Breathe easy: doctors share tips to protect your family’s health
Taking steps to protect your family’s health at home is a natural instinct. If there’s mold, you clean it. If you have a pest infestation, you remove them. But, there's a major pollutant commonly used in homes across Canada that increases risks to health that not enough people are aware of: gas. Across North America,…
What to expect and how to help your child through
Adolescence is a time when youth typically want to fit in with their peers and be seen as similar to their peers. Yet, when adolescents don’t understand the changes their bodies are going through during puberty, many are left feeling different from their peers, and worry that they are not “normal.” The truth is that…
When Does “Clean Eating” Go Too Far? with Dr. Edward
Eating disorders and disordered eating thrive in secrecy, so detecting them in your children and teens can often be difficult. However, there are signs and clues to be on the lookout for as a parent.
Important Update: Early prevention program improves child mental health and
Findings from the Children’s Health Policy Centre’s (CHPC) scientific evaluation of the program Nurse-Family Partnership have shown that it improved maternal-reported child language and mental health at age two years.
6 Ways to Nurture Children’s Mental Health
In today's fast-paced and challenging world, it is essential for parents to prioritize their children's mental health. The well-being of children directly impacts their overall development, academic performance, and future success.
Can Diet Really Affect Your Child’s Behaviour?
Have you heard the saying ‘You’re only as happy as your saddest child’? It’s not the most uplifting phrase but it may hold a lot of truth. If your child is struggling with behavioural and mental health challenges, you are likely in the struggle too. For kids, these struggles can be encountered at all ages…
The Great Start of Smile Organic
Smile Organic Co. is the brainchild of naturopath Delphine Boillot, a former corporate lawyer and mother-of-three who founded the company 6 years ago when she couldn't find a healthy and nutritious milk alternative for her children. Along the way, Boillot was joined by two other health-conscious mothers: dentist and surgeon Sophie Godbout, who has a…
Helpful new book series to help parents navigate meltdowns, picky
Taylor the Toucan, a relatable character for many children dealing with everyday challenges, is the star of the book series filled with positive parenting tips. Each story focuses on familiar family issues, and incorporates educational tips, parenting techniques, and simple-yet-effective strategies along the way. The storyline allows kids to feel connected to an everyday dilemma…
3 Tips to Ensure Sun Rays Are The Only Thing
Many people do not realize that some common vacation activities can be potential health hazards, even if you are going on an all-inclusive vacation at a five-star resort. While most travel-related conditions such as Traveler’s Diarrhea, Hepatitis A or B are usually not serious, they could definitely put a damper on your vacation plans! The…
Exciting News: The 2023 Family Resource Guide is here!!!
It's hard to believe it's already March and you may be anxiously awaiting Spring, like me. It's coming soon and so are the activities, Spring Break, and Summer Break. Our Family Resource Guide was put together to provide you with lists of businesses that can help you connect with the businesses you need to talk…
Could Your Child’s Reading Difficulty be Dyslexia?
Children learn to read at their own pace but if your child is struggling to make significant progress compared to their peers, it may be possible they have a reading problem called dyslexia. According to Mayo Clinic, “Dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how…
8 Valentine’s Gifts That Won’t Give Your Child a Sugar
As a child, I remember the gift box of little colored hearts my father would bring home as a surprise. We did not have much money, so this little box of sweet treats was a big deal for my sister and me. Or if we were lucky, the solid chocolate heart that showed through the…
Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free, and other diet restrictions during the holidays
The holidays are known as a time to indulge. But what if you or a family member need to follow a specific diet for health reasons? What do you do to still share in the holiday treats without breaking your recommended diet restrictions? Here are a few healthy alternatives to fill the sweet-tooth craving while…
Parent Profile: Amazing Megan Lammam brings a mindful practice for
We had the privilege of interviewing Megan Lammam and adding her to our Parent Profiles. Megan is an author, poet, and energy guide who explores the healing energy of nature and connection. She is the creator and guide of 'On The Path To Authenticity', a journey of self-exploration and healing offered in her monthly newsletter.…
3 Tips for a More Sustainable Lunchbox
Back-to-school is around the corner and that means back to packing lunches (sigh). With many schools increasingly adopting “Litterless Lunch” policies, the pressure is on parents to pack more eco-friendly lunchboxes. However, while research* shows that 76% of Canadians would like tips for little changes they can make in everyday life that would benefit the…
How to Keep Your Reptile Pets Safe Around Your Kids
Reptiles are a valuable addition to a family setting because they like being handled, they are docile, and they enjoy our company. But! Are they completely safe around kids? Children can accidentally hurt a reptile (such as a crested gecko or a bearded dragon) by letting it fall or holding it by the tail. In…
Do you love yourself enough?
Three-time award-winning author Shantelle Bisson was born and raised in Toronto and splits her time between Toronto and her marina that she purchased in 2018, Shantilly's Place, in the Kawartha region of Ontario. Having just launched her third book 'Loving Yourself Without Losing Your Cool' which is structured by Shantelle's own personal omissions -- she…
Preparing for hot summer weather
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued special weather statements for several parts of the province. The statement indicates our region will experience the first hot stretch of the summer with inland temperatures reaching into the upper 20s starting tomorrow, and into the low 30s into early next week.
Teach Your Kids the Importance of Dental Health With These
At a young age, the little ones are not too conscious about their dental health. They resist toothbrushing, fear the dentist, and love sweets. These things can contribute to life-long problems, which could have been easily avoided if parents are more mindful. Here are some of the best activities that can teach kids the importance…
5 Amazing Environmentally Friendly Tips for a More Sustainable Spring
have a duty to protect the environment, but over half (52%) don’t know where to start*. A simple way to step-up sustainability at home is with some eco-friendly spring-cleaning hacks.
5 Helpful Tips to transition to a Summer Sleep Schedule
There is still a month and a half or so left of school, and it is so important to make sure that your child is still getting the adequate number of hours of sleep that they need each night. Keep in mind, that sleep aids in your child’s growth and development, affects their moods and…
LUMP Reminds Women to Check for Lumps This Mother’s Day
LUMP Foundation, a new Vancouver-based non-profit, has invented a novel way of empowering women and reminding everyone about the lifesaving importance of early breast cancer detection. In recognition of Mother’s Day, LUMP has created a limited edition, bouclé blend pillow in the prettiest pink, reminiscent of fluffy Spring cherry blossoms. It will only be available from April…
3 fun ways for a sugar-reduced Easter
In past Easter's we've aimed to have a chocolate-free, or at least reduced, celebration. Here are some ideas if this is what you're "hopping" to do.