Newsletter - July 3, 2025
A Complicated and Beautiful Summer:
Strategies for supporting spirited children, youth and adults.
Hi everyone,
As summer holidays begin, we’re sending warm wishes—and a gentle reminder that this time of year isn’t easy for every family. If you're raising a spirited child, youth, or adult with what we call a “complicated and beautiful brain,” the shift away from rigid and predictable school and work routines and support systems can bring more chaos than calm.
We see you. We 'get it', and we’re here to help.
We understand that the people you love and support may be experiencing some or all of the following:
Impulsivity
Mood fluctuations
Intense anger and emotional dysregulation
Rigidity in thinking
Trouble with transitions or focus
And there's no one to 'blame'. We understand that conditions like ADHD, ASD, ODD, FASD, and other mental health and learning challenges can make summer a uniquely challenging time.You’re not alone if “summer break” doesn’t feel like a break at all.
🌿 So What Can Help?
Structure with flexibility, and compassion.
🧠 Not Your Typical Parenting Guide and A Complicated and Beautiful Brain (available in French soon) explore how to:
Separate 'behaviour' from 'symptoms'
Better understand what the symptoms really look like across the lifespan
Support these symptoms when typical caregiving and teaching approaches are not working as expected
Create family-centered routines
Support kids, youth and adults with risk management and decision making
Reduce food-related stress
Use nature and movement to regulate
Set healthy boundaries without guilt
Care for your child—without forgetting yourself
🧭 Caregivers Matter Too
Summer may give you tiny pockets of freedom—use them to fill your own cup.
✅ Cross off one thing from your to-do list
✅ Wake up early for quiet coffee
✅ Go for a walk, stretch, or just breathe
✅ Ask for help—you don’t have to do this alone
Need support? Our team is here—and we’re growing! Now offering services in:
Elgin, London, Middlesex and Oxford Counties with a main office in St. Thomas ON.
Windsor
Belleville
St. Catharines
Bowmanville
GTA & Hamilton
Virtual services across Ontario
🎙️ Podcast Update
Our latest episode is live: Summer Strategies for Spirited Families
Listen in for calming strategies, structure tips, and support ideas for this season.
🌞 Podcast Break Notice:
Weekly episodes return in September for FASD Month
Bi-weekly episodes resume in October
Thank you for being part of our growing community.
Together, we’re building a world where complicated and beautiful brains are better understood, supported, and celebrated.
Warmly,
Angela, and our team.