Trucktastic! Children’s Expo is a family-oriented event targeting the hearts and imaginations of children who have always wanted to get up close and personal with the fascinating equipment and large vehicles they see on the job in Saskatoon. With over 40 displays, Trucktastic! gives children a chance to explore a variety of equipment and meet the men & women who operate it.

Join us at Prairieland Park on Saturday, August 27, from 10 am to 4 pm, for a day filled with interesting equipment and vehicles, entertainment, concessions and activities for the children.

Tickets prices: $30 for a family (2 adults and up to 4 children); Children ages 4 to 12 – $5; Children under 4 are free.

Purchase your tickets HERE

All proceeds from Trucktastic! will support the work of Family Service Saskatoon!

Also watch for our 50/50 draw with a chance to win up to $2500. Get your tickets HERE

We are grateful to our media sponsor:

And to our Trucktasitic Allies:

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The warmth, relaxation and flexibility that the summer months bring can be exciting for vacations and sunshine, but for some, summer months can have the potential to trigger feelings of being overwhelmed and losing control. Expectations of being carefree can put a lot of pressure on those who are struggling with depression or anxiety. Below are self-care tips and tricks that can be used to maintain your mental health during the summer months.

1. Take care of your mental health this summer by getting outside.

Exposure to natural sunlight increases levels of vitamin D and serotonin, which are known to boost your mood. Taking a moment to step outdoors, smell the roses, feel the sand under your toes or watch a sunset can provide a sense of calming and well being. Pick up a new outdoor hobby where you can spend 30 minutes in the sunshine. Whether it is gardening, hiking or paddle boarding, spending time outdoors is an essential element of self-care.

2. Take time to unwind by using your vacation time.

Many of us use paid vacation time to accomplish tasks around the house that we neglect during our busy workweeks. Instead of cleaning out the closet, organizing the garage and attending long-overdue appointments, use your vacation to enjoy yourself. Such activities can include reading a book at home or traveling to a new place for the day. Your vacation time should be spent unwinding and enjoying time away from your to-do lists.

3. Re-focus your energy by planning a getaway.

Getting out of town and experiencing a change in scenery is a great way to unwind and re-focus your energy on the present. Whether it is an overnight getaway or a multi-week international trip, escaping the business from the daily grind can help clear your mind and boost your mood. This can help you immensely on your return home back to your everyday routine.

4. Maintain a healthy sleep schedule for mental health.

Just because school is out for summer and your kids can stay up late and sleep in does not mean they should. If you are a parent, try to maintain a healthy and steady sleep schedule for yourself and your kids, regardless of work and school schedules. It is recommended that we obtain 8-10 uninterrupted hours of sleep, as sleep hygiene is an essential component of our mental health.

5. Stay physically active.

Whether it is going to the gym, signing up for a yoga class or taking a walk outside, physical activity is known to boost your mood. During the summer months, it is easy to stay on the couch and binge-watch the latest television series, but an idle activity can promote negative consequences on our physical and mental health. Try to maintain 20-30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise each day. You may be surprised how good you feel.

Article from:

Emotional abuse is still abuse, and it can be subtle.

Watch the video here.

Read the blog here.

The Hearts and Minds Lab research team at the University of Manitoba is looking for parents and caregivers to participate in a study. The study is focusing on how caregivers’ own life experiences, emotions, and parenting styles are associated with their behaviors. Currently the research team is recruiting parents and primary caregivers with a child younger than 48 months (4 years) for a 90-minute Zoom session. The session will involve caregivers filling out surveys, measuring their heart rate using an app, and completing other tasks. Compensation will be provided to eligible participants.

If you are interested in participating, scan the QR code (on the poster below) with your camera phone.

For more information, you can contact them here: research@heartsandmindslab.com

To go directly to the survey, click here, or scan the QR code (on the poster below) with your camera phone.

This is an open summer drop-in group for parents, caregivers, and families to connect and decompress through conversation, coffee, and more. Each week will explore a different topic that focuses on parenting, caregiving, and family. Childcare will be provided on-site for families joining the group.

When: Tuesday mornings, July 5 to August 30, 2022
Time: 10 am to 11:30 am
Cost: None

Pre-registration is required. Call 306 244-0127 Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning to register.