by Meg Neufeld | Sep 5, 2025 | Children, Health, Mental Health, Reflection
For much of my childhood, Children’s Hospital was a second home—not because I was a patient, but because my twin sister was. Before the age of 17, she underwent 18 surgeries for a rare genetic condition and profound hearing loss. I spent countless hours at her bedside and in the children’s wing activity room, learning early on what it meant to wait.
And there is a lot of waiting in the hospital. Waiting for test results. Waiting for doctors’ rounds. Waiting for nurse checks and more testing. As a sibling, you don’t just watch the clock—you feel every slow tick of it. But I remember that Children’s had something that could make those hours lighter- activity and colouring pages. Years later, in 1995, The Hospital Activity Book For Children was created.
As a university student babysitting a three-year-old with leukemia, I saw it from a different angle. We spent many afternoons in the hospital, alternating between VeggieTales episodes and working through The Hospital Activity Book together. It wasn’t just about passing time—it was about creating small moments of fun, calm, and connection in an otherwise stressful place with puzzles, word searches, short stories, fun facts, and accessible educational content.
Fast forward again to when I became a parent. During visits to Children’s with my own daughter, I once again found myself in waiting rooms, searching for ways to entertain her before appointments. And once again, The Hospital Activity Book was there. It was a godsend—a positive form of distraction, an easy way to pass the time, and a reminder that even in medical spaces, joy and creativity have a place.
These experiences have stayed with me and shaped much of my work today. Having a twin with a rare condition taught me the value of accessibility and adaptability. In my family, making art was something we could all do together, regardless of ability. That foundation helped me learn how to adapt the art-making process to the environment and the unique needs of participants—a skill I now use daily in my work at Alongside You.
At Alongside You, we believe deeply in the power of creativity for healing and connection. Our arts and health programs are built on the idea that art can provide comfort, foster connection, and support mental well-being in even the most challenging circumstances. That’s why supporting initiatives like The Hospital Activity Book matters so much to us. It’s more than just paper and puzzles—it’s a lifeline of creativity for kids, siblings, and parents who need a moment of light in the middle of uncertainty.
So when we partner with and support The Hospital Activity Book, it’s personal. We know, firsthand, the difference it makes. And we are honoured to help ensure that children and families across Canada have access to those same moments of joy, distraction, and creative connection that once meant so much to me.
You can learn more about The Hospital Activity Book here: https://www.habfc.com/
by Meg Neufeld | Sep 28, 2023 | Aboriginal, Abuse, Children, First Nations, In The Community, Racism, Trauma
On September 30th, 2023, Canada observes National Truth and Reconciliation Day, a day dedicated to honouring the lives of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children who endured the devastating legacy of residential schools. This day is symbolized by the Orange Shirt, signifying hope and a commitment to a better future. To promote awareness and reconciliation, both individuals and organizations can take meaningful steps. Here are seven ways to integrate awareness into your workplace.
- Learn Together: Gather your team to learn about Indigenous history in Canada and the Residential School System. There are numerous resources available, such as books like “First Nations 101” by Lynda Gray and podcasts like Orange Shirt Day with Vanessa Mitchell, Tracy Mooney, and Jody Wagner. Consider taking online courses, like the one offered by the University of Alberta on Indigenous People in Canada.
- Acknowledge the Territory: Start correspondence and meetings by acknowledging the traditional territories on which you live and work. This simple act recognizes the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded these lands for generations. Visit educational institutes like The Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Center at the University of British Columbia for deeper insights.
- Attend Reconciliation Events: Participate as a team in local National Truth and Reconciliation events, whether in person or virtually. These events offer opportunities for education, reflection, and solidarity. For instance, Tsawwassen First Nation is hosting a “Walk for Truth and Reconciliation” on September 30th from 9:45am-12:00pm beginning at their Rec Center.
- Support Indigenous Businesses: Promote reconciliation by supporting local First Nations businesses, artists, and products. Look for Indigenous-owned businesses in your area and purchase their products or services. For example, Angela’s Boutique in Ladner, BC sells Orange Shirts, while Salish Beading Beauties creates beautiful beaded jewelry.
- Hire a First Nations Consultant: Consider hiring a First Nations consultant to educate your organization. Businesses like Hummingbird Rising, founded by Musqueam member Rhiannon Bennett and adult educator Andrea Hilder, who aim to foster understanding and compassion among Non-Indigenous Canadians.
- Create Visible Sentiments: Make your sentiments visible by sharing space with others in your community. Take part in a shoe collection or interactive activities that allow people to express condolences and prayers. These gestures demonstrate sincere respect and compassion for Indigenous communities. A collective voice of sincere respect is powerful and fosters resilience.
In 2022, Erin Alger organized an event at The Delta Municipal Hall. Shoes were collected representing children who were lost and subsequently donated, a collection of books and materials were available to view and other community members and I facilitated an interactive project, allowing visitors to write uplifting messages on sticky notes. These boards were gifted to the sc̓əwaθən məsteyəx (Tsawwassen First Nations) and the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), whose shared, traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories we reside, in an effort to offer a collective voice of sincere respect and compassion and to acknowledge the amazing resilience of their communities).
- Embrace Creative Activities: Foster team unity through creative activities that promote reflection and understanding. For example, we encouraged our staff to engage in symbolic projects like weaving yarn through a heart-shaped metal wire wall fixture, honouring the Coast Salish weaving tradition. This allows for reflection and reverence within your workplace.
