Parenting

Raising a family in Toronto brings a lot of unique opportunities, but it can also really put a strain on your finances. It can take a bit of budget creativity and out-of-the-box thinking to make it all work, but it can be done! Toronto is a fantastic place to raise children. It’s full of great […]

Getting a license is an exciting time for a teenager, but it can be a stressful moment for a parent to see their child behind the wheel for the first time. Worrying about our children is natural, especially as they start to gain more independence. But, by preparing yourself and your child for potential challenges

Finding activities that everyone in the family can enjoy together isn’t always easy. You need to cater to different ages and interests, while still ensuring everyone has fun. Luckily, gel ball is here to save the day! If you’re unfamiliar with this latest craze, gel balling is a game similar to paintball in many ways.

The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says children 8 to 10 years old spend an average of six hours of screen time daily. Those between 11 and 14 spend about nine hours per day, while 15 to 18-year-olds are glued to their devices for about seven-and-a-half hours every day.   Indeed, the lure

Every time a parent gets behind the wheel with their child in the vehicle, they carry the most precious cargo imaginable. The road can be unpredictable, and the responsibility of ensuring a child’s safety in a car is paramount. If you’re wondering about the best ways to keep your children safe in the car, read

Do you have a child who is scared of going into a pool, lake or other body of water? While it’s not always easy to overcome a fear of water, it is an important first step in learning to swim. If you’re having a hard time figuring out just how to get started with helping

Sometimes teenagers can struggle to understand and regulate their emotions, leading to behavior that can be disruptive for them and those around them. If you’re looking for ways to help your teen manage challenging behaviors, it’s important to consider how they might respond to different types of treatment. As a starting point, consider one of

As much as a parent wants to be there every day for their children, sometimes life situations can make that more challenging. But, regardless of the amount of time you spend with your child, you may be responsible for child support payments. If you’re wondering how child support works, learning more about it may help

When it comes to shopping for products for children, a parent’s focus is usually on two main attributes: quality and affordability. But when you’re shopping for outdoor play equipment, there can be other important factors to consider as well, whether you’re shopping for a sturdy wooden doll house or a simple sandbox. Before you start

Maternity leave is a critical period that allows new mothers to recover from childbirth and bond with their newborns. However, navigating the maternity leave landscape in the U.S. can be a daunting task due to its complexities and inconsistencies. Read on to learn about variances in maternity leave entitlements in the U.S., explore alternative options

Although child custody and child support are separate matters, when a couple goes through a divorce, they are often linked. One of the most contested elements of any divorce tends to be issues involving children. Even after legal agreements of child support and child custody are finalized through courts, circumstances can change, requiring these agreements

One of the greatest joys of being a parent is spending quality time with our children, creating memories your child will look back on as an adult. There are so many ways to help create those special moments with your child, but in our busy world, it can be a good idea to ensure you’re

It goes without saying that, as a parent, you are your kid’s first and most significant educator. Kids perform more effectively, and are more optimistic about going to school, when their families and parents participate in their school experience. In fact, numerous studies indicate that a child’s academic achievement is more influenced by the overall

A successful school career is often the first step in a successful life. The skills learned in school help children learn how to reach many of life’s goals. That’s why finding ways to help your child succeed in school can be so important. However, it can be difficult to know just how to encourage your

Are you considering switching to HIPP formula, but concerned about possible effects to your baby’s health? Due to their sensitive digestive systems, newborns can experience many different types of allergies and intolerances, so knowing the symptoms of an intolerance is important. Read on to learn about common allergy and intolerance symptoms babies may develop that

Finding foods that your kids will eat isn’t always easy. They can be notoriously picky about food, and trying to ensure they’re enjoying balanced meals can quickly get frustrating. However, one of the best ways to get kids excited about the food in front of them is to let them help make it! And with

Children’s screen time has been skyrocketing for years. And while technology has its advantages, this increase has resulted in a concerning decrease in kids’ physical activity and outdoor play. Now that summer is just around the corner, it’s time to change things up, get outside, enjoy some fresh air, and try some fun outdoor activities

