Florissa

01/08/2026

01/06/2026

A BIG thank-you to First Presbyterian Church of Dixon, Illinois for your donation to Florissa. We value your support to the children of our community!

01/05/2026

After the excitement of new holiday gifts, you may find toys and games your child has outgrown or no longer uses. We welcome donations of gently used items to Florissa, where they can be put to meaningful use during therapy sessions, play-based activities, or as special rewards in our prize box following assessments. We'd be particularly interested in action figures and cars, simple board games, Little People figures / playsets, and pretend play items (e.g., food). Your generosity helps us support children across a wide range of ages and developmental needs. Thank you for helping to make a difference in our community!

01/04/2026

Big names, Big Transformation. Starts January 4. Online & Free. Don’t miss out!

THE PARENT TEEN CONNECTION CONFERENCE

Understand Your Teen, Handle Hard Moments, and Bring Peace Back Home

https://conference.happilyfamily.com/hf-teen-signup/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=Teen+Evergreen+2025+test&utm_content=Short+form+non+Siegel&utm_term=Broad&WickedSource=Facebook&WickedID=6870339377102&fbclid=IwdGRleAPHWmtleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQAAAY_oHbdDnNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5vTFOuWXHqVcxrzXNmu_pf7nzwhuvULeeUYK0S8ThfAgw4xeX9bOco5Wvy2w_aem_6HUGqcTFjuEcJZVV5jR3Aw&utm_id=6870313786102_v2_s02oow

Free Parent Conference

12/31/2025

🌤️ Sometimes the best therapy tool is the one you already have: the great outdoors.

🌿 Time outside can help kids regulate big emotions, reset busy brains, release energy, sleep better, spark creativity, and soak up the sensory input they naturally crave.

💸 And the parenting hack we love most? Going outside is 100% FREE! No subscriptions. No batteries. No assembly required. Just fresh air, movement, and a built-in emotional reset button.

🌳 Because sometimes regulation looks like climbing trees, chasing clouds, stomping in leaves, or just sitting quietly with someone you trust. And that’s pretty amazing.

💚

Map

12/30/2025

“Bring the weird stuff out of the vault, open the mental junk drawer, and give the awkward thoughts some daylight.” Happy New Year!

12/29/2025

“New year, new me, new goal: Finally tell my therapist all the awkward things I’ve been saving like emotional holiday leftovers.”

An oldie, but a goodie - check out tips for talking with therapists about awkward topics. Whether with your own or your child’s, addressing difficult topics is when breakthroughs can happen.

3. You're not sure that you are making progress.

12/26/2025

If you’re in the Rockford area and looking for a reset, check out the Mindful Family Fitness Initiative, a fun, movement-based program for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families!

This initiative provides new tools to support:

• Parent–child bonding
• Improved self-regulation
• Reduced stress
•Fun, family-friendly fitness and mindfulness activities

Location:
Easterseals Academy
Machesney Park Campus
8301 Mitchell Road
Machesney Park, IL

Click here to RSVP:

The Autism Program at Easterseals + Family Support Services presents The Mindful Family Fitness Initiative, a fun, movement-based program for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

12/22/2025

The holiday break is a wonderful time for families to reconnect, but it can also be tough for children when routines shift and familiar patterns change. To help kids adjust, maintain some structure and routines. For example, you and your child could create a flexible schedule for the day so they know what to expect (and what is expected of them). Incorporate fun traditions, creative activities, and family time together (games, conversations, movies). Supporting children through changes in routines helps them feel safe and calm, making the season brighter for everyone. Happy Holidays from Florissa!

12/17/2025

At Florissa, we view youth through a developmental and trauma informed lens. 🔍

Dr. Gabor Maté’s discussion on trauma and healing aligns with this approach as he highlights how early experiences impact emotional regulation, self-concept, and connection, as well as how compassion plays a central role in healing.

A meaningful listen for parents, caregivers, and professionals supporting children’s emotional well-being. 🌱

🎧 Why You Feel Lost in Life: Dr. Gabor Maté on Trauma & How to Heal

Learn how early experiences impact your self-worth, relationships, and patterns like stress, addiction, and people-pleasing.

12/12/2025

Best Books about Kids Mental Health 2025!

https://childmind.org/article/the-best-kids-books-about-mental-health-of-2025/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=pub-ed-nl-2025-11-25&utm_content=the-best-kids-books-about-mental-health-of-2025-read-morelth

Explore our favorite 2025 children's books on mental health. Our list covers a variety of topics from ADHD to autism to body image.