Stress Busters

Introducing Stress Busters!
Everyone has big feelings at times. Children and adolescents who learn to manage those feelings at an earlier age have a big advantage in life. It’s an important skill for growing minds!

Families Forward at Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties is teaming up with DTDL to offer fun and engaging skills-based groups at the library. These groups will help youth of all ages learn practical skills to help them manage life stress, improve their social skills, and have fun doing it!

Ages 3-6 & caregivers: Thursdays, 3-4 pm (NEW time for 2023)
This group focuses on easy activities children can do to help feel better when they are facing big feelings. Learn about mindfully paying attention to movement and breathing, using artwork to express feelings, and how laughter helps us feel better.

Ages 7-10 & 11-14: Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 pm 
Learn about the impact of stress on the body, identify common sources of stress, and learn to use a variety of methods to manage stress levels. Practice valuable social skills such as respecting personal space, using good listening, learning to effectively communicate, interpreting body language and more.  
Both groups will meet at the same time in different areas of the room.

The Stress Busters groups meet every Thursday in the Elmwood Room at the library (unless otherwise noted). New participants are always welcome – come join us! No registration necessary. 

For more information, contact Jody Nelson at 517-346-8094.  

Connect to Community Resources

Thursdays, 4-4:30 pm

Youth Engagement Specialists from Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties will also be available at the library on Thursdays to answer questions about accessing behavioral health services and connect families to community resources. No appointment needed, just stop by the Youth Services desk.

RAISE Them Up Parenting Club + Stress Busters
Periodically throughout the year, RAISE Them Up will join Stress Busters for four-week series of classes on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 pm. Two great programs in one night, serving both kids (ages 4-10) and their parents/caregivers. Kids will engage in a Stress Busters group each week, and at the same time, parents and caregivers will join RAISE Facilitators to engage in activities and discussion regarding stress management and self-care. Dinner will be provided! Space is limited for the RAISE sessions and registration is required. Visit our online calendar for session dates and to register. For more information, contact Charisse Tuell at 517-706-9498.

RAISE parenting programs provide an atmosphere of support and engaged learning. They offer caregivers the opportunity to learn about developing appropriate expectations, effective positive discipline techniques, parenting with empathy, family roles, and personal power/autonomy. Parents and caregivers will also learn about brain development, building self-worth, as well as positive ways to deal with anger and stress. RAISE programs focus on practical and easy-to-learn parenting practices that work for families, encourage positive behavior, and strengthen relationships with children. Participants will also learn the importance of self-care and getting their needs met. Adults who make time to care for themselves find parenting more enjoyable. They are offered for free through Eaton RESA.