Introducing a child to new interests and hobbies can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience, and the world of music is no exception. As well as stimulating a child’s young mind and imagination, learning a musical instrument can also enhance your child’s emotional health and improve their focus and discipline. If you would like to

The best toys for babies and toddlers help them to learn about their world and develop new skills as they entertain. Finding toys that help little ones develop physically and mentally as they play is a great way to ensure your child is meeting milestones. One such toy is a Pikler triangle. Read on to learn

Motherhood is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be draining both physically and emotionally. For many new moms, one of the more unexpected things about becoming a mother is having to deal with new mom sleep deprivation. If you’re wondering about the potential risks of sleep deprivation, and ways to get the rest

A child going to college is a major event in most families, and with good reason! Not only is your teen preparing for their future career, they’re also likely getting their first real taste of independence. While you and your child are likely both excited about the milestone, it can be a stressful and overwhelming

Whether your child is preparing for final exams at the end of a semester, SATs, or a university application exam, being prepared is essential for good results. And while most of the work does need to be done by your child, there are still things you can do to help ensure they get the best

Valentine’s Day is obviously most commonly known as a time to spend connecting with your significant other. But every parent knows that kids love being a part of special celebrations just as much! If you’re looking for fun ways to celebrate with your kids, consider one of these 5 Valentine’s Day activities for family:

These days, a college or university degree is essential for many of the careers your child might be interested in. But, while they might know they need to go to college, they may not know what’s needed to actually get accepted in their desired program. If you’re helping your child prepare for post-secondary education, keep

Whether it is your child’s first birthday or their sweet sixteen, every parent wants to make sure their child’s big day is as memorable as possible. Celebrating a birthday is a special moment for a child, so wrap those gifts, stock up on Frozen or Toy Story balloons, and follow these steps for kids birthday

It’s likely no surprise to most parents that children who play outside are happier and healthier than kids that stay cooped up indoors. And there’s no better place for kids to play than in their own backyard! But, keeping your yard a safe place for your children is important. About 110,000 children are hospitalized every year following

Keeping our kids healthy and happy is a major part of parenting, and it’s not always easy to do. Raising resilient kids with a strong immune system requires a healthy diet, regular appointments with your medical care provider, and a proper amount of sleep. But, creating a solid sleep schedule can come with challenges, no

Reaching the teen years can be a hard stage for kids. They’re moving away from childhood, but aren’t quite ready to be adults. For many 13-year-olds, this can mean they’re less likely to get out and participate in the activities they used to enjoy. And in our modern age, with technology being so readily available,

There are some risks of driving that are especially dangerous for drivers of any age. For example, left turns are a risky scenario on roadways. When making left turns, a driver has to assess traffic from multiple directions before determining when it’s safe to turn. Unsafe left turns are a common cause of accidents among

When it comes to kids, encouraging healthy eating can be a challenge. Children often have a love of sweets and a reluctance to try new foods that may have you struggling to ensure they’re eating a balanced diet. But teaching kids to eat healthy is still possible! With some creativity and a few tips and

If you’ve decided to use formula for your newborn, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed by the available options. Choosing the best formula for a baby is no easy task. While every brand of formula sold in North America must meet certain nutrient requirements, the different ingredients used may cause different reactions. An easy

If you’ve ever watched your teenager texting their friends, you’ve likely noticed that teens tend to use a lot of slang terms when they communicate. And now, emojis have become a part of that slang, with many kids using hidden secret emoji meanings to send messages to friends that parents might have a hard time

Giving your child their first phone is a big moment, and it definitely can result in both positives and negatives. One the one hand, your child will be able to stay in touch with you and others easily, while also having access to some great learning tools and entertainment options. On the other hand, mobile

If you have an aspiring Broadway singer or television star on your hands, you may be wondering how you can support them as they strive to achieve their dreams. While not everyone is close enough to the gleaming lights of Hollywood to be able to attend in-person auditions for the next hit movie, there are

Car accidents are always stressful, and they’re even more frightening if a child is involved. Figuring out what to do if you get in a car accident with your child isn’t easy. The foundation of personal injury law is the idea that minors lack the same level of informed judgment as adults. That’s why there

When most kids jump in the bathtub, one of the first things they do is grab those favorite bath toys and put them in their mouths. And while that might not seem like a problem (the toys are cleaned in the bath after all, right?) water can sometimes get trapped inside toys or their crevices.

