D.I.Y Program at Library

D.I.Y Program at Library

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Children from the ages of eight to 12 learned self-care techniques and projects at the D.I.Y For Yourself program at Vegreville Centennial Library on January 3.

Children make stress balls out of play-doh.

(Rosanne Fortier/photo)

Mental Health Capability Building (MHCB) Vegreville partnered with Vegreville Centennial Library to offer this program. Kirstin McSveen, Program Manager for MHCB said the children did four different projects to show them how to do self-care techniques. One of the projects had the children make their own stress balls out of play-doh which they later placed in a balloon where they used the balls.

“We also did some colouring sheets because colouring is a form of stress reduction. Later, we made our own bath salts because that is really relaxing, and Mckenna Makowecki, MCHB wellness coach led the children with some stretching exercises which included deep breathing and other relaxing techniques,” McSveen said.

“I think it is always important that people do self-care, but it is especially important around the holidays because some people get stressed out, and then it is important to learn ways to feel better,” added McSveen.

Library Programmer Calina Sokalski said she felt self-care is especially important for students because they have a few extra worries at times when they have exams or other stressors and this program helps them learn how to relax. It’s all about coping strategies.