Parents and Families CMAS Resources

Newcomer Parent Resource Series: Available in 16 Languages

Refugee parents come to Canada with unique settlement needs, and language barriers that make it challenging to get information to support their parenting, children’s development, and the health and safety of their family here in Canada. We’ve developed a series of 14 parent resources to help - and they’re available in the 16 languages most commonly spoken by refugee families here in Canada!

Why Is My Child Aggressive?

Getting what we want and need is part of survival, but young children often can’t or don’t know how to express their needs and desires in calm ways or using words. As they grow, children learn to control their emotions and interact with others in positive ways. Until that happens, however, young children may be aggressive as they attempt to express themselves. This resource is available in multiple languages for download.

When Your Child Has Nightmares

Young children can’t always tell the difference between dreams and reality. Some children have dreams that feel so “real” and scary that they wake up upset. This can upset parents too and cause everyone to lose sleep. As a parent, there are things you can do to help your child have fewer nightmares so that everyone can sleep better. This resource is available in multiple languages for download.

What Can I Do If My Child Is Aggressive?

Children who are aggressive are often responding to feelings of stress and anxiety in the only way they know how. Your child may need extra help to feel secure. By being loving, calm and patient, you will make a big difference. This resource is available in multiple languages for download.

Sharing Stories With Your Child

Telling stories—whether they are real or imagined—is a fun way to interact with your child. This resource is available in multiple languages for download.

Listening to and Talking With Your Child

Coming to a new country affects your whole family. Taking time to connect with, listen to and talk with your child will help them to feel more secure, and it’s also a lot of fun! This resource is available in multiple languages for download.

Keeping Your Home Language

Research shows that keeping your home language will not only benefit your child socially and emotionally, but can also improve their cognitive skills, boost overall brain function, and help them to learn a new language.This resource is available in multiple languages for download.

Keeping Children’s Teeth Healthy

It’s important to teach your child how to keep their teeth healthy. This resource offers some helpful tips. This resource is available in multiple languages for download.

Helping Your Child Get Ready to Learn

Since children do best when they grow up in a healthy environment where they feel safe, respected and loved—the way you care for them will have a great impact on how well they will learn. This resource is available in multiple languages for download.

Helping Your Child Cope With Stress

Settling in Canada can be stressful. What’s more, if your family had a long journey to safety, it’s common to still feel fearful. However, this can lead your child to feeling fearful, too—and that can result in stress. In this tip sheet, you’ll learn how to recognize the signs of stress in your child. Once you know what to look for, you can work as a family to find ways to begin to feel safe again. This resource is available in multiple languages for download.