact Augustina by December 17, 2021, to participate.  

Project SUN monthly newsletters are intended to inform family members and those working with families. You are all valuable members of the Strong and Unified Network (SUN) being built to support the children's mental, emotional, and behavioral health system of care in Kankakee County. You are encouraged to invite others to become involved in these efforts to help children flourish. Please share this newsletter with those who may find this information useful. Suggest they visit projectsunkankakee.org and sign-up to receive their own copy and become a member of the Network.