Empowering Families: Practical Strategies for Raising Resilient, Healthy Teens
This past week, New Canaan Country School, in partnership with the Parents' Association and New Canaan Cares, welcomed Raquel Harrison, a double board-certified physician in emergency and lifestyle medicine, for Family Wellness Made Simple—an insightful and practical discussion on supporting children’s well-being.
During the program, Ms. Harrison shared science-backed strategies for achieving balance by focusing on six core pillars of wellness: stress management, nutrition, exercise, sleep, social connection, and avoiding risky behaviors. Parents gained valuable insights into the impact of cortisol—often called the body’s stress hormone—and how to help their children regulate it through daily habits. Among the key takeaways:
- Movement Matters: Engaging in 150 minutes of exercise per week has been shown to be even more effective than medication in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Fueling the Brain: A plant-forward diet supports serotonin production, while meal timing and balanced nutrition play a crucial role in emotional regulation.
- Sleep is Non-Negotiable: Helping teens establish a consistent sleep routine—while limiting blue light exposure and late-night snacking—sets the foundation for mental clarity and emotional balance.
- Connection is Key: Positive social interactions reduce stress and strengthen cognitive and emotional resilience. A simple hug, words of encouragement, and fostering a sense of belonging can have profound effects.
- Empowering Adolescents: Encouraging young people to recognize what they can control—rather than feeling overwhelmed by external pressures—helps them build confidence and autonomy.
Ms. Harrison’s engaging presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session, allowing parents to dive deeper into strategies tailored to their own families.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Raquel Harrison for sharing her expertise, as well as Andrew Grieg, Co-President and VP of Parent Education, for his leadership in bringing this important conversation to our community. We are also grateful to the Parents' Association and New Canaan Cares for their continued commitment to family wellness and education. Their efforts make valuable discussions like this possible.
As we continue to navigate the challenges of parenting in an ever-evolving world, it is reassuring to know that small, intentional choices can make a meaningful difference in our children’s lives.
New Canaan Country School
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.
