Houston Public Library is rolling out the welcome mat for families looking to bolster their mental health toolkit during Mental Health Awareness Month. On Saturday, May 31, the "Big Feelings: Controlling the Center" program will open its doors at McGovern-Stella Link Regional Library, featuring an array of interactive sessions poised to tackle everything from parenting strategies to tween yoga, as reported by the City of Houston.
A highlight of the day's lineup, according to the City of Houston announcement, includes a dance-oriented stress buster called "Dance it Out Dance Party." Participants can shimmy away their worries in what promises to be a soundtrack-fueled, movement-based therapy session. Plus, a unique "Storytime with Therapy Dogs" segment is set to provide a serene narrative space for young and old, aided by the calming presence of therapy animals.
Workshops will run the gamut, offering insights on varied topics. Crystal Collier will guide participants through the complexities of "Parenting Styles" and their impact on emotional growth in kids. Tweens, a group often caught in the tumultuous sea of adolescent change, haven't been forgotten—they'll have a chance to create "Comfort Bags" during a tactile activity thought to be conducive to moments of acute stress. They're also invited to bend and breathe in a "Yoga for Tweens" session with Juju Faragher, where the focus will be honing mindfulness alongside physical flexibility, as detailed by the City of Houston.
Further tackling everyday mental resilience, "Anxiety Unplugged: Coping Skills for a Calmer You" promises to arm attendees with practical techniques to combat anxiety, round-the-clock. And for those inclined toward the healing power of creativity, "Healing Art with Rose Tylinski" will explore how artistic expression can circumnavigate the pathways to emotional recovery, as stated by the City of Houston. The Houston Public Library underscores its mission of equitable access to resources and learning through diverse service offerings, highlighted by their expansive coverage of 44 public service units.
