Fraser Blog

You’ve likely heard the phrase: new year, new you. While you might not want that kind of dramatic transformation, a new year does present a good time to re-evaluate your goals. A vision board is a visual representation of your goals, and it can make it more likely that these things happen. 

Winters are long in Minnesota. Along with cold temperatures come snow, ice and shorter daylight hours. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) “is a type of depression that's related to the changes in seasons." Here are a six ways to combat the symptoms of SAD.

We’ve all heard of the terrible twos. While no one wants to be on the receiving end, it’s typical for children from 1 to 4 years old to display this type of behavior. That doesn’t mean you should let bad behavior go. Here are some ideas to navigate the terrible twos.

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “good vibes only.” But the idea that you can will happiness into existence can be problematic.

Next year offers the promise of a vaccine for COVID-19, but 2021 will still hold a lot of uncertainty. While there will be many things you can’t control, you can still make plans for the new year. Here are 5 ideas for setting realistic personal goals in 2021.

While there is nothing wrong with sipping hot chocolate and enjoying time on the couch, remaining active — even when the weather turns — is good for your body. It’s also important for your child’s well-being. Here are 9 ideas to help keep your child active this winter

The pandemic has caused an increase in mental health issues for many people. For Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), an increase in mental health issues is further complicated by provider bias, mental health stigma and personal and historical trauma.

As we enter the winter and the holiday season, the U.S. is experiencing a second surge of COVID-19 cases. Many people are finding themselves navigating awkward conversations with family and friends about when, how and if they should get together. Here are a few ideas to help you navigate these conversations with respect.

Fraser believes in inclusion and independence for peoples of all abilities, including the individuals who make their homes in Fraser Community Living. Here are 4 things you might not know about Fraser Community Living and its residents.

The holidays often feature excess, and for people with sensory processing sensitvities, that can be overwhelming. Here are some tips from Fraser Sensory Inclusion Specialist Gina Gibson to help you create a sensory-friendly holiday for your loved ones.

As we prepare for a Minnesota winter, outdoor activities that allowed people to socially-distance more safely will largely vanish when the snow flies. Creating a comfortable, cozy space at home will be particularly important for everyone’s mental health. 

Holding your finger up when you’re on the phone — we all do it. What you might not realize is that every time you communicate nonverbally like this, you're using a form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Many people suddenly find themselves working from home. Here are a few ideas to help you create a work-from-home-space that is good for your body and doesn’t necessarily involve a separate room and a desk.

You may not be familiar with the term “doomscrolling,” but you’ve probably done it. You scroll through your social media feed, read about all the bad things happening and lose anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. And now you feel worse about the state of the world. Here's how to avoid it. 

Though this autumn might look different, it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the season. Here are a few ways to celebrate safely with family and friends.

While many of these get-togethers are on pause, you can still gather with your “quaranteam” or “pandemic pod” for a fun watch party to celebrate The Fraser Annual Benefit, presented by U.S. Bank. Here are 6 tips for hosting the best Alice’s “Through the Looking Glass” themed watch party.

Doyle shares some things to watch for in a bilingual child, and what you can do if you believe your child has a speech delay.

Whether you decide to watch the virtual Fraser Annual Benefit with your cat or your family, we encourage you to let your imagination fly and dress like you’re escaping to Alice’s fantasy world. Here are 6 ideas to help you create that perfect “Through the Looking Glass” look.

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, many people find themselves struggling with a range of emotions. Making art can be a good way to process your feelings and improve your mood.

Losing someone you love is never easy, and the grief can feel like too much to bear. Here are some ideas to help you cope. 

Back to school looks much different this year. Here are seven ways parents can help their children manage anxiety about returning to school.

Masks make it difficult to gauge whether the person you’re talking to is smiling or frowning. So reading nonverbal cues becomes trickier. Here are three ways to decipher what people really mean when they’re wearing a mask.

The CDC recommends people wear face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and Minnesota has  issued a mask mandate. But some people find masks difficult to wear. Here are some tips that may help. 

You’ve probably heard of sensory processing, but may not be sure what it means. The way people respond to the senses varies greatly, and when misinterpreted by the brain, it can lead to sensory processing difficulties or dysfunction.

Getting help for your mental health is often stigmatized. But talking to a therapist can be extremely beneficial. Don't let misconceptions stop you from getting help you need. 

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health, and the two are tightly linked. 

Louise Whitbeck Fraser faced extreme personal adversity in her life, but still managed to start a school for children with special needs in her home. Read more about the Fraser founder's extraordinary life. 

Even with safety precautions, the idea of attending an event currently may make some feel anxious. But there are things you can do to help prepare yourself mentally for an outdoor event.

For people with autism, sensory needs or other disabilities, even a short car trip can be hard. Here are some strategies to help make your next car ride a positive experience for your loved one. 

As the pandemic continues, many of you may wish there was more you could do to help your neighbors and community. While most nonprofits have suspended in-person volunteering, there are still plenty of ways you can support your community while you stay home.

Adoption presents unique challenges. While each family is different, here are four common issues adoptive families face.

Postpartum depression is more common than many people realize, and it is a serious mental health issue. 

Therapies that require movement, like occupational therapy, are challenging in small living spaces. Here are some occupational therapy activities that work for families in smaller living spaces.

Our therapists shared some of their favorite books for children, teens, parents or anyone who wants to better understand the unique challenges faced by people with special needs.

Not being able to see the people you love is hard. Here are a few new ways to connect and have a little fun with your family and friends.

If your child struggles with bedtime, here a few ideas to help with the transition and to ensure he or she sleeps better.

It can be hard to know if what you’re facing is sadness, depression or it’s time to reach out for help.

Fraser Occupational Therapist Gina Gibson answers some questions about what occurs during a typical Pediatric Therapy telehealth session.

Here are some tips from Fraser mental health professionals, so parents can manage their time, while helping children with both special and typical needs do their schoolwork.

Here are some easy resistance activities to help prevent meltdowns and calm and soothe children (and adults) of all abilities.

Many people are familiar with the term “autism spectrum disorder.” But many may not understand why autism is considered a spectrum.

The coronavirus pandemic has placed us in uncertain times. People are getting sick and facing job and financial losses. While many of us are worried about our physical health, taking care of our mental health is important too.