Intersect Youth & Family Services Society

01/04/2026

Children often push limits with the people they feel safest with. This is not about being difficult or disrespectful. It is about trust.

Many children hold themselves together all day in school or other settings. When they get home to a safe adult, the pressure drops. Big feelings come out. Boundaries get tested. Behaviour can look worse, not because the relationship is weak, but because it is strong.

Pushing limits helps children learn where boundaries are. Strong reactions often mean the nervous system is finally able to relax. Testing adults helps children check that relationships stay steady, even when behaviour is hard.

This perspective is especially important for children who have experienced stress or trauma. Calm, predictable responses and clear boundaries help children feel safe, regulated and supported over time. Strong boundaries and strong relationships are most important.

01/04/2026

Looking for something new in your life? Come join our Board of Directors!!

To apply or for more information, email executivedirector@intersect.bc.ca

01/04/2026

Shifting expectations and noticing small opportunities to regulate can help beat the Winter Blues!

01/04/2026

New intentions for 2026? Limit or begin to decrease screen time for your children to promote language and emotional intelligence! Remember- Boredom fosters creativity

This image comes from an MRI study of preschoolers (Hutton et al., JAMA Pediatrics, 2020). It shows how screen use is linked to the wiring of the developing brain.

The top row (blue) highlights where more screen time is tied to weaker white matter organization. White matter is the brain’s wiring system that connects regions so they can work efficiently.

The bottom row (red) shows where heavier screen use is linked to weaker insulation on those connections. Insulation, or myelin, helps brain signals travel quickly, like the protective coating on an electrical wire.

Why does this matter? These highlighted areas include pathways for language, early literacy, and self-regulation. Children with higher screen scores also performed lower on language and literacy tests.

This is not a before and after of one child. It is a group-level finding. The message is clear. In the early years the brain is wiring for life. The more time children spend with people, play, movement, and books, the stronger these foundational circuits become.

12/31/2025

Intersect family is here for your journey in 2026, one step at a time.

12/29/2025

Reaching out it the best first step

The holidays can bring up a mix of emotions, including joy, gratitude, stress, loneliness and everything in between. Whatever you’re feeling, you’re not alone. If you need support with your mental health and well-being, Kids Help Phone is here 24/7.

Call 1-800-668-6868
Youth can text 686868
Adults can text 741741
Message online at KidsHelpPhone.ca

12/29/2025

NEW YEAR, NEW FEELINGS: SUPPORTING KID’S MENTAL HEALTH IN 2026

A new year often comes with excitement, fresh goals, and new routines, but for kids, it can also bring big feelings. Changes at school, friendships, family schedules, or even social media exposure can sometimes feel overwhelming. The good news? Mental health is just like physical health. It can be strengthened with the right tools, support, and care.

For Kids: It’s Okay to Feel How You Feel

Feeling happy, nervous, frustrated, or sad is all part of being human. What matters most is learning how to understand those feelings and express them in healthy ways.

Simple habits can make a big difference:

* Talk it out with a trusted adult when something feels heavy
* Move your body through play, sports, or dancing
* Create something: drawing, building, or crafting can help calm your mind
* Take quiet breaks to breathe and reset

For Parents: Creating a Safe Emotional Space

Parents play a powerful role in shaping kids’ emotional well-being. This year, consider:

* Asking open-ended questions like, “How did that make you feel?”
* Normalizing emotions instead of rushing to fix them
* Keeping consistent routines to help kids feel secure
* Encouraging creative and screen-free outlets for stress

Remember: kids don’t need perfection, they need presence, patience, and permission to be themselves.

Start the Year with Creativity & Calm

One wonderful way to support kids’ mental health is through hands-on, creative experiences that allow them to slow down and express themselves.

12/22/2025

Paid engagement opportunity for youth/caregivers on inpatient psychiatry guidelines.
Please consider sharing your voice and experience with adolescent psychiatric care.

12/20/2025

Intersect’s Office Holiday Changes:

Open Dec 22nd & 23rd, on Dec 24th be offering phone support only.

Closed Dec 25~Jan 1st & open again January 2nd 2025.

Please remember to reach out to alternate services in our community & beyond (see earlier post of list).

12/20/2025

12/17/2025

We know the holiday season can be filled with connection and joy. And sometimes it can be isolating and hard. Our community put together a list of services available during the season. Please reach out when in need!

12/10/2025

Come join our Dynamic agency in supporting child and youth’s mental health.