October marks National Bullying Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the harmful effects of bullying and uniting communities to prevent it. Bullying remains a significant issue affecting children, adolescents, and even adults across various settings. It can take many forms, including physical aggression, verbal harassment, social exclusion, and cyberbullying. The effects of…
It’s not uncommon to catch preschoolers dilly-dallying when they’re supposed to be tidying or school-aged children putting off homework for more desirable tasks. But are these forms of procrastination? And do they influence future adult tendencies? These are questions Brock Professor of Psychology Caitlin Mahy is taking steps to answer. “Research on procrastination in young…
In the tapestry of family life, grandparents often hold a cherished and vital role. Their presence can deeply shape the lives of their grandchildren, providing a unique blend of wisdom, love, and support that transcends generations. While many families might focus on the bond between parents and children, the influence of grandparents can be just…
Every year, on August 12th, the world celebrates International Youth Day. This day is dedicated to recognizing the importance of empowering young people and acknowledging their potential as change-makers in society. While this celebration often highlights the achievements and aspirations of the youth, it is equally important to acknowledge the pivotal role that parents and…
Coming Monday, Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (TSX: MFI) and Earth Rangers are giving your children a mission! What is the Mission? The Future Farmer Mission explores how regenerative agriculture helps to improve soil health, fight climate change, and increase biodiversity to ensure plants and animals thrive. To complete the mission, kids will: Maple Leaf Foods Inc.…
A backyard pool promises endless summer fun and a refuge from the heat. Yet, with this refreshing oasis comes the weighty responsibility of ensuring our children's safety. As we embrace the warmer months, let's remind ourselves that water, as delightful as it is, harbors risks that can change lives in mere seconds. "Every summer, families…
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, taking time for oneself often gets pushed to the bottom of the priority list. With demanding work schedules, family responsibilities, and a constant influx of digital information, it's easy to overlook the importance of self-care. National Self-care Day, celebrated annually on July 24th, serves as a poignant…
Discussing challenging topics with children is never easy, and one such conversation that often worries parents happens before entrusting their teens with the family car. Talking to teenagers about safe driving is a crucial conversation parents must navigate to ensure the safety of their child and everyone else on the road. The Travelers Canada 2024…
During family activities while embracing the sunny outdoors, ensuring everyone is protected from harmful UV rays becomes essential. Dr. Julia Carroll, a board-certified dermatologist, shares practical tips on making sun safety a fun and integral part of your family's routine. Here are 6 questions about sun safety to consider while enjoying family activities! Q1: Why…
Injuries are a leading cause of death and disability across the world, and Canada is no exception. National Injury Prevention Day, observed annually on July 5th, is a crucial reminder of the importance of injury prevention in ensuring Canadians can live long, healthy lives. Through education, advocacy, and community involvement, we can significantly reduce the…
June is Men's Mental Health Month, a crucial time to acknowledge the unique challenges men face when it comes to mental well-being. While conversations about mental health have become more commonplace in recent years, a persistent stigma still surrounds men seeking help. This silence can have serious consequences, as men are far less likely than…
The thought of skin cancer for our children may seem remote and not a priority at first thought. However, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. And the rates are rising. In fact, one in every five individuals in British Columbia will acquire skin cancer during their lifetime. All the more reason to…
Financial stress is the main source of conflict among couples. Arguments over who makes more and who spends more gets even more complicated when you add in the challenges of raising children. Effective financial planning is a vital tool for fostering higher relationship satisfaction and avoiding the inevitable stresses. Read here about was financial planning…
Welcome to modern parenting, where being a dad is a tiring, wonderful, endless ride. Gone are the days when fatherhood meant just bringing home the bacon and occasionally doling out sage advice. Today, the role of a father is a full-time gig, complete with the joys of bedtime stories, the challenges of deciphering teenage slang,…
Swimming isn’t just about fun splashes and summer days; it’s a vital life skill every child should learn. Beyond the joy of splashing around on a hot day, swimming offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond the pool. The Benefits of Learning to Swim Learning to swim, especially through a well-established curriculum, provides crucial water…
How To Fit A Child’s Helmet For Safe Riding I was a cautious child growing up. Like many of our campers, I was hesitant to try new things at first. I went on to become a Pedalheads bike instructor and it was there that I learned two big lessons when I taught children how to ride on their own…
Reaching the two-year mark in motherhood is a milestone filled with a spectrum of emotions, experiences, and invaluable lessons. As I reflect on these past two years, I am struck by the profound transformation that motherhood brings. It's a journey that defies simple categorization, blending moments of unparalleled joy with times of significant challenge. Here,…
Menstrual Hygiene Day was marked on the 28th of May, to highlight the importance of good menstrual hygiene management. Experiencing a first period is a significant milestone in a child's life, often accompanied by a mix of excitement, anxiety, and curiosity. As a parent, your guidance and support during this time can make a profound…
The Internet is a double-edged sword—offering boundless knowledge and connectivity on one hand while leaving young users vulnerable to online threats on the other. Parents, in particular, find themselves in a continuous battle to safeguard their children’s online experience. Here's you'll learn about the best solutions to challenges faced by many parents in the digital…
Safer cycling for Elementary school students throughout British Columbia after taking part in the fifth year of the Everyone Rides Grade 4-5 program. This program encourages kids throughout the province to try active transportation options in safe and organized environments. Move. Commute. Connect. is B.C.’s strategy for cleaner, more active transportation, part of the Province’s…
We are learning from the fields of neuroscience and child-development that children need many positive, face-to-face interactions with attentive, sensitive, and responsive parents or caregivers for healthy brain and nervous system development. Play activities between parent and child are excellent ways to provide these necessary interactions to children. Parent-child play offers unique benefits to children…
Prosperous Family Celebrations: Lunar New Year at Metropolis at Metrotown The Year of the Dragon is upon us and to celebrate, Metropolis at Metrotown is transforming into a cultural hub for Lunar New Year festivities from February 9th till February 24th. The Lunar New Year varies each year based on, you guessed it, the Lunar…
According to Canada’s 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth, pre-teens up to age 13 require nine to eleven hours of sleep per night, while teens between 14 and 17 need eight to ten hours every night. Good quality sleep is essential to healthy growth and development, a fact that won’t surprise any parent.
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,…
