M.I.understanding

So proud to have developed this with FASD experts, communities and families across Canada

M.I.understanding is proud to introduce FASD Understanding: a new, free online resource designed to support families, educators, and communities.
Through short, accessible videos and practical tools, FASD understanding helps build awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen support for individuals living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
This is about making understanding easier, and support stronger, when it matters most.
Explore the resource: https://fasdunderstanding.ca/

Something new is coming…

Over the past year, we’ve been working with families and community partners on a new project called FASD Understanding, a video and education initiative designed to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and support families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

We’re excited to share more with you soon. Stay tuned! 💛

Avoiding Holiday Meltdowns Starts With Understanding

The holidays can be magical, and overwhelming.

Big emotions, busy schedules, and changing routines can make this time of year tough for kids (and parents).

M.I.understanding offers free videos and tools to help families understand what’s underneath the behaviour and create calm moments in the chaos.

Holiday support tips:
• Keep routines where you can
• Give notice before transitions
• Build in quiet breaks
• Name feelings together
• Reassure kids they’re not in trouble, just overwhelmed

• Use simple tools and visuals (like Poppy!) to help them reset

Find free resources created with educators and mental-health professionals: www.miunderstanding.ca

Let’s make this season gentler for everyone.

When a child struggles with their mental health, the whole family feels it.

Long waits for support can lead to:
Caregiver stress and burnout
Financial strain — 1 in 4 parents miss work to care for a child with mental-health challenges

Siblings feeling the impact at home
Families shouldn’t have to navigate this alone.

Early, accessible support makes a real difference.
Let’s keep pushing for stronger systems, and stronger communities for our kids.

Our M.I.understanding team will be in Calgary and Edmonton later this month, connecting with incredible organizations supporting families and children across Alberta.
For over a decade, we’ve helped families recognize and respond to early signs of mental health challenges through evidence-based, story-driven tools that build connection and resilience.
If your organization supports families, promotes inclusion, or focuses on early intervention we’d love to connect!
Message us or visit www.miunderstanding.ca to learn more.

10 years of helping families talk about children’s mental health.
Free resources. Safe conversations. Stronger families.
Early intervention is the key, and together we’re bridging the gap to care.
Please share to help more families find support.

The second week of school can sometimes be harder than the first.
Once the excitement of the first few days fades, children may begin to feel worries or big emotions. This is completely normal and it can also be a powerful opportunity to help them build resilience.
As parents and caregivers, here are a few ways to support your child:
✔️ Acknowledge their feelings: let them know it’s okay to feel nervous, tired, or overwhelmed.
✔️ Stick to routines: consistency at home helps them feel safe and secure.
✔️ Celebrate small wins: noticing effort, not just results, boosts confidence.
✔️ Model calm: when we show calm responses to challenges, kids learn to do the same.

At M.I.understanding, we’ve created free, research-based resources to help families set children up for success at school and at home. www.miundertanding.ca

Let’s remind our kids (and ourselves) that big feelings are stepping stones to growth.

Now is the perfect time to start those gentle, low-pressure conversations about the new school year. Think about what routines will look like, how schedules might change, and how your family can work together to make the transition as smooth as possible.
We’ve got you covered with M.I.understanding videos on:
-Navigating change
-Setting up for success
-Easing separation anxiety
These short, family-friendly videos can help spark conversations that prepare kids (and parents!) for a confident start to the school year.
Watch them here: www.miunderstanding.ca
Let’s make this a year of understanding, growth, and success — together!

M.I. Understanding – Building empathy and understanding of childhood mental health M.I.understanding empowers families to tackle worries and big feelings head-on. This parent-led program offers FREE resources to help you initiate meaningful discussions at home. Click a link below for the video that best address your child’s challenges! Change Anxiety Separation Anxiety SOCIAL AN...

Still feeling inspired after an incredible weekend at the Fred Rogers Institute in Latrobe, PA.

It was an honour to present M.I.understanding and share how our mission—supporting kids by supporting families—echoes the legacy of Fred Rogers.

I also connected with amazing programs from across the U.S.—all carrying forward Mr. Rogers’ vision of care and community.

Grateful for the chance to share our work. Sharing a few magical photos from the Fred Rogers Institute below!

Dads Matter. A Lot.

As we talk more openly about mental health, it’s important to remember just how powerful a dad’s presence can be in a child’s emotional life— dads have a unique impact.

Research shows that kids with emotionally engaged fathers tend to have:
✅ Better self-esteem
✅ Stronger coping skills
✅ Fewer behavioral challenges
✅ Greater resilience in the face of stress

This isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being present.

Let’s keep supporting dads in being the mental health champions their kids need. 💙

://youtu.be/Wt3iUYMOJTo

Parent understanding- Emotional Regulation Developed in partnership with the Child and Youth Development Clinic, Faculty of Education at Western University. These videos explore ways families can navi...

June brings excitement — and a lot of change!
School’s ending, routines are shifting, and summer plans are starting. For kids who struggle with change, this can be overwhelming.

M.I.understanding offers free, simple tools to help your family manage transitions with more calm and confidence.

💛 Build resilience
💛 Ease anxiety
💛 Support structure

Let’s make this summer smoother — together.
Explore our resources!

It’s Mental Health Week in Canada — and early intervention matters more than ever.

At M.I.understanding, we’re helping caregivers support children’s mental health early, before challenges grow. Our free M.I.friends resources offer simple, compassionate tools to help kids manage big feelings.

We’re proud to be expanding our work in Alberta through new partnerships co-creating Indigenous and FASD-specific versions of our resources. We’ve also begun building relationships with organizations in Ontario, and we’re excited about what’s possible across Canada.