Red Oak Behavioral Health

This month's SEL tip comes from Red Oak staff member Joli Oliver, OCPSA. Joli says: Focus on creativity when dealing with big feelings. Color, draw, build with legos, create with play-dough, etc. Integrate emotional awareness and understanding into an art activity.

Young people don't always have all the facts when it comes to alcohol and other drugs. Talk with your children about the risks of underage drinking and substance use, and be clear and consistent about your expectations. For tips on how-and when-to begin the conversation, visit https://lnkd.in/gEbipyrz #TalkTheyHearYou

In the last of our Early Childhood Department's breathing technique series, Katy shows us how to do the "Spiderman Breath." This one is a kid-favorite, and we suggest you try it with a young person in your life!

Calling all bakers! We are also looking for cookie donations for our Where Love Grows gala! These can be from individuals or bakeries, and do not need to be anything fancy, just ones you and your family love to eat. Cookie drop off will be on Friday, April 11 from 9 am - 12 pm at the Akron-Fairlawn DoubleTree Hilton. Please visit: https://lnkd.in/gjCK_WPX to learn more, or reach out to Jaclyn Beckwith at jbeckwith@redoakbh.org or (440) 813-6355.

It is important to talk about the risks of underage drinking and substance use from a young age, and continue those conversations as your child gets older and becomes more independent. For tips on how-and when-to begin the conversation, visit https://lnkd.in/gyfqDTUz #TalkTheyHearYou

Thank you to the Grandmothers on the Move organization for coming to our office today for an iC.A.R.E. Mentoring training! This is the second training we have done with this awesome group of women, and we are excited for the impact they will make on children in the Akron Public Schools! Are you interested in getting involved with iC.A.R.E. Mentoring? Please visit icarementoring.org to learn more!

Our wonderful Early Childhood Mental Health team put together this video showing the balloon breathing technique. Intentional breathing is a great way to calm down and regulate your nervous system, and is helpful for all ages, not just preschool! Give it a try and let us know what you think.

A huge THANK YOU to our friends at JPMorganChase who visited our building this past week for a meeting and dropped off these amazing donations! This included everything from snacks and hygiene products to fidget toys and jump ropes. We are SO GRATEFUL for their kindness! And today several more Chase employees came back to do fun Valentines Day activities with our clients who were off school today. The students practiced patience and self-control while doing their craft projects. Thank you for all of your support this week!

💡February's Parenting Tip from Kelli Law, OCPSA💡 February in Ohio is a month where you most likely are not able to spend long hours outside enjoying the sunshine and playing at the park. Some February days are perfect for snuggling and staying indoors, others might make you feel like you will never be outside again. Just remember that spring and summer will come back! Until then here are some activities to help you and your children spend time together: 📚February can be a great time to focus on reading - whether it is reading separately in the same room or reading to your child. To make it more involved take time to go to your local library to see what events they have and allow your child to pick out a book that they would like to read. Feeling like part of the decision making can help them to want to participate. 🍪Another great activity can be to bake together, you can use Valentine's Day as an excuse to make some cookies to share with friends and family. 🗣️Finally remember to think of your mental health and the potential for winter blues. Encourage open communication with your children about their feelings. Are you interested in learning more? Our next parenting class cohort begins on February 18! Email klaw@redoakbh.org or call 330-685-8413 for more info or to sign up!

Help us celebrate the grand opening of our updated space and the beginning of an inspiring new chapter in our mission to deliver mental health and wellness services that empower students and those who support them. Come see firsthand the impact we’re making, meet our dedicated team, and learn more about how we are working to make a difference at our Open House and Ribbon Cutting on March 11, 3:30-6:30 pm. More info, and RSVP at redoakbh.eventbrite.com We hope to see you there!