In the banner photo of this article you’ll see that in 2022, we invited our team to paint dots (using a bingo dotter) representing the thousands of children who never returned from residential schools, and the survivors. Completed over several days and was a powerful visual aid of loss. Despite this loss, we marvel at the courage and resilience First Nations, Inuit and Métis People today!
Incorporating awareness and reconciliation efforts into the workplace is a vital step towards healing and understanding. As we remember the children who never returned from residential schools and honor the resilience of Indigenous Peoples, let us work together to create a workplace that is inclusive, compassionate, and dedicated to the belief that every child matters.
As we continue to educate ourselves, and encourage our staff to participate meaningfully in National Truth and Reconciliation Day, our offices will be closed on Monday, October 2nd, 2023 in order to observe the stat holiday. We hope this weekend is a meaningful one for the community, and honouring to our First Nations, Inuit, and Métis neighbours.
by Meg Neufeld | Sep 1, 2023 | Anxiety, Art, Creative Arts Programs, Creativity, Teens
The pandemic has been tough on everyone, and according to both UNICEF and Statistics Canada, it’s been exceptionally tough on our children and teenagers. It’s impacted their social lives, their schooling, and their personal development. The challenges of social distancing, feelings of isolation from being away from friends and family, and the abrupt switch to remote learning have all contributed to the toll on their mental health. Now, more than ever, our young ones need new skills to adjust and flourish in this new normal.
Art and Healing
But here’s the silver lining – we’ve all seen the healing power of the arts during these difficult times. Remember the boom in virtual art sessions? The touching signs made for healthcare workers? The painted rocks scattered about? The spontaneous musical performances on streets and in hospitals? All these were clear signs of how art was used as a powerful tool to create meaningful connections, express our sense of community, and build resilience. And guess what? Our teens can harness the same power of art as they navigate their path towards adulthood.
Arts proved their worth in our toughest times, and they’re just as crucial for our kids today!
Our ‘Name it to Tame it’ art class is the ideal space for your teen to start reconnecting with the world. With its small group setting and nurturing, safe environment, it’s designed to help them develop healthy ways to cope through fun, creativity, and self-expression. So, your teen won’t just learn to create art in this class, they’ll also learn to create resilience and thrive in life.
Click here to learn more about Name it to Tame it — Mindfulness and Art for Anxious Teens.
by Meg Neufeld | Aug 25, 2023 | Anxiety, Art, Creative Arts Programs, Creativity, Teens
Our Name It To Tame It group for anxious teens isn’t run by an art therapist, it is run by a teaching artist, Meg Neufeld. What’s the difference you might be wondering?
Art therapists are professionally trained clinical counsellors with specific training in art therapy, who use creative expression and art-making as way to help clients explore their emotions and experiences in specific ways and with clinical support; teaching artists are practicing professional artists that place an importance on teaching people how to engage in art in a meaningful, helpful way that can have a positive impact on mental health and resilience.
Teaching Art for Teen Anxiety
Art therapy and teaching art can be game-changers in your teen’s wellbeing. Imagine them enjoying fun art activities that not only keeps them engaged but also makes a real difference in their lives. These creative sessions can help them let go of stress, motivate them to take care of themselves, and promote their personal growth. It’s about more than just painting or drawing, it’s about growing their confidence, boosting their self-esteem, and helping them build resilience. Art provides your teens with a fresh, creative outlet to explore and express their thoughts and emotions, and along the way, they’ll be acquiring crucial life skills. It’s a win-win situation, and what more could we as parents ask for?
As a professional and teaching artist, Meg Neufeld is in a unique position to draw from her own experience as a practicing artist and as an educator in the community. Meg has over two decades of experience as a professional artist, along with training in education and in mindfulness-based art techniques that can be passed on to teens struggling with anxiety. She also has personal lived experience about what it is like to make art for one’s physical, social, mental, emotional wellbeing as a result of her own journey with chronic pain.
Anxiety: Name it to Tame it!
If your teen is struggling with anxiety, we’d love to bring them into the world of art, and help them find a safe place to land, and explore how art can help them in their journey with their anxiety, and have some fun!
If your teen’s anxiety would prevent them from coming to a group, we’re also able to provide this service 1:1 and in pairs with parents – let us know if your teen would benefit from individual sessions!
Click here to learn more about the Name it to Tame it group (Mindfulness and Art for Anxious Teens).
by Meg Neufeld | Aug 18, 2023 | Anxiety, Art, Creative Arts Programs, Creativity, Teens
They both are excellent tools to manage anxiety! In recent years, mindfulness has emerged as an effective strategy for children and adolescents dealing with conditions like ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, depression, and stress. Coupled with the health benefits of art-making, mindfulness skills can be instrumental in managing anxious or negative thoughts for children and youth.
Mindful Art Making
A recent study from the University of Waterloo shows that just 10 minutes of mindfulness-based activity a day can reduce anxiety and prevent your mind from wandering. Mindful art making activities, especially those that require repetitive tasks (like knitting), with sensory elements (like clay), and reflective components (like journaling) work to calm the nervous system, and soothe symptoms of stress and irritability.
Focusing on the process rather than the product, and approaching the art-making experience with compassion and a non-judgmental attitude can be instrumental in managing anxious or negative thoughts. Supporting child and youth mental health using mindfulness-based art activities is a no brainer (pun fully intended).
If you’re interested, check out the study from Waterloo: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/05/170501094325.htm
If you’d like your teen to learn how to do this, check out our Name It To Tame It group starting this September! Click here to learn more.