If camping makes you think about having too much time cooped up with the kids with not enough to do…all while stuck in a damp tent, it may just be time to rethink how much fun camping can be! Tents can be plush — ever heard of glamping? And did you know there are plenty

Parents with autistic children often face difficulty finding effective autism therapy services. A child with autism may present a unique set of behaviors and challenges that require a specialized approach. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are some things that parents can do to increase the chances of finding successful autism therapy for their

There’s something special about the way music can help us feel calm and focused, motivated and energized, or even moved to tears. And just as music has benefits for us, as adults, it has benefits for our children as well! In fact, exposing children to music has been found to improve language skills, encourage social

Throwing a birthday party for your child can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of work. If you want to make sure that the party goes off without a hitch, proper planning is a must. From choosing a venue to deciding on decorations, there’s a lot to consider before

Being a mother is an incredible experience, but it is also very true that it doesn’t leave a lot of time to relax. From the moment a mom welcomes that new baby to the family, there seems to be a never-ending list of chores and things to do. But moms need their own time, too!

Many women don’t realize that they are pregnant until they miss their period by a few weeks. Some women may have no early pregnancy symptoms at all, so they only become suspicious when their cycle disappears. For other women, there may be a variety of signs or symptoms that begin very early on in the

Buying a gift for someone you care about is a fulfilling experience, but it can also be stressful. In fact, 52% of respondents in a recent survey admitted that buying gifts makes them anxious. This can be particularly true when looking for a gift for a new mom. While most women will undoubtedly appreciate any gifts

Learning to code is has become one of the most useful skills a person can have. And if you’ve thought about looking into coding for kids, you may be wondering, can you learn along with them? The great thing about learning coding is that it’s something anyone of any age can do. So, why not

There’s nothing quite like experiencing the beauty and serenity of nature. And introducing the wonders of nature to your child is sure to be a special experience as well! But it’s important to also teach your children how to respect nature and act in a way that respects animals, plants, and the environment. Sometimes, depending

It’s no secret that most children love the idea of having a furry friend in the family. And pets can provide some great benefits to children as well! From helping kids get that much-needed exercise to teaching the basics of responsibility, adding a pet to your household can be a fun and educational choice for

A child’s first day of school is a special moment! It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the start of another year of learning so little ones look forward to the big day. And there are plenty of easy ways to commemorate the first day of school! From a fancy breakfast to an after-school surprise, creating

Single parents can often have a tough job balancing their lives while raising their children. Ensuring you’re raising your children to be strong, capable, and secure is no easy job for any parent! And as a single parent, it can be even harder to take on the cost and responsibility of raising your children to

One of the most stressful times parents can face when raising children is dealing with a little one getting sick. There are all kinds of illnesses that can affect a child, but some are more common than others. Luckily, while caring for a sick child definitely isn’t fun, most common childhood illnesses aren’t too serious.

Choosing clothes for your new baby is one of the most fun things about having a little one. But there are a lot of factors to consider. While you’ll naturally want them to be the cutest baby on the block, you also need to think about things like safety and practicality. To help you build

Most kids love spending time outdoors, especially when the weather gets warm enough for summer water sports, camping, and other activities. So, with the warm weather finally here, now is the perfect time to teach them a few basic outdoor safety tips that could come in handy if they ever get into an uncomfortable or

As a parent, it can be difficult to choose between the range of after-school activities and extracurricular sports for your little ones. But, if your child doesn’t yet know another language, signing them up for some classes could be beneficial in more ways than one! From boosting future career prospects to being more culturally aware,

Iguanas are large reptiles that come in many colors and resemble miniature dinosaurs. For this reason, they may be attractive to children when they’re found in a nearby area. Iguanas generally like to be near a body of water, like a swimming pool, and feast on green leafy vegetables and plants. They are not known

Around one-third of women have gone through a traumatic birth experience. Trauma can occur for a variety of reasons, including a birth injury to the baby or mother. But, physical trauma is not the only type of trauma. If you’ve been through a negative experience when giving birth, you may be more likely to develop mental

