Society of Care Blog

As the year winds down, many families begin to feel the familiar shift that comes with the holiday season. Plans change, routines get disrupted, and schedules often fill more quickly than expected. These moments can bring joy and connection, but they can also create stress, unpredictability, and emotional strain, especially for caregivers already balancing full plates.

Every year, people around the world come together on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day to remember loved ones, support one another, and acknowledge the unique grief that follows this kind of loss. For many, it is a day filled with tenderness, reflection, and quiet strength.

The holiday season brings a mix of excitement, tradition, and togetherness. For many families, especially those balancing caregiving responsibilities, it can also bring added pressure. The pace often speeds up, schedules fill quickly, and expectations both spoken and unspoken, begin to rise.

As daylight hours shrink and temperatures drop, many people notice a change in mood or motivation. For some, this shift is mild. For others, it’s something deeper known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) .

October marked National Substance Use and Misuse Prevention Month , a time to raise awareness about the impact of substance use and to recognize the vital role families, schools, and communities play in prevention.

For many families, mornings can feel like a race against the clock. Between getting kids dressed, preparing breakfast, finding missing shoes, and getting everyone out the door on time, it’s easy for the day to start with tension instead of calm. But with a little planning and consistency, mornings can become one of the most peaceful and productive parts of the day.

Friendships play a big role in a child’s sense of belonging and happiness. Through their friends, children learn about communication, empathy, and problem-solving, all skills that support healthy development well into adulthood.

Between online learning tools, smartphones, and entertainment apps, screens are a constant part of daily life. For children and teens, digital devices can be both a valuable resource and a major distraction, especially during the school year. Striking a healthy balance between screen time and study time helps kids stay focused, rested, and emotionally well.

Change is a natural part of life, but for children it can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s adjusting to a new teacher, moving homes, or adapting to shifts in family routines, these transitions can stir up a wide range of emotions. As caregivers, we play an important role in helping children develop the emotional resilience they need to face challenges with confidence and calm.