Education is a hot topic these days, especially given the struggles many students faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents and school administrators alike have been left scratching their heads, trying to find ways to navigate a very difficult situation, and figuring out the best methods to make up for a severe loss of learning. Partially

Baby formula has helped keep billions of infants who are unable to breastfeed healthy and happy during their early developmental stages. However, for first-time parents, the idea of feeding their infant anything other than breastmilk can be concerning. That’s why knowing as much as possible about infant baby formula is a good idea. With the

Abuse and neglect of our kids is one of the most painful issues facing our society. Our most valuable prospective asset and most defenseless set of individuals, children, deserve to be protected. They are deserving of our continual and unwavering efforts. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the epidemic has increased the prevalence of

There are 650 billion LEGO bricks out in the world right now, and chances are your children could own hundreds of them! Sold in 130 countries around the world, LEGO (a company founded in Denmark in 1932) continues to fascinate children and adults alike, with many families taking part in collaborative projects to create buildings, vehicles, and

Autism, also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex developmental disability that impairs a person’s communication, behavioral and social skills. It is a lifelong disability that manifests itself during early childhood. DC statistics on Autism indicate that about 1 in every 44 8-year old children has autism in the US. It can

Being a parent is difficult in the best of circumstances. Every parent has dealt with the frustration of a rude or stubborn child that doesn’t get their way. And those issues can be even more challenging when a child is autistic. Knowing how to deal with autistic meltdowns takes more knowledge and experience than dealing

There aren’t many events in a year that are quite as important to a child as their birthday. And, in most families, a little one’s birthday means a birthday party with all their friends! Kids’ birthday party planning can definitely take a bit of work. So, take some time to run through these tips on

Since newborns can’t talk, it can be difficult for parents to know what they are thinking or feeling. If something hurts or bothers them, all they can do is cry. So, when your baby is crying after every meal or refusing to drink together, it may be time to consider that something about the baby

Pregnant? One of the best things you can do to prepare for the impending arrival of your little one (and loved ones who want to spoil them) is to decide what to put on a baby registry. Whether you’re having an in-person baby shower, a virtual baby shower, or simply introducing your newborn to loved

Being involved in a car accident is always a frightening experience. And when your children are in the car, it can be even more stressful and horrifying. Making sure our children are safe is a top priority for any parent. But, in a car accident, we simply don’t have any control over their wellbeing. That’s

Toddlers and preschool children are naturally very inquisitive. They want to explore their surroundings and discover new things. They soak up new information like a sponge. But when kids get a little older, they’re often much more intrigued by phones, tablets, and TVs than they are by textbooks and school classes. That’s when a parent’s

When it comes to helping your child excel at school, both educators and parents have started to focus more and more on supporting different types of learners. The idea was first developed in the 80s, and attempts to create categories for 4 types of learners depending on the ways they best receive and retain information.

There aren’t many times that are quite as special as a baby’s first Christmas. From choosing the perfect presents to picking out an adorable holiday outfit, it’s a time when lifelong memories are made. And for many families, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Santa! Getting baby photos with Santa is

Being a parent is a challenge at the best of times. And being a single parent adds new and different challenges to parenthood, too. Dating with kids can be one of those challenges, especially when a relationship starts to get serious. On the one hand, you’re bound to be excited about a new love interest.

Technology has always been something that has both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it’s created some new challenges for parents when it comes to monitoring and restricting the online experience. But, on the other hand, it has given parents a wide variety of products that help make parenting easier and keep little ones

When it comes to helping our children develop life skills, there really is no substitute for spending time together. In fact, some of the most important learning a child can do happens when they’re taking part in everyday activities with a parent! If you’ve been looking for ways to spend more time with your little

When it comes to helping children prepare for the future, choosing a school can be one of the most important jobs a parent has. Deciding on the right school can mean improved career opportunities, higher grades, and even better social development. Choosing a private school usually means higher costs for the parents, but depending on

Working as a nurse and being a mom are both demanding jobs, and balancing family and a career in nursing can be difficult. But, it is possible to improve your work-life balance and thrive in both areas of your life! Here are 10 tips to balance a nursing career with motherhood: 1. Overcome “Mom Guilt”

One of the best parts of having a new baby can be shopping for cute outfits, fun toys, a baby swing, and other adorable gear for your bundle of joy. But while some baby items are luxuries, others are more essential. If you’re raising your baby on a budget, make sure that you buy these

When it comes to schooling, adults always want the best for their children, whether they’re teachers or parents. But with today’s busy lifestyle, it can be hard to stay involved with what’s going on in your child’s classroom. The reality is that kids spend a huge amount of time at school. For many, it becomes

There aren’t many moments that are as magical as bringing a new baby into the world. From the special moments during pregnancy itself to finally giving birth to your bundle of joy, it’s a time of anticipation and joy. But it can also be a time of stress! There are a lot of conditions that

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, around 65.9% of North American mothers are also workers. Juggling motherhood and a career can be both exhilarating and strenuous, and finding a good work-life balance is a must for both you and your family. For many parents, finding time to cook healthy meals while also working full-time can

Children are curious little things, and once they start exploring, the house can be filled with accidents just waiting to happen. If you have a little one in the house, you may already have added some safety features like baby gates and outlet covers. But childproofing your home can be a big job, and it

Reading is a complex, meaning-making process. There are so many things occurring as we read: recognizing letters, sounds, and words, acknowledging spacing, identifying how punctuation changes a sentence, comprehending story lines, making and confirming predictions, and so much more. Given the complexity of this process, teaching children to read can seem like an overwhelming task.

Around 9.4 million children in the U.S. and 850,000 children in Canada have additional or special needs, with some of the most common causes being cerebral palsy, autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and epilepsy. If your child has just been diagnosed with an additional need, you may initially feel overwhelmed about where to start in terms of treatments,

For far too long, science, technology and math fields were dominated by men, and while times are changing now, women still tend to face stigmas in those careers. Women often get paid less for the same work, and face professional hurdles that men do not. And additional problems can trickle down from the workplace, affecting

There are a lot of challenges to being a parent, and one of the biggest has to be finding just the right child care. Whether you’re searching for full-time daycare or just occasional child care for date nights, making sure you’ve chosen the right childcare provider isn’t easy. If you’re wondering how to choose a

For some, writing is as effortless as breathing, but for others, every word is a struggle. And if you have a child in middle school or high school that struggles with writing, it can have a major impact on their grades. So, what can you do to help? These seven writing tips for kids are

There is good news for parents and kids living in Saskatchewan. As of June, about 90,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine are available to students ages 12 and up, across the province. Previously, vaccines were only available for youth 16 and up. Nearly half of the Canadian population has received at least one dose of

In the age of digital information, it’s not unusual for family members to take turns using the family computer. While parents may use the computer to shop, complete work, or watch their favorite TV shows, children may use it to watch their favourite educational or entertainment videos, or play online games. Additionally, families often use

If there’s one challenge I’ve had from the very beginning with my preschooler, it’s sleep. He’s always been incredibly active, and at almost four, still almost never sleeps through the night. Constantly being woken up in the middle of the night by my son obviously takes a toll on my own sleep, and after so

Growing up in a small town meant that I didn’t have very many schooling options. So, it wasn’t until my own boys were older and living by a large city that I learned choosing a school for your child can be unbelievably challenging. Will my kids be happy? Are the teachers good enough? Does it

Giving birth is something that never loses its wonder. Every newborn is unique, and while they all need the same basic care, they often show a lot of personality in those early days, too. But when your new baby looks or acts in a way you don’t expect, it can be easy to panic and

If there’s one thing that I have lots of experience with when it comes to babies, it’s breastfeeding. All three of my boys did extended nursing to some degree, and there were times when I felt like breastfeeding took up the majority of my day. And all that experience taught me one very important thing…breastfeeding

If you’re used to a big Easter celebration, your plans this year might look a bit different than in years past. But that doesn’t mean it has to be any less fun! There are lots of ways you can still have a special Easter at home this year with the kiddos. Here are ten